During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, staying at home was one of the best ways to protect your health and prevent the spread of the virus. But while our homes can be safe havens, several of the products found inside them can present hidden health risks. In particular, many home goods contain toxic chemicals that have been linked to a wide variety of health issues.
To help you create a healthier living space, here are a few common items that often contain chemicals of concern and the safer non-toxic options you can replace them with.
Nonstick Pans
Many experts cite today’s nonstick pans as safe to use but only when used properly. When this type of cookware is overheated the nonstick coating can break down and release a group of toxic chemicals known as PFAS. This danger becomes more pressing over time, as pan surfaces wear down and become scratched.
Exposure to PFAS is linked to numerous health concerns, including increased risk of cancer, liver damage, asthma, thyroid disease, and fertility problems.
To minimize your risk of exposure, swap out your nonstick cookware for non-toxic options—such as those constructed out of ceramic, glass, cast iron, or stainless steel.
Stainless steel is the best bet as its even heat distribution makes it ideal for preparing the widest range of good items. It’s also highly resistant to scratching.
With some practice, it’s possible to enjoy nonstick cooking with stainless steel too. First, heat the pan at medium heat and add a thin coating of cooking oil. Once it starts to smoke slightly, you can start cooking with minimal risk of sticking.
Keep in mind that while stainless steel is long-lasting, it can lose its luster over time. Fortunately, occasional use of stainless steel polish can keep the surface looking fresh.
Plastic Food Containers
While plastic food containers work to keep foods fresh, they may also be leaching dangerous chemicals into those very things we eat.
For several years, the main chemical group of concern in plastics was BPAs—toxins associated with child development issues, high blood pressure, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.
Today, many manufacturers offer BPA-free alternatives. Unfortunately, these options contain other possible toxins such as BPS and phthalates. BPS exposure is shown to disrupt healthy cell activity and may be linked to an increased risk of diabetes, child development issues, and obesity. Similarly, many ongoing research studies suggest phthalates may play a role in lower IQ levels, reproductive health issues, asthma, breast cancer, and autism spectrum disorders.
Despite what safety claims manufacturers may make about plastic food storage products, it may be best to avoid this material altogether. For safer food storage, consider using nontoxic containers made from glass, ceramic, or silicone.
Dryer Sheets and Fabric Softeners
Many commercial fabric softeners and dryer sheets also contain phthalates—usually as a result of being fragranced.
A no-frills way to keep your clothes soft and static-free without the phthalates is to use vinegar. Adding 1/4 cup of distilled white or apple cider vinegar to the wash cycle will achieve the same effect without any lingering odor.
Mothballs
As annoying as clothes moths are, mothballs aren’t the best way to keep those pests at bay. Although various mothball products may use different chemicals to prevent moth activity, they all contain insecticides that can be harmful to human health.
Naphthalene, for instance, is a commonly-used agent that can cause headaches, nausea, liver damage, anemia, and many other temporary health issues. Exposure to mothballs that contain pyrethroids may contribute to similar problems, as well as skin irritation and breathing problems.
To help keep your body and your clothes out of harm’s way, try replacing mothballs with natural moth repellents. Keeping cedar balls, clove sachets, or lavender oil in your clothes storage area can be just as effective as mothballs. Or, if you want to avoid repellents, simply keep your at-risk garments in an airtight storage container.
Removing toxic products with safer, yet effective alternatives is a great way to protect your household’s health. But it’s important to remember that the medical conditions mentioned above can have many different causes other than being exposed to hazardous compounds. If you’re concerned about any of these health problems, consult with your physician to get more insight into the best approaches to prevention and treatment.
