Do you know that most of the cleaning and cosmetics available at home are toxic? These harmful substances at home can cause a lot of severe impacts not only in kids but adults too. While there are ample ways and means on how to reduce chemicals in your life, you can still be assured of cleaning and detoxification of your house with chemical free and safe products. Let us learn about how to avoid harmful substances from everyday products and still be sure of their benefits in utmost useful ways.
Some Hidden Toxins and Harmful Substances at Home:
We don’t realize how companies are fooling us with their toxic and damaging products. Most households have these chemicals in every nook and corner and are suffering because of them. Some of these toxic chemicals at home include:
1. Phthalates:
Phthalates are the fragrances of products like soaps, hand wash, dish soap, air freshener, toilet paper and more. These cause endocrine disruptions and reproductive issues.
2. Triclosan:
Tricolsans are found in liquids labeled as anti-bacterial. These cause the development of drug resistant bacteria and are more harmful than bacteria itself.
3. PERC or Perchloroethylene:
These are found in upholstery items, spot and carpet stain removers, cleaning solutions and more. They are carcinogenic and neurotoxins
4. BPA or Bisphenol- A:
BPA is present in most plastics at home. These are carcinogenic
5- Teflon in Non Stick Cookwares:
Teflon releases a chemical which is carcinogenic at 450F and higher, also the damages coating starts getting off and mixing with food items thus causing these chemicals to enter our body. This is harmful and can cause cancer
Ways on How to Avoid Toxic Chemicals at Home:
For households with young kids and toddlers, it is extremely important to prevent them. For their impacts can be even fatal. These toxic chemicals not just harm kids but also adults too. Pregnant women can be worst affected as it poses a threat to fetus too. Some ways to prevent and avoid toxic chemicals at home include:
1. Make the cleaning products at home using natural contents:
Did you even know vinegar, baking soda, coca cola, lemon juice, and baking powder can be better than any other cleaning product? These natural products are safer, and even if the kids touch them, they don’t cause any severe side effect. And these products can help in cleaning the dirtiest of areas at home.
2. Avoid cleaning products which have fragrance:
Fragrance in cleaning products is severely toxic, as a synthetic fragrance is made of hundreds of chemicals and these are so harmful that they can affect reproductivity and cause hormonal disruptions too.
3. BPA Free must be your first agenda:
Bisphenol- A is a harmful chemical which is carcinogenic. It is found in most plastics and thus a part of foods which are packed or canned. BPA causes hormonal and health hazards like cancer, obesity and more fatal ones too. Keep your foods in stainless steel, glass and paper bags. Avoid printing paper receipts at ATM, grocery stores, etc. unless you need them.
4. Cosmetics needs a natural makeover too:
All the personal care items including cosmetics bought from store need to be replaced with natural based ones. Chemicals like parabens, sodium laureth sulphate, and oxybenzone as they are too harmful if they enter our body or even skin
5. Never microwave a plastic:
Even if it’s mentioned as microwave safe, avoid heating. Glass jars and ceramics are always great for heating food or storing hot food. Completely steer away from plastics which have #3 (PVC), #7 (other) and #6(polystyrene) mentioned on them. These are not just toxic but difficult to recycle too
6. Avoid anti-bacterial hand wash:
Anti-bacterial hand washes contain triclosan and triclocarban which way too toxic than the bacteria. These disinfectant products do more damage than benefit.
7. Keep nonstick cookware away:
Nonstick cookware is made of Teflon coating which contains PFOA or pefluorooctanoic acid. This is carcinogenic, and when heated to around 450F this releases harmful toxins which cause severe impacts. If at you got to use nonstick keep the flame low and use stainless steel or cast iron instead
8. Baby proof the home:
Keep these harsh chemicals away from the reach of kids. Also, try and keep them at areas outside your home. Also, remove shoes before entering a house and buy a HEPA filter vacuum.
9. Steer clear of the air fresheners:
Room fresheners contain chemicals which are toxic, and they are easily inhaled when sprayed at home. It is better to grow plants or flowering ones which are pleasant smelling, ventilate the home and keep doors and windows open at least a few hours in a day. Use herbs and spices for refreshing up the rooms.
10. Use biodegradable items:
Try and switch to eco-friendly ways at home. Using biodegradable wastes is not just for the environment but for your own family’s health too. These biodegradable products are lesser evils than their counterparts.
11. Minimize use of AC or heater:
These AC’s release CFC’s which are extremely toxic. Just reduce their usage and switch to more and more natural ways to keep the home cool and hot for weather changes. Also despite using the unit for the entire home, use the portable ones for just the room or space you use at home.
The above compilation on How to avoid toxic chemicals at home is to help you cut down on using these artificial and harmful chemicals. There are ample natural ways to keep the cleanliness and beauty of your household, try and switch to these and enjoy a healthy family and a happy life.
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