5 hidden toxins in your home
Most American households are teeming with toxins. Some products, like cleaning agents, flame retardants and pesticides, are widely known to be harmful to our health. But other products are less discernibly dangerous:
1. Air fresheners: Be it in the form of spritzes, sprays, diffusers, gels or plug-ins, air fresheners promise to mask the odor of our ordinary lives with the tranquil scents of cashmere woods and Hawaiian breezes. But in many cases, air fresheners are delivering far more than they promise. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, air fresheners may contain phthalates — a class of chemicals shown to cause cancer, liver toxicity, kidney toxicity and reproductive problems in animal studies. What’s more, air fresheners may also contain harmful agents such as formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
2. Polyvinyl chloride: There’s a certain satisfaction in the smell of something new — whether it be a new car, new flooring or new running shoes. Unfortunately, that “new” smell can signify the presence of Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) — a material known to be harmful to human health and the environment. PVC is used to manufacture a variety of plastic and vinyl products. It can be found in housewares, plumbing supplies and flooring, among other products. A known carcinogen and endocrine disruptor, PVC contains phthalates, lead and other compounds that may interfere with child development and cause damage to the liver, central respiratory and nervous systems, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
3. Philodendrons: These hearty houseplants are highly toxic to humans and pets. Ingesting them can cause burning, blistering and swelling of the lips, tongue and throat; burning and irritation of the eyes; slurred speech; skin irritation; nausea; vomiting; and diarrhea. According to the National Library of Medicine, the poisonous ingredient in philodendrons is calcium oxalate, which is also found in peace lilies, calla lilies and elephant ear, among other common houseplants.
4. Humidifiers: Most people are privy to the many health benefits of humidifiers: They add moisture to the air to treat dryness and irritation of the skin, nose throat and lips; and they also help to ward off illnesses like the common cold and flu. But what most people don’t know about humidifiers is that, over time, they can become highly toxic. According to the EPA, recent studies by the EPA and the Consumer Product Safety Commission have shown that dirty humidifiers can disperse microorganisms and minerals into indoor air — causing significant health problems, particularly in people suffering from asthma and allergies. Fortunately, proper care and cleaning can prevent the growth and emission of such harmful bacteria.
5. Laundry detergent packets: The concentrated cleaning power of liquid laundry packets does more than lift stains and brighten blouses. In fact, when ingested, packets can cause loss of consciousness, excessive vomiting, drowsiness, throat swelling and difficulty breathing. What’s more, eye contact can cause ocular burns leading to temporary vision loss.