Toxic Chemicals Hiding in Your Home

There are plenty of ways to make good decisions for your health. Some of the first that come to mind are improving your diet, exercising more, and getting plenty of light exposure.

But I hope you’re also paying attention to what you’re putting ON—and breathing INTO—your body.

You see if you’re not careful, hidden toxins can turn your home into a horror show that drives up your cancer risk, ruins your sex life, and more.

Now, a shocking new report reveals that the risk from these dangerous chemicals is even WORSE than we imagined. And researchers warn there can be long-lasting consequences.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are toxic chemicals that lead to a laundry list of problems.

And VOCs are everywhere. But you can’t see, taste, or smell these toxins, so you could get doused in them daily without even realizing it.

In fact, in 2020, it was estimated that over 5,000 tons of toxic chemicals were released from consumer products inside their homes and offices.

This shocking finding was uncovered in an analysis of data from the California Air Resources Board. The organization tracks VOCs in consumer products to help reduce smog.

But here’s the thing… it’s even worse than it looks. Because this analysis only focused on 33 specific VOCs listed under California’s “right to know” law.

The law states that people have a RIGHT TO KNOW when chemicals found in everyday products could cause cancer, birth defects, and reproductive problems.

Believe it or not, the most common VOC found in products used on your body is formaldehyde, one of the chemicals used to embalm bodies in funeral homes. It’s in nail polish, shampoo, make-up, and other personal care products.

Other items that contain high levels of VOCs are cleaners, art supplies, and laundry detergents.

But let’s get real here. Knowing that many products contain these VOCs isn’t enough. These toxins need to be BANNED from consumer products.

In fact, based on what they uncovered, these researchers propose that the EPA regulate 5 additional chemicals under the Toxic Substances Control Act:

• Ethylene oxide (in antifreeze and detergents)
• Styrene (in foods like fried chicken and nectarines)
• 1,3-dichloropropene (in pesticides)
• Diethanolamine (in shampoos and perfumes)
• Cumene (a thinner in paint and used to manufacture rubber, iron, and steel)

On occasion, exposure to just one VOC might not be cause for alarm. But we’re all being exposed to countless VOCs every single day.

The worst part is that these toxins aren’t just lurking in your household products—they’re making their way INTO your body. A study from 2021 identified over 100 different foreign chemicals inside people.

Even scarier? These toxins can pass from a pregnant mother to her unborn child.

In other words, these chemicals could last for generations—having God only knows what impact on you and your children.

The best thing you can do to stay safe is to reduce your exposure by purchasing products that use fewer chemicals. Start reading labels. The fewer ingredients, the better.

And check out the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep and Guide to Healthy Cleaning. These free databases can help you find safer options for you and your family.

Products that are free of toxins will usually cost more. But the health benefits to you and your family really are priceless.

P.S. Even when you’re doing everything “right,” … regularly exercising, eating a healthy diet, and getting plenty of vitamin-D-rich sunshine… there’s a hidden risk factor that could send your heart risk soaring. And it all starts at your kitchen sink…

SOURCE:

Study: “Identifying Toxic Consumer Products: A Novel Data Set Reveals Air Emissions of Potent Carcinogens, Reproductive Toxicants, and Developmental Toxicants,” Environ. Sci. Technol. 2023, Publication Date: May 2, 2023, https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.2c07247