Our homes are filled with things that make our lives easier and more comfortable. But some of those items may contain hidden risks. Certain categories of chemicals found in a variety of household products have been linked to health issues. And the higher your exposure, the higher the risks.
Exposure to potentially harmful chemicals may be difficult to avoid entirely, but with some smart strategies, you can limit your risk.
What are the health risks of certain household chemicals?
Not all chemicals pose health risks. But certain ones — including perfluoroalkyl (PFAS), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), parabens, phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA) have been linked to a variety of negative health effects.
BPA, parabens and phthalates may disrupt endocrine activity, meaning they can affect hormone production and lead to reproductive issues, certain cancers and other health issues. VOCs can be irritating to the eyes and lungs in the short term.
Long-term exposure may increase risk of cancer and damage to the nervous system. And PFAS (also known as “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down) have been linked to birth defects, cancer, and liver and kidney damage.
Chemicals in your furniture
The furniture you sit on and eat off every day can be a source of multiple potentially harmful chemicals.
Upholstered furniture, such as your living room couch, is often treated with both flame-retardant and stain-resistant chemicals. You can breathe these in as well as absorb them through your skin. With chronic exposure (such as cozying up on the couch for some TV time every night) these chemicals, including both VOCs and PFAS, build up in the body.
Studies have found that about 97% of the population has measurable amounts of PFAS in their blood. Higher levels (from greater exposure) increase health risks — but it’s not known exactly how much is harmful to your health.
Furniture (such as tables and bookcases) made from composite wood or particle board often contains formaldehyde. Formaldehyde (a type of VOC) is released into the indoor air, where it can lead to eye and lung irritation as well as increase the long-term risk of certain cancers.
Chemicals in your flooring
Wood flooring that’s been covered in varnish, composite wood flooring and carpeting can all release unhealthy chemicals into the air inside your home. This is especially problematic when the flooring is new and releasing (or “off-gassing”) a higher volume of VOCs and other possibly harmful compounds.
Chemicals in your kitchenware
Nonstick pans, black plastic cooking utensils and plastic storage containers are standard equipment in most kitchens. But all three also have the potential to give off hazardous chemicals that can get into your food — and your body.
Plastic, in your cooking utensils or storage containers, can also leech tiny bits (called microplastics) into food. Higher levels of microplastics in the body may increase the risk of some cancers, hormone disruptions and even heart disease.
Heating plastic to high temperatures increases the amount of harmful chemicals and microplastics that are released. This can happen when you microwave leftovers in a plastic container or stir your pasta sauce with a plastic spatula.
Nonstick pans are often lined with a coating that includes PFAS. As you cook in them, those chemicals can make their way into your food.
Chemicals in your personal care products
Phthalates and parabens are common in a variety of personal care products, including shampoos, body wash, nail polish, moisturizer and other products in your bathroom.
Both compounds can build up in the body with exposure over time. Higher levels of these in the blood or urine have been linked to endocrine disruption and possible increased risk of breast cancer.
How to limit your exposure to household chemicals
While these chemicals are hard to avoid completely, there are steps you can take to make your home safer:
- Air out new furniture and flooring: Keep rooms with new furniture and flooring well-ventilated for several days. For new carpeting, it may also help to vacuum it.
- Avoid heating plastic containers: Store and heat food in glass containers instead.
- Look for BPA-free water bottles (or skip plastic ones altogether): Switch to glass or stainless steel reusable water bottles.
- Use personal care products that are phthalate- and paraben-free: Read product labels to check for ingredients you don’t want to put on your skin.
With some careful planning and smart strategies, you can remove some of the harmful chemicals from your home.
