Toxins are everywhere—even in the place that should be safest for you and your family. While it’s nearly impossible to avoid toxins in your environment and home, you have some control over how many toxins are allowed to live in your space. Here are some things you can do to reduce common toxins in your home.
What Are Common Toxins Found in Homes?
Toxins can hitch a ride on your shoes, clothing, and even in your hair. They can also blow into your house when you open a window or door and may even come from the foods you eat! Some of the most common household toxins include:
- Phthalates are a group of chemicals commonly utilized to manufacture plastics and make them harder to break. Phthalates have been linked to hormonal abnormalities, reproductive problems, and congenital disabilities.
- Mercury: Mercury exposure primarily comes from burning wood, coal, and oil. You can also be exposed to mercury by eating shellfish and fish high in methylmercury. Too much exposure to this toxic chemical can damage the kidneys, immune system, brain, heart, and lungs.
- Lead: Despite regulations designed to limit lead exposure, this toxin can still be found in gasoline, paint, and factory emissions. Lead poisoning can impact all body organs and cause children’s development problems.
- BPA: Bisphenol A is used in plastics and is an artificial plastic. Overexposure is linked to derogatory health effects, even though the FDA states that BPA is safe mainly at low levels. BPA is commonly found in plastic containers designed to hold beverages and foods.
These are just a few of the most common toxins found in homes. There are many more, and they’re hiding in plain sight (in cleaning products, frying pans, paint, and more).
Negative Effects of Toxins in the Home
Toxins in the home can cause a lot of issues. In some cases, mild toxin exposure may only cause minor symptoms such as skin and eye irritation. In more severe cases, toxins can lead to organ damage, delayed development in children, and an increased risk of congenital disabilities.
What in Your House Should You Throw Away?
There are some steps you can take to combat toxins in your home. The easiest way to lower the number of toxins in your own space is to throw away products that are known to be harmful. These include:
- Plastic containers are stamped with a “pc” or a seven since they are more likely to contain BPA.
- Nonstick pans (which have trace elements of PFOA, a toxic substance linked to congenital disabilities and cancer).
- Air fresheners (most of which contain phthalates). Use essential oil-based air fresheners instead.
- Harsh cleaning products (which include all types of toxic chemicals that may cause reproductive issues, skin irritation, and more). Opt for natural cleaning products instead.
- Unsafe cosmetics (which contain ingredients like triclosan, which can alter hormone regulation). Look for personal care products that don’t use sulfates, synthetic fragrances, or dyes.
Keeping a Clean & Airy House
To keep your house clean and airy, open a few windows when the weather is nice. This will prevent stagnation and allow fresh air into your living space. Invest in a few air purifiers in different rooms so you always breathe fresh, filtered air.
Shopping Organically & Locally
Organic foods have rigorous purity requirements. They are less likely to be contaminated with chemicals like pesticides and are safer to eat. Whenever possible, shop organically and locally to reduce the chemicals you allow into your body.
If you want to try immune-boosting products so you and your family are better prepared to fight off toxins you may encounter in your home or environment, try a certified-organic product such as Wellements Elderberry Immune Syrup. Products like these can equip your children to live their healthiest lives possible.