Toxins are all around us, and they can have a significant impact on our health and well-being. From the air we breathe to the food we eat, toxins can be found in many common household items and products. In this blog post, we’re going to explore the top 12 toxins, what they can cause, and where you can find them. We’ll also provide tips for reducing your exposure to these toxins and living a healthier, more natural lifestyle.
But before we dive in, it’s important to note that the purpose of this blog post is not to scare you. Instead, it’s meant to inform you and make you aware of the toxins that are present in your environment. By understanding what these toxins are, where they can be found, and how they can impact your health, you can take action to reduce your exposure and protect yourself and your loved ones.
Whether you’re concerned about the effects of pollution on your health or want to make more informed choices about the products you use in your home, this post will provide you with valuable insights on toxins and their potential impact on your well-being. It’s important to note that you don’t have to completely overhaul your lifestyle or home to reduce your exposure to toxins. Small changes, such as choosing natural cleaning products or opting for organic produce, can make a big difference in your overall exposure to toxins. By being informed and taking action, you can empower yourself to make healthier choices for yourself and your family.
1. Flame Retardants
Flame retardants refer to a variety of chemicals with different chemistries, different properties and molecular structures, but when combined can act as a flame retardant. These flame retardants are applied to materials to prevent the start or slow the growth of fire. They have been used in many consumer and industrial products since the 70’s, to decrease the ability of materials to ignite during a fire. Flame retardants can bioaccumulate in our bodies, meaning that it builds up over time and can trigger disease.
Health Issues it Causes:
Where it is Found:
2. Volatile Organic Compounds
Volatile organic compounds, known as VOCs, are chemicals emitted as gasses from certain solids or liquids. VOCs include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short- and long-term adverse health effects. Concentrations of many VOCs in the home can be 10x higher than the air outdoors due to the high number of VOC emitting products in our home environments.
Health Issues it Causes:
Where it is Found:
3. Perfluorinated compounds
Perfluorinated compounds, also referred to as PFCs/PFAS, are used to make products that are stick & stain resistant (think non-stick cookware)! These PFCs & PFAS are also getting a lot of attention for being a common drinking water contaminate. These types of chemicals can stay in the body for 3-8 years, and will stay forever in the environment.
Health Issues it Causes:
Where it is Found:
4. Organophosphate Pesticides
Organophosphate pesticides are a group of human-made chemicals that poison insects and mammals. They are sprayed on food crops, golf courses, parks, and lawns and are therefore most commonly found on products that come from those spaces.
Health Issues it Causes:
Where it is Found:
5. Benzene
Benzene is a colorless chemical (sometimes yellow looking, depending on room temperature) that has a sweet odor and is highly flammable. It is found in many household items such as furniture, detergents, glues etc.
Health Issues it Causes:
Where it is Found:
6. Phalates
This is a group of chemicals used to make plastics more flexible and harder to break. They are often called plasticizers. They are used in fragranced products, vinyl flooring, adhesives, detergents, lubricating oils, automotive plastics, plastic clothes, and personal-care products.
Health Issues it Causes:
Where it is Found:
7. BPA & BPA Plasticizers
Bisphenol-a was first developed as a synthetic estrogen, and it’s been used in the manufacturing of plastics since the 1950’s, now making its way into our products and bodies. This can cause a seriously wide range of serious health issues.
Health Issues it Causes:
Where it is Found:
8. Xylene
Xylene is a toxic solvent. It’s a type of VOC found in many common household products, such as paints, lacquers, adhesives, rust preventers, thinners, gasoline, and permanent magic markers.
Health Issues it Causes:
Where it is Found:
9. Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a colorless, strong-smelling gas used in making building materials and many household products. Materials containing formaldehyde can release formaldehyde gas or vapor into the air. Unfortunately, our homes are filled with these types of materials.
Health Issues it Causes:
Where it is Found:
10. Lead
Lead is a neurotoxic heavy metal with no safe level of exposure. This can cause many health issues both short and long-term, and can be very very serious at any level of exposure.
Health Issues it Causes:
Where it is Found:
11. Polychlorinated Biphenols
PCB’s are a family of chemicals that are highly toxic industrial compounds. They can cause very serious health issues to people of all ages and have been found in air, water, soil, fish, etc.
Health Issues it Causes:
Where it is Found:
12. Toluene
Toluene is a clear, colorless liquid with a distinctive smell. It’s used in many paints, and permanent markers. and glues.
Health Issues it Causes:
Where it is Found:
Resources
“Benzene: Your Environment, Your Health | National Library of Medicine.” U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, toxtown.nlm.nih.gov/chemicals-and-contaminants/benzene.
“Flame Retardants.” National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/flame_retardants/index.cfm.
“Formaldehyde.” National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/formaldehyde/index.cfm.
Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Health Effects Associated with Exposures During the Gulf War. “Effects of Long-Term Exposure to Organophosphate Pesticides in Humans.” Gulf War and Health: Volume 1. Depleted Uranium, Sarin, Pyridostigmine Bromide, Vaccines., U.S. National Library of Medicine, 1 Jan. 1970, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK222858/.
Kandyala, Reena, et al. “Xylene: An Overview of Its Health Hazards and Preventive Measures.” Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology : JOMFP, Medknow Publications, Jan. 2010, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2996004/.
Moon, Min Kyong. “Concern about the Safety of Bisphenol A Substitutes.” Diabetes & Metabolism Journal, Korean Diabetes Association, Feb. 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6387873/.
“Phthalates: Your Environment, Your Health | National Library of Medicine.” U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, toxtown.nlm.nih.gov/chemicals-and-contaminants/phthalates.
“Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs): Your Environment, Your Health | National Library of Medicine.” U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, toxtown.nlm.nih.gov/chemicals-and-contaminants/polychlorinated-biphenyls-pcbs.
Stanifer, John W, et al. “Perfluorinated Chemicals as Emerging Environmental Threats to Kidney Health: A Scoping Review.” Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology : CJASN, American Society of Nephrology, 8 Oct. 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6218824/.
Stanifer, John W, et al. “Perfluorinated Chemicals as Emerging Environmental Threats to Kidney Health: A Scoping Review.” Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology : CJASN, American Society of Nephrology, 8 Oct. 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6218824/.
Tchounwou, Paul B, et al. “Heavy Metal Toxicity and the Environment.” Experientia Supplementum (2012), U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2012, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4144270/.
“Toluene: Your Environment, Your Health | National Library of Medicine.” U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, toxtown.nlm.nih.gov/chemicals-and-contaminants/toluene.
“Volatile Organic Compuounds (VOCs): Your Environment, Your Health | National Library of Medicine.” U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, toxtown.nlm.nih.gov/chemicals-and-contaminants/volatile-organic-compounds-vocs.
Warner, Genoa R, and Jodi A Flaws. “Common Bisphenol A Replacements Are Reproductive Toxicants.” Nature Reviews. Endocrinology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Dec. 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6427910/.
Health & Home is an interior design-based business on a mission to change the industry by being the first of its kind to do interior design with your health in mind — helping you create a space that scientifically enhances your well-being and supports a healthy life! We help you do this through supportive, accessible, educational, and empowering content & services that we hope will help you on your journey to creating a healthier home and a healthier, happier life!
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Toxins are all around us, and they can have a significant impact on our health and well-being. From the air we breathe to the food we eat, toxins can be found in many common household items and products. In this blog post, we’re going to explore the top 12 toxins, what they can cause, and where you can find them. We’ll also provide tips for reducing your exposure to these toxins and living a healthier, more natural lifestyle.
But before we dive in, it’s important to note that the purpose of this blog post is not to scare you. Instead, it’s meant to inform you and make you aware of the toxins that are present in your environment. By understanding what these toxins are, where they can be found, and how they can impact your health, you can take action to reduce your exposure and protect yourself and your loved ones.
Whether you’re concerned about the effects of pollution on your health or want to make more informed choices about the products you use in your home, this post will provide you with valuable insights on toxins and their potential impact on your well-being. It’s important to note that you don’t have to completely overhaul your lifestyle or home to reduce your exposure to toxins. Small changes, such as choosing natural cleaning products or opting for organic produce, can make a big difference in your overall exposure to toxins. By being informed and taking action, you can empower yourself to make healthier choices for yourself and your family.
1. Flame Retardants
Flame retardants refer to a variety of chemicals with different chemistries, different properties and molecular structures, but when combined can act as a flame retardant. These flame retardants are applied to materials to prevent the start or slow the growth of fire. They have been used in many consumer and industrial products since the 70’s, to decrease the ability of materials to ignite during a fire. Flame retardants can bioaccumulate in our bodies, meaning that it builds up over time and can trigger disease.
Health Issues it Causes:
Where it is Found:
2. Volatile Organic Compounds
Volatile organic compounds, known as VOCs, are chemicals emitted as gasses from certain solids or liquids. VOCs include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short- and long-term adverse health effects. Concentrations of many VOCs in the home can be 10x higher than the air outdoors due to the high number of VOC emitting products in our home environments.
Health Issues it Causes:
Where it is Found:
3. Perfluorinated compounds
Perfluorinated compounds, also referred to as PFCs/PFAS, are used to make products that are stick & stain resistant (think non-stick cookware)! These PFCs & PFAS are also getting a lot of attention for being a common drinking water contaminate. These types of chemicals can stay in the body for 3-8 years, and will stay forever in the environment.
Health Issues it Causes:
Where it is Found:
4. Organophosphate Pesticides
Organophosphate pesticides are a group of human-made chemicals that poison insects and mammals. They are sprayed on food crops, golf courses, parks, and lawns and are therefore most commonly found on products that come from those spaces.
Health Issues it Causes:
Where it is Found:
5. Benzene
Benzene is a colorless chemical (sometimes yellow looking, depending on room temperature) that has a sweet odor and is highly flammable. It is found in many household items such as furniture, detergents, glues etc.
Health Issues it Causes:
Where it is Found:
6. Phalates
This is a group of chemicals used to make plastics more flexible and harder to break. They are often called plasticizers. They are used in fragranced products, vinyl flooring, adhesives, detergents, lubricating oils, automotive plastics, plastic clothes, and personal-care products.
Health Issues it Causes:
Where it is Found:
7. BPA & BPA Plasticizers
Bisphenol-a was first developed as a synthetic estrogen, and it’s been used in the manufacturing of plastics since the 1950’s, now making its way into our products and bodies. This can cause a seriously wide range of serious health issues.
Health Issues it Causes:
Where it is Found:
8. Xylene
Xylene is a toxic solvent. It’s a type of VOC found in many common household products, such as paints, lacquers, adhesives, rust preventers, thinners, gasoline, and permanent magic markers.
Health Issues it Causes:
Where it is Found:
9. Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a colorless, strong-smelling gas used in making building materials and many household products. Materials containing formaldehyde can release formaldehyde gas or vapor into the air. Unfortunately, our homes are filled with these types of materials.
Health Issues it Causes:
Where it is Found:
10. Lead
Lead is a neurotoxic heavy metal with no safe level of exposure. This can cause many health issues both short and long-term, and can be very very serious at any level of exposure.
Health Issues it Causes:
Where it is Found:
11. Polychlorinated Biphenols
PCB’s are a family of chemicals that are highly toxic industrial compounds. They can cause very serious health issues to people of all ages and have been found in air, water, soil, fish, etc.
Health Issues it Causes:
Where it is Found:
12. Toluene
Toluene is a clear, colorless liquid with a distinctive smell. It’s used in many paints, and permanent markers. and glues.
Health Issues it Causes:
Where it is Found:
Resources
“Benzene: Your Environment, Your Health | National Library of Medicine.” U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, toxtown.nlm.nih.gov/chemicals-and-contaminants/benzene.
“Flame Retardants.” National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/flame_retardants/index.cfm.
“Formaldehyde.” National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/formaldehyde/index.cfm.
Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Health Effects Associated with Exposures During the Gulf War. “Effects of Long-Term Exposure to Organophosphate Pesticides in Humans.” Gulf War and Health: Volume 1. Depleted Uranium, Sarin, Pyridostigmine Bromide, Vaccines., U.S. National Library of Medicine, 1 Jan. 1970, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK222858/.
Kandyala, Reena, et al. “Xylene: An Overview of Its Health Hazards and Preventive Measures.” Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology : JOMFP, Medknow Publications, Jan. 2010, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2996004/.
Moon, Min Kyong. “Concern about the Safety of Bisphenol A Substitutes.” Diabetes & Metabolism Journal, Korean Diabetes Association, Feb. 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6387873/.
“Phthalates: Your Environment, Your Health | National Library of Medicine.” U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, toxtown.nlm.nih.gov/chemicals-and-contaminants/phthalates.
“Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs): Your Environment, Your Health | National Library of Medicine.” U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, toxtown.nlm.nih.gov/chemicals-and-contaminants/polychlorinated-biphenyls-pcbs.
Stanifer, John W, et al. “Perfluorinated Chemicals as Emerging Environmental Threats to Kidney Health: A Scoping Review.” Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology : CJASN, American Society of Nephrology, 8 Oct. 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6218824/.
Stanifer, John W, et al. “Perfluorinated Chemicals as Emerging Environmental Threats to Kidney Health: A Scoping Review.” Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology : CJASN, American Society of Nephrology, 8 Oct. 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6218824/.
Tchounwou, Paul B, et al. “Heavy Metal Toxicity and the Environment.” Experientia Supplementum (2012), U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2012, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4144270/.
“Toluene: Your Environment, Your Health | National Library of Medicine.” U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, toxtown.nlm.nih.gov/chemicals-and-contaminants/toluene.
“Volatile Organic Compuounds (VOCs): Your Environment, Your Health | National Library of Medicine.” U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, toxtown.nlm.nih.gov/chemicals-and-contaminants/volatile-organic-compounds-vocs.
Warner, Genoa R, and Jodi A Flaws. “Common Bisphenol A Replacements Are Reproductive Toxicants.” Nature Reviews. Endocrinology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Dec. 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6427910/.
Health & Home is an interior design-based business that seeks to help others create healthy homes and lives through supportive, accessible, educational, and empowering content & services that will help you on your journey to creating a healthier home and healthier life!
3020 Bernal Ave Ste 110 PMB 3019 Pleasanton, CA 94566-6609
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Health & Home is an interior design-based business that seeks to help others create healthy homes and lives through supportive, accessible, educational, and empowering content & services that will help you on your journey to creating a healthier home and healthier life!
3020 Bernal Ave Ste 110 PMB 3019 Pleasanton, CA 94566-6609
EMAIL: info@healthandhome-design.com
JOIN OUR COMMUNITY
Sign up for our email newsletter to immediately get access to our guide, discounts to our favorite products, resources and more!
Sign up for our email newsletter to get 10% off one of our crewnecks from our store, access to our guide & journal, discounts to our favorite products, tips & tricks and more!
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We are so excited for Homes & Hope and are in the process of getting things ready to be able to take on these amazing projects!
We would LOVE to get your nominations, your help, your talents and your support when we start though – so be sure to subscribe to our email newsletter and you will be the first to know our plans and be able to nominate, help and support us as we try to support people who need it!
Thank you for taking the time and the interest in being part of this project!
We are so excited for Homes & Hope and are in the process of getting things ready to be able to take on these amazing projects!
We would LOVE to get your nominations, your help, your talents and your support when we start though – so be sure to subscribe to our email newsletter and you will be the first to know our plans and be able to nominate, help and support us as we try to support people who need it!
Thank you for taking the time and the interest in being part of this project!
We are so excited for Homes & Hope and are in the process of getting things ready to be able to take on these amazing projects!
We would LOVE to get your nominations, your help, your talents and your support when we start though – so be sure to subscribe to our email newsletter and you will be the first to know our plans and be able to nominate, help and support us as we try to support people who need it!
Thank you for taking the time and the interest in being part of this project!
