It’s no secret that modern life is filled with toxins. Nearly all of us come into contact with them on a daily basis, whether it’s through the air we breathe, the food we eat, or the products we use around the house. While it’s impossible to completely avoid all of these toxins, there are some things you can do to reduce your exposure and protect your health. But first, let’s look at the ten most common household toxins and their sources.
TOP 10 COMMON HOUSEHOLD TOXINS & SOURCES
LEAD
hair dye • some imported toys & candies • paint/glaze •vinyl mini-blinds • plumbing fixtures • automotive parts • battery casings
CARBON MONOXIDE
gas-powered generators • stoves • furnaces • charcoal grills • wood stoves • kerosene & space heaters • fireplaces • automobile exhaust
FORMALDEHYDE
glue • paints • lacquers/varnishes • carpet • paper products • cosmetics • air fresheners • plywood/particleboard • insulation materials • personal care products • upholstery
PESTICIDES
pet shampoos • household disinfectants • air fresheners & deodorizers • wood preservatives • metal polishes • flea/mosquito/ant/roach/wasp sprays, repellents and treatments
PHTHALATES
plastics (food wraps, toys, lunch boxes, shower curtains, garden hoses) • vinyl (flooring, upholstery) • personal care products (soaps, lotions, cosmetics, nail polish) • raincoats • shoes • detergents • cleaning products • adhesives • paints • carpet backing
FLAME RETARDANTS
kids toys • baby products (changing pads, nursing pillows) • mattresses • pillows • curtains • drapes • blinds • upholstered furniture • electronics/appliances • insulation • fiberglass • plywood • carpet & padding
ASBESTOS
insulation • popcorn ceilings • fireproofing materials • pipes/gaskets • textured paint • plaster • vinyl floor tiles
VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS (VOCs)
air fresheners/deodorizers • adhesives • paint • cleaners (upholstery, carpet, window, spot removers, polishes, waxes, degreasers) • insecticides • nail polish remover
CHLORINE
bleach • sanitizing wipes • toilet bowl cleaners • laundry detergents • disinfectants • removers (mold, mildew, rust, spot) • swimming pool chemicals
BISPHENOL A (BPA)
plastics (water bottles, food containers, baby bottles, cutlery, tableware, food wrap/cling film) • canned foods • CDs • DVDs • epoxy resins • thermal paper – receipts
I know reading through that list, even at a glance can be daunting. That’s why I said it’s impossible to avoid all of them. When we know better, we can do better and at least minimize our exposure. Here are some tips on avoiding those common household toxins to keep your home and family safe and healthy.
TIP 1: Choose Natural Cleaning Products
Many of the traditional cleaning products on the market contain harsh chemicals that can be damaging to your health. Instead, opt for natural alternatives like baking soda, vinegar, lemon juice, and essential oils. Not only are these safer for you and your family, but they’re also more affordable and just as effective.
TIP 2: Avoid Air Fresheners & Deodorizers
Many air fresheners and deodorizers contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are linked to health problems like headaches, asthma, and even cancer. If you want to make your home smell fresher, try diffusing essential oils instead. Not only do pure essential oils purify the air, but you can diffuse for mood, to increase energy, boost immunity, and more!
TIP 3:
Choose Natural Personal Care Products Just like cleaning products, many personal care products like shampoo, soap, lotions, and cosmetics contain ingredients that can be toxic. Whenever possible, opt for natural alternatives. You can also make your own products using simple ingredients like coconut oil, baking soda, and essential oils. If you’re like me and you prefer ready-made products, find a trusted company that is transparent with their ingredients and sourcing. It should come as no surprise that I choose
doTERRA for most of my needs: personal care, cleaning, essential oils, and supplements. I don’t wear a lot of makeup, but I found a clean company,
Ilia, they have just about everything, I personally use their mascara (you can get it on Amazon). Another good company is Beautycounter.
TIP 4: Use Natural Pest Control Instead of reaching for chemical-based pesticides, try using natural alternatives like diatomaceous earth, boric acid, or essential oils. Not only are these safer for your health, and the little fingers and paws that touch it, but they’re also more effective at eliminating pests. Check out my blog post on
Essential Oils for Pests or my
Gardening with Essential Oils for some suggestions and recipes to get started.
TIPS 5: Choose Organic & Wash Produce
Conventionally grown produce may contain traces of herbicides, pesticides, and other chemicals. Whenever possible, opt for organic produce to reduce your exposure to these toxins. But regardless of your produce choice the main thing is to wash it. I love using essential oils for this!
Produce Wash: Fill sink or bowl with water and 3-5 drops Lemon or On Guard® essential oil. Let produce soak for 5-10 minutes, then rinse clean. To level up this recipe, add 3 pumps of On Guard® foaming hand wash.
Produce Spray: Fill 8oz glass spray bottle with ¼ c white or apple cider vinegar, 10 drops Lemon essential oil and top with distilled water. Shake before each use and spray produce liberally.
TIP 6: Filter Your Water
Tap water often contain traces of lead, chlorine, and other contaminants. While store bought bottled water contains microplastics, BPA, and other potentially harmful chemicals. Plus, did you know that the FDA doesn’t regulate bottled water as strictly as tap water? Your best bet is to invest in a water filter to reduce your exposure to these chemicals. My family uses an alkaline water ionizer machine, the
Aqua-Ionizer Deluxe 9.0. This allows purification of drinking water and has multiple uses, like cosmetic and household cleaning [including washing your produce] too. I would also look into Kangen Water® Ionizers, they are the top of the line. I have a few friends who sell Kangen machines and provides you with support. Let me know if you want a warm introduction.
I’m here if you want suggestions for how to make healthy swaps without breaking the bank. And I’ll help you take the overwhelm out of where to start too. It’s what I did for my family back in 2016 and it was the best thing I ever did with extremely noticeable changes and benefits.
I’m here for ya!
xoDanette