These regular household items can be toxic

Many seemingly harmless household items actually pose a significant health risk. As you’re about to find out, dangerous toxins can be found everywhere from your bathroom to your kitchen to your wardrobe.



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Shower curtains

The distinct odour of plastic shower curtains may be hazardous to your health. Research indicates that curtains made with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) may emit 108 toxic chemicals, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), phthalates, and organotins. These airborne toxins can cause health problems affecting the lungs, nervous system, liver, and kidneys.



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Washing machines

Household washing machines typically remove dirt and stains from soiled clothes, towels, and sheets, but they fail to sterilize them. That’s why laundry has been linked to outbreaks of bacteria such as E. coli, salmonella, viral meningitis, and ringworm.



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Perfumes and colognes

Many popular perfumes and colognes reportedly contain potentially hazardous synthetic chemicals. These chemicals, which aren’t listed on labels so that scent makers can protect trade secrets, include diethyl phthalate, which has been linked to sperm damage.



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Plastic wrap and containers

The family of man-made chemical compounds known as phthalates can leach from storage containers and plastic wrap into foods on contact and when heated. To avoid the numerous reproductive health and developmental problems this may cause, be sure to use microwave-safe and phthalate-free containers and plastic wrap.



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Plastic toys

Phthalates are also used to make some plastic toys, which is especially disconcerting given that children often put these items in their mouths and suck or chew on them. Certain banned toys are even more toxic. Aqua Dots, for instance, were recalled because some were treated with a chemical that breaks down into a coma-inducing drug called GHB if swallowed.



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Toothbrushes

Phthalates can also be found in some toothbrushes. A simple precaution is to only use toothbrushes that are labelled “phthalate-free.”



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Non-stick cookware

Polyfluorinated substances (PFAs) can be found in older nonstick cookware. Research suggests that some of these man-made chemicals disrupt normal hormone activity, reduce immune system function, and cause developmental problems, with possible ties to low birth weight, obesity, and testicular and kidney cancers.



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Waterproofed clothing

Because they’re designed to make everyday products more resistant to stains, grease, and water, PFAs are widely used to waterproof clothing. This can be especially problematic when the clothing comes into contact with skin.



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Curtains and blinds

As well as containing PFAs, many older curtains and blinds are treated with flame retardants. Research suggests that many of these chemicals cause adverse health effects, including disruptions to the endocrine, thyroid, reproductive, nervous, and immune systems; reproductive toxicity; cancer; and adverse effects on fetal and child development.



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Mattresses

PFAs and flame retardant chemicals are present in many older mattresses. Many flame retardants have been taken off the market, but because they take a long time to break down, they can remain in the environment for decades and gradually build up in the bodies of people and animals.



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Upholstered furniture

PFAs and flame retardants are also used in some upholstered furniture. That’s why cotton, polyester, and wool should be favoured over polyurethane foam as a filler.



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Old paint

The good news: Lead is now banned in paints because its poisonous effects can cause issues such as high blood pressure and fertility problems. The bad news: Lead can still be found in paint used in older homes. If you think this could be the case for your residence, check with your local health department before stripping any old paint.



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Ceramic dishware

Ceramic dishware picked up as a souvenir while on vacation should only be used for decoration: it’s possible to contract lead poisoning after eating food served on or stored in these items.



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Portable generators

When used indoors without proper ventilation, portable generators can cause carbon monoxide poisoning. According to the National Capital Poison Center, after one hurricane in Texas, 75 percent of the children treated for carbon monoxide poisoning had been playing video games powered by generators.



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Hair dye

More than two dozen different ingredients in permanent hair dyes can cause harmful skin effects. Paraphenylenediamine (PPD), one of the most common, can lead to sores, itching, and other forms of irritation. That’s why it’s important to wear gloves when handling hair dye to limit its skin toxicity.



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Denture cream

Some denture creams contain zinc, which can cause zinc poisoning if ingested in large quantities. According to the National Capital Poison Center, a man in his 60s once died from zinc poisoning after using excessive amounts of denture cream over many years, and serious symptoms have been reported in other denture wearers.



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Thermometers

A glass or plastic thermometer filled with mercury can present a serious health hazard if it breaks and spills. Inhaling mercury vapours can cause a wide range of problems, including weakness, loss of appetite, gum inflammation, kidney damage, and personality changes.



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Compact fluorescent light bulbs

These long, tubular bulbs are another common household item that contains small amounts of mercury. Break one, and this toxic element can be released into the air.



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Essential oils

Many essential oils can cause skin irritation if used topically or become toxic if ingested or absorbed through the skin. Pennyroyal oil, for instance, is very poisonous to the liver, while camphor preparations have been known to poison children when applied excessively.



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Bubble lights

These old-school holiday decorations are typically filled with methylene chloride, which can cause severe poisoning if it is inhaled or contacts the skin. In the body, methylene chloride is converted to carbon monoxide, which in turn can cause many serious symptoms, including vomiting, coma, seizures, and even death.



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