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At home people usually feel safe. However, nowadays our homes are not as clean and harmless as they used to be.
We often use various harmful products with high contents of carcinogenic substances such as formaldehyde, nitrobenzene or methylene chloride and we do not even realize it.
In this article we will show you 7 items that commonly occur in households and are not as harmless as you might think. They can cause various illnesses, including cancer.
To improve the environment for yourself and your family and also to improve your health, it will therefore be better if you avoid them.
1. Certain types of shampoos
Many common shampoos have high levels of toxic ingredients. The problem is that there are no studies that confirm their safety for health.
The most dangerous substances found in them are:
- sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)
- sodium laureth sulfate (SLES)
- parabens
- artificial fragrances and dyes
- polyethylene glycol (PEG)
- formaldehyde
- lanolin
Instead, use natural organic or homemade shampoos. Recipes can be found on the internet.
2. Scented candles
An American consumer protection organization conducted a study that found up to 40% of candles (mainly scented ones) contain lead in the wick.
Because fragrance oils soften the wax, manufacturers also add other dangerous substances to strengthen or harden it.
Such candles release up to 5 times more lead into the air than the safe limit for children.
Exposure to excessive amounts of lead can lead to many health problems, such as behavioral issues, hormonal imbalance and learning difficulties.
To prevent these problems you should use beeswax candles with pure cotton wicks.
3. Air fresheners
Many air fresheners contain volatile organic compounds, carcinogens and other toxic substances such as phthalate esters.
According to a study conducted by the Office of Natural Resources Protection, which examined 13 common household air fresheners, most of them contained substances that worsen asthma and cause reproductive organ disorders.
Another study conducted at the University of Washington in 2008 found that air fresheners release chemicals that are considered harmful, toxic and carcinogenic by regulations.
Moreover, for many of them there is no safe permitted level.
Instead of commercial air fresheners, use essential oils and natural fragrances.
4. Insect sprays
Although insect sprays are considered harmless to humans, most of them contain potentially dangerous to carcinogenic substances.
This applies to both humans and pets.
Some of the most used and simultaneously most dangerous chemicals are permethrin, organophosphates and carbamates.
5. Shower curtains
Plastic shower curtains contain toxic substances known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
These substances get into the shower, the air and the wider environment through the water.
6. Art supplies
Research has shown that some art supplies such as solvents, acrylic paints, epoxy, permanent markers and rubber cement glues contain harmful chemicals associated with cancer, allergies and organ damage.
These toxins are especially dangerous for children, who are much more sensitive to them than adults because their immune systems are not fully developed and they have a higher metabolism.
Therefore, try to obtain non-toxic alternatives to common art supplies when painting and doing other home renovations. Alternatively, make them yourself.
7. Antiperspirants
The vast majority of commercial antiperspirants and deodorants contain several substances that have been linked to cancer, especially breast cancer.
The compounds of aluminum appear to be particularly problematic.
When these products remain on your skin for hours, they are absorbed and cause several health problems.
There are several recipes online for making your own natural deodorant to avoid the harmful effects and unwanted side effects of store-bought ones.
Conclusion
Do you care about the health of you and your family? Then the first step should be to create a safer home.
It will help greatly if you avoid the seven items mentioned whenever possible.
