Chemicals are all around us. They may have improved our lives in many ways, but they are also harming our health and the environment. You might think that harmful chemicals leave odors or strong smells, but you can also find them in those products you use daily to clean your house and do your makeup.
For instance, do you know that many of the air fresheners you enjoy contain formaldehyde, a well-known carcinogen? Many other chemicals are found in everyday-use products, which can cause skin irritation, allergies, nausea, headaches, and a host of other health problems.
In the United States, the Toxic Substances Control Act, or TSCA, was enacted to protect people from harmful chemicals. It’s gone through some changes in recent years, but it’s believed that its effectiveness could be increased even further, which means that you as a consumer have to be extra careful when purchasing household products. Here are 16 harmful chemicals that are found in common household products. Knowing more about them will help you make informed decisions when you’re browsing the aisles on your next shopping trip.
1. Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is found in many everyday products and building materials. It is often used in particleboard, plywood, and other pressed wood items. It can also be found in paints and wallpapers as a preservative.
Plus, some cosmetic products and personal care items, like shampoos, contain formaldehyde. Exposure to formaldehyde can irritate your eyes, nose, and throat, cause respiratory issues, and increase your risk of cancer.
2. Phthalates
Phthalates are often used to make plastics more flexible. You can spot them in things like vinyl flooring, tablecloths, garden hoses, cables, furniture upholstery, and wall coverings. They are also present in many personal care products, including shampoos, nail polishes, perfumes, and lotions.
Being exposed to phthalates can mess with hormonal levels. They can reduce testosterone levels, causing issues in the male reproductive system.
3. Triclosan
Triclosan is used in various products to help reduce bacterial contamination. You will often see it in antibacterial soaps, body washes, and toothpaste. It is even added to some kitchenware, clothes, and furniture for a little extra antimicrobial protection.
Long-term term exposure to triclosan can disturb your endocrine system and affect hormonal function. Exposure could also lead to antibiotic resistance, which makes it more difficult to treat bacterial infections.
4. Ammonia
Ammonia is a common compound found in lots of household and industrial products. It is often used in cleaning supplies because it cuts through dirt and wax. Plus, ammonia is a major ingredient in fertilizers. Inhaling ammonia, especially in high concentrations, can be tough on your respiratory health.
Its strong fumes can irritate your nose, throat, and lungs, leading to coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Ammonia is also highly corrosive and causes rashes and burns if it comes in contact with your skin.
5. Chlorine
Chlorine is a powerful disinfectant that helps kill germs and bacteria. It is often added to public water supplies to keep drinking water safe. It is also found in household bleach and various cleaning products for effective surface cleaning.
Due to its effectiveness, chlorine is key for maintaining hygiene in kitchens, bathrooms, and swimming pools, but it can have some health risks. Exposure to chlorine might irritate your eyes, nose, and throat. Long-term exposure, even at low levels, can make respiratory issues like asthma worse.
6. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is a common surfactant used in many personal care items to create a rich lather when cleansing. You will often find SLS in shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, and toothpaste.
It does a great job of removing oils and dirt, but it can also remove essential natural oils. Without these essential oils, your skin can become quite dry. Besides this, using sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) can cause severe skin irritation.
7. Parabens
Parabens are chemicals used to preserve cosmetics and personal care products. They have also been used in food and beverages since the 1920s. They can disrupt hormones and might be linked to health issues like reproductive problems, obesity, and cancer.
People are frequently exposed to parabens through skin absorption, diet, and air since they are found in many products that sit on our bathroom and kitchen shelves.
8. Bisphenol A (BPA)
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical found in many plastic items, including water bottles and food containers. It can mimic hormones, ultimately disrupting the endocrine system with prolonged exposure. It has been linked to reproductive issues, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and developmental problems.
Exposure mostly occurs through food and drink stored in BPA-containing products. You should reduce exposure to this chemical by avoiding canned goods, using BPA-free containers, and choosing glass or steel over plastic.
9. Lead
Lead is a toxic metal found in various products such as older paint, water pipes, and some consumer goods. It can be harmful to health, especially among children. It can cause learning difficulties, behavioral problems, and reduced IQ.
Adults may face kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive issues. Exposure occurs through lead-contaminated dust, drinking water, and certain household items.
10. Mercury
Mercury is toxic to your nervous, digestive, and immune systems. It can also damage the lungs and kidneys. Children and fetuses are at higher risk as exposure can cause developmental problems. Common sources include industrial pollution, contaminated fish, and broken thermometers.
Light bulbs, electronics, batteries, older appliances, and skin creams also contain mercury. Reducing exposure and safely disposing of mercury-containing items is important for public health.
11. Perfluoroalkyl and Poly-fluoroalkyl (PFAS)
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl, or PFAS, are synthetic chemicals found in products like non-stick cookware and water-resistant clothes. They do not break down easily and stay in the environment as well as the human body for a very long time.
Exposure to PFAS may increase the risk of cancer, harm the immune system, and cause liver issues. The presence of PFAS has been detected in the blood of many Americans due to its widespread use.
12. Trichloroethylene (TCE)
Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a chemical used in products like paint removers, adhesives, and metal cleaners. It can cause serious health problems, including cancer and damage to the liver, kidneys, and immune system. TCE can enter the environment through industrial activities and pollute groundwater. To reduce exposure, avoid using products with TCE and ensure good ventilation when using industrial cleaners.
13. Ethylene oxide (EtO)
Ethylene oxide (EtO) is a gas used to produce everyday products like household cleaners and to sterilize medical equipment. This gas is also used to control pests and molds in agricultural products. It can be harmful to your health, especially with repeated exposure over a long period of time.
EtO can cause various cancers and other health issues. Exposure occurs mostly through the air and people who work with this gas, such as during sterilization of medical equipment, have a higher level of exposure.
14. Phosphates
Phosphates are chemicals commonly found in cleaning products. They help to soften water and improve cleaning efficiency. Using phosphates can lead to environmental issues such as water pollution and algal blooms, which harm aquatic life.
Many regions have restricted phosphate use in household cleaners. Phosphate residues on dishes can lead to health problems like nausea, diarrhea, and skin irritations.
15. Oxybenzone
Oxybenzone is a common ingredient in many sunscreens. It absorbs UV rays but may disrupt hormones and harm marine life like coral reefs.
Some areas have restricted its use due to these concerns. It can also cause photoallergic reactions and contact dermatitis. So, sunscreens that do not contain oxybenzone would be better for your health and the environment.
16. 2-Butoxyethanol (2-BE)
2-BE is a toxic cleaning substance that is mostly found in laundry stain cleaners, carpet cleaners, oven cleaners, degreasers, rust removers, and automobile cleaning products. Exposure to 2-BE can increase major health risks. 2-BE breaks down relatively quickly in air and soil, but sticks around longer in water sources.
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Aqsa is a passionate writer who loves spending her free time jotting down her thoughts. But that’s not all. She is a devoted mom to two boys and a skilled pharmacist specializing in hematology. When she’s not running after her energetic kids, you can find her lost in a good book or writing beautiful words. A nature lover at heart, she enjoys exploring the outdoors, staying active, and always seeking ways to learn new things.
Aqsa is a passionate writer who loves spending her free time jotting down her thoughts. But that's not all. She is a devoted mom to two boys and a skilled pharmacist specializing in hematology. When she's not running after her energetic kids, you can find her lost in a good book or writing beautiful words. A nature lover at heart, she enjoys exploring the outdoors, staying active, and always seeking ways to learn new things.
