Nontoxic Living- Know the Terrible 12 Hidden Household Toxins

Written By Phuong PHAM

Have You Ever Considered That Your Home Might Harbor Hidden Dangers?

There are 12 harmful toxins that can be lurking in everyday items around your house. In this blog, I’ll delve into the top three most concerning toxins and explain their sources, potential health effects, and how you can minimize your exposure to keep your living space safe and healthy.

The 12 harmful toxins that may be present in your home are pfas, pbdes, radon, heavy metals, pesticides, plastics, harsh cleaners, perc, pvc, formaldehyde, vocs, edcs. In this blog, I will discuss the top three.

1. PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances)

PFAS are a group of chemicals used to make surfaces resistant to stains, water, heat, and grease. They are often referred to as "forever chemicals" because they don't break down easily in the environment or the human body. Many household products can contain PFAS, including food containers.

Common Items That May Contain PFAS:

  • Food Packaging:

    • Microwave popcorn bags: Often treated with PFAS to make them grease-resistant.

    • Take-out containers: Fast-food packaging, such as pizza boxes, burger wrappers, and paper takeout containers, may be treated with PFAS for water- and grease-resistance.

    • Food storage bags and wraps: Some wax paper, parchment paper, and freezer bags may contain PFAS to repel moisture. Check for products certified as non-toxic, organic, or made without harmful chemicals. Many eco-friendly brands have certifications or labels that ensure their products are free from PFAS. Using unbleached paper is also a great alternative.

    • Fast-food and fast-casual restaurant packaging: Wrappers, napkins, and sandwich bags may contain PFAS.

    • Disposable plates and utensils: Some disposable paper plates, cups, and napkins may be treated with PFAS for durability and stain resistance.

  • Cookware:

    • Non-stick cookware: Many non-stick pans, especially older ones, contain PFAS. They are used in the manufacturing of coatings like Teflon.

      How to Check for PFAS-Free Cookware:

      • Look for brands that specifically advertise being "PFAS-free," "PFOA-free," or "PTFE-free" on their product labels.

      • Consider switching to ceramic non-stick cookware, which often avoids the use of PFAS.

      • For extra peace of mind, research or reach out to the manufacturer directly to inquire about the specific materials and coatings used.

    • Baking pans: Some may contain PFAS-treated coatings for easier release of baked goods.

    • Pizza stones: Some stones are treated to make them non-stick and resistant to moisture.

  • Textiles:

    • Stain-resistant fabrics: Upholstery, carpets, and clothing (e.g., jackets or pants marketed as stain- or water-resistant) may be treated with PFAS.

    • Waterproof clothing and gear: Outdoor apparel like jackets, boots, and tents can have PFAS for water resistance.

    • Furniture: Sofas, cushions, and mattresses treated with stain- or water-resistant finishes might contain PFAS.

  • Cleaning Products:

    • Water- and stain-resistant cleaners: Some fabric protectants and water-repellent sprays (e.g., Scotchgard) may contain PFAS.

    • Polishes and waxes: Certain car and furniture polishes, floor finishes, and waxes can contain PFAS for their water- and oil-repellent qualities.

    • Homemade Window Cleaner Recipe

      Ingredients:

      • 1 cup water (distilled or tap water)

      • 1 cup white vinegar (cuts through grime and grease)

      • 1 tablespoon rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol, 70% or higher, for streak-free shine)

      • Optional: A few drops of essential oil (like lemon, lavender, or tea tree, for a pleasant scent)

      Instructions:

      1. Combine Ingredients:

        • Mix the water, vinegar, and rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle.

        • If using essential oils, add 3-5 drops for fragrance and shake gently.

      2. Shake Well:

        • Always shake the bottle before use to ensure the ingredients are well combined.

  • Cosmetics:

    • Makeup products: Foundations, mascaras, and lip glosses may contain PFAS for their water- and smudge-resistant properties.

    • These “forever chemicals” are linked to health issues, from hormonal imbalances to certain cancers.

    • https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/. Check your cosmetics here.

  • Water-Repellent Fabrics and Carpeting:

    • Outdoor gear: Tents, sleeping bags, and backpacks can have water-resistant coatings with PFAS.

    • Carpets: Some carpets or rugs are treated with stain-repellent chemicals that may include PFAS.

  • Food Storage Containers:

    • Greaseproof food storage containers: Some containers made of paperboard or certain plastics may contain PFAS, especially if they are used for hot or greasy foods.

  • Waterproofing Agents:

    • Tents, jackets, and boots: Some waterproof fabrics, such as those found in outdoor gear, can contain PFAS.

2. Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs)

PBDEs are a class of flame retardants used in various consumer products to reduce the risk of fire. Although many products containing PBDEs have been phased out due to health concerns, some still exist in homes, especially in older items.

Common Products That May Still Contain PBDEs:

  • Furniture:

    • Upholstered furniture (couches, chairs, mattresses) made before the 2000s often contained PBDEs in the foam padding for fire resistance.

  • Mattresses and Bedding:

    • Older mattresses, especially those manufactured before regulations were changed, may contain PBDEs in the foam.

  • Electronics:

    • Older electronics, including televisions, computers, and other household appliances, may contain PBDEs in circuit boards and other plastic components.

  • Carpet Padding:

    • Some older carpet padding was treated with flame retardants, including PBDEs.

  • Textiles:

    • Certain fabrics used in clothing, drapes, and other textiles in older homes may still contain PBDEs, though newer regulations have significantly reduced this.

  • Insulation Materials:

    • Some types of foam insulation in older homes may contain PBDEs.

  • Toys and Baby Products:

    • Older toys, especially those made with plastic or foam, may contain PBDEs, though newer toys and products are regulated to limit such chemicals.

  • Bedding Products:

    • Similar to mattresses, older bed linens or pillows with foam components may still contain these chemicals.

Because PBDEs are persistent in the environment and can accumulate in human tissues, they have been largely banned or restricted, but some older products still pose a risk. If you're concerned about PBDEs in your home, it may be worth checking the manufacturing date or considering replacing older foam-based items with newer alternatives that don't contain these chemicals.

3. Radon

In Southern California, radon levels are lower than in Northern California. However, some areas could have higher levels due to soil composition and other geological factors. While the risk is generally lower, it’s still important to be aware of the potential presence of radon, especially if you're in areas with older homes or certain types of bedrock.

The only way to know your home’s levels is to test. The EPA recommends all homes be tested, regardless of age, foundation type, or geographical location. High radon levels have been found in every house, even those neighboring homes with low radon levels. Fortunately, testing is neither expensive nor time-consuming.

Buy Radon Test Strips here (and even mold test strips). These strips measure short-term. You can get Radon monitors on Amazon to measure it daily for the long term since the levels fluctuate daily.

Key Radon Levels to Know:

  1. 4.0 pCi/L (picocuries per liter):

    • The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends taking action to reduce radon levels if they are at or above 4.0 pCi/L. This is considered the "action level."

    • However, the EPA states that even levels below 4.0 pCi/L can pose a risk, and mitigation can still be beneficial to reduce exposure.

  2. 2.0 pCi/L:

    • The EPA suggests that reducing radon levels to 2.0 pCi/L or lower is feasible in most homes. While this isn't a completely risk-free level, it significantly reduces the likelihood of radon-related health effects.

  3. 1.3 pCi/L (average indoor radon level):

    • This is the average radon level found in indoor air across U.S. homes. It is still associated with some risk, but it is below the action level.

  4. 0.4 pCi/L (average outdoor radon level):

    • This is the average level of radon found in outdoor air. While achieving this level indoors is challenging, it represents a minimal risk

You can proactively protect yourself and your family by being aware of these common household toxins. Test your home, be mindful of the products you use, and consider making changes to reduce your exposure to these harmful substances.

Microwave popcorn

The terrible 12 toxins in your home 

Phuong PHAM https://www.sparkorganizers.com
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