Brainy Dose Presents:
15 Everyday Things You Use, That Are Actually TOXIC!
Research suggests that chemicals found in a wide variety of things you use every day
may be more toxic than you would think!
While it's almost impossible to avoid chemicals entirely, you should at least try to reduce
exposure as much as you can!
Without further ado, here are 15 everyday things you use, that are actually bad for
your health!
Number 1 - Mattresses
Many mattresses have high levels of flame retardant compounds that can cause serious
health problems.
These include brain and reproductive damage, decreased sperm quality and thyroid problems.
This is particularly worrying, since we spend a third of our lives in bed!
Well, some of us do…
And I'm not suggesting that you sleep on the floor, but it's a good idea to check
your mattress.
If it contains the flame retardant PBDE, it would be wise to invest in a new one!
Number 2 - Non-stick Cookware
While your non-stick cookware might save you some cleaning time, it does come at a cost.
At high temperatures, the strong, tough, waxy, nonflammable synthetic resin that makes Teflon
non-sticky, gives off a toxic gas that has been linked to reproductive problems and other
health issues.
It's best to stick with good old stainless steel or iron cookware!
Number 3 - Shower Curtains
Chemicals that are sometimes used to soften the plastic that goes in shower curtains,
are known to cause harmful effects in children, and can also have an impact on brain functions
- like learning and memory.
Investing in a toxic-free shower curtain can be beneficial to your health.
If it must be plastic, avoid the word 'vinyl' unless it also states that it's PVC-free.
Number 4 – Perfumes and Fragrances
Hidden behind the pleasant scents of your favorite fragrances are chemicals linked to
hormone disruption, reproductive problems, and even cancer.
While many popular perfumes, colognes and body sprays contain trace amounts of natural
essences, they also typically contain a dozen or more potentially hazardous synthetic chemicals,
some of which are derived from petroleum.
If you can't bear to part with your favorite perfume, at the very least, go easy when you
apply it.
Number 5 - Cleaning Products
You're probably aware, that many of the cleaning products you use every day are made
up of harmful surface active agents … but, did you know that natural products like baking
soda, soap powder or lemon and hot water often work just as well?
Without covering your home in toxic chemicals!
Next time, try to make your own cleaning solutions, or look for more natural alternatives.
Number 6 - Air Fresheners
Like cleaning products, air fresheners help keep our homes smelling fresh.
However, when used excessively or in unventilated areas, they release toxic levels of pollutants.
Having air fresheners around your home, shouldn't make you sick.
But you must ensure the area is ventilated to stop the toxic chemicals from circulating
through the air, and adversely impacting your health.
Number 7 - Plastic Food and Beverage Containers
Many plastic bottles and containers are made from chemicals which can interfere with the
body's endocrine system, and produce adverse developmental, reproductive and neurological
effects in humans.
And since the plastic breaks down over time, these dangerous chemicals may contaminate
your food or drinks!
Choose bottles and food containers that are made from glass.
Number 8 - Canned food
Metal food cans are lined with a hormone-disrupting chemical that's been linked to male infertility,
heart disease and diabetes.
Although some manufacturers are phasing the chemical out of their cans, it's not clear
whether or not the replacements are completely safe.
Always try get fresh or frozen foods instead.
Number 9 - Corn and Soybeans
Genetically engineered crops such as corn and soybeans, have their DNA altered to allow
them to withstand herbicides.
These types of genetic alterations affect the defensive enzymes our bodies use to keep
us healthy.
So, they should be avoided as much as possible.
And if you do choose to eat corn or soy, or products that contain them, it's in your
best interest to buy organic!
Number 10 - Cosmetics
The average women (and some men) apply between 6 and 12 cosmetic items per day, and most
of these include toxic chemicals and preservatives that are endocrine disruptors.
Now, you don't have to completely ditch makeup, because there are so many natural,
chemical free alternatives that are: - free of synthetic fragrances
- are mineral-based - or, made from natural oils
So give them a try!
Number 11 - Fabric Softeners
Fabric softeners make our clothes soft and smell really nice, but they work by coating
fabrics with a thin layer of potentially toxic chemicals that can cause headaches, skin irritation,
and even respiratory problems.
You can make your own fabric softener using natural ingredients such as baking soda, vinegar
and essential oils.
Number 12 - Bug Sprays
Bug killers should be avoided inside of your house, especially if you have kids, as researchers
have linked the insecticides to neurological damage in children.
Whenever possible, combat an indoor bug problem by regularly cleaning up crumbs and sealing
food in containers.
Number 13 – Dry Cleaning
While it may be convenient to drop your clothes off at the dry cleaners, PCE, the cleaning
chemical that they use is a probable carcinogen and has been linked to liver, kidney, and
central nervous system damage.
Many cities are phasing out PCE, but it's still widely used by dry cleaners.
So be sure to ask!
Number 14 - Hand Sanitizer
Using a hand sanitizer may be quick and easy, but it may actually be your worst enemy!
Most hand sanitizers contain triclosan, a chemical that also kills good bacteria, making
you more susceptible to viruses and illness.
This chemical weakens the immune system, which also makes allergy symptoms worse; and it's
been linked to hormonal problems including infertility and early puberty.
Just use a regular soap and water, instead!
Number 15 - TV and Game Consoles
The power cords of devices such as televisions and computers, as well as the controller cables
of game consoles contain chemicals that could affect memory and sexual development.
And the flame retardants used in circuit boards and casings, have been linked to impaired
brain development.
While it's impossible to stay away from these electronic devices, limiting their use
would be beneficial nonetheless.
What do you think?
Are you concerned about your exposure to these toxic chemicals?
Why or why not?
Are there any particular products you avoid?
Let us know in the comments below!
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