The amount of stuff that an average American home houses today is shocking. Studies have found that the size of the median home has increased from 1,595 square feet to 2,386 square feet in the past 4 decades.
Has this happened simply due to the need for comfort, relaxation, or growing families? That seems unlikely. Research has found that the average home size has increased by 150% since 1980.
As companies produce new and attractive items daily, families stock them promptly. This makes it natural to own at least a few belongings that hurt the environment and those around us. We live in a time of high toxicity and chemical pollution.
In this article, we will discuss four items generally found in our homes that only look innocent. They are so toxic in reality that they could lead to serious health issues. Some of the ones on this list will shock you.
Talcum Powder
This personal care product has been around for decades. It has been a trusty companion in millions of American households primarily for reasons like moisture absorption, friction reduction, and rash prevention.
One name that has made it big in this area is Johnson & Johnson, known for its pleasant-smelling baby powder. Now, talc is a naturally occurring mineral that is made of silicone, magnesium, hydrogen, and oxygen.
That being the case, there should be little to worry about, right? The truth is this powder is so dangerous that it can cause health conditions like cancer. As per the American Cancer Society, some forms of talc contain a known carcinogen called asbestos.
Regular inhalation of asbestos fibers through talcum powder increases the risk of lung cancer. Moreover, if someone applies this powder to their genitalia to prevent rashes, they may develop ovarian cancer. Besides the most common powder, talc is used in other cosmetics like deodorants, eye creams, and foundation.
It is best to purchase talc-free versions of each. As for the powder, we recommend investing in safer alternatives made using cornstarch, ground oats, or baking powder.
Non-Stick Cookware
It was not until the 1950s that Teflon-coated pots and pans were commercially available across the US. Today, it is common to find at least one non-stick utensil in the average American kitchen.
Ease of cleaning and convenience contribute to its popularity. This is exactly where the problem creeps in. Are we sacrificing our health at the altar of convenience?
It seems so because Teflon coatings are primarily made with toxic chemicals known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These carbon-fluorine chemical bonds are also used to produce Class B firefighting foam or aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF).
Over the years, it has been discovered just how toxic these chemicals can be, particularly as firefighters have developed cancer due to regular exposure to them. According to TorHoerman Law, cases of bladder, kidney, and testicular cancer were the highest reported.
Due to direct exposure to AFFF foam, cancer may seem the inevitable outcome. However, even indirect exposure in mild quantities through household items like non-stick cookware is dangerous. It can cause issues like reduced immune response, hormonal imbalances, and abnormal thyroid function.
Paints
Do you own any form of paint supplies, be it for your home’s interiors or art projects? Chances are that these items are toxic to everyone’s health. Many paints contain toxic ingredients like heavy metals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and even PFAS.
Even solvents, such as mineral spirits and turpentine, are toxic, increasing the risk of neurological issues when inhaled. Some paints, like acrylics, may also contain additives like formaldehyde, vinyl chloride, benzene, and ammonia.
These additives may get released into the air when the paint dries. Then, they may make their way into the bloodstream via the skin. Repeated exposure leads to the risk of developing multiple sclerosis and cancer.
It can be quite difficult to find completely non-toxic paint alternatives. The best you can do is keep the room ventilated, avoid open containers, and wash your hands properly after using paints.
Plastic Containers or Bottles
This one may seem obvious because the world has been discussing the dangers of plastic for quite some time. We have still included it because of how seemingly innocent people treat plastic bottles and containers.
This is further highlighted by the fact that 87% of Americans consider bottled water their preferred beverage. These arrive in food-grade plastic, which is plastic nonetheless. This exposes us to microplastics, which are nanoparticles that plastic disintegrates into.
These particles find their way into our bodies through the food or beverage stored inside the container or bottle. Moreover, plastic bottles carry the risk of leaching chemicals like Bisphenol A or BPA. They are linked to health conditions like developmental issues in children, reproductive problems, inflammation, and hormonal disruptions.
It is best to invest in safe non -non-toxic alternatives like stainless steel or copper bottles, aluminum cans, and glass containers.
So, which items on this list were unexpected for you? We live in a day and age where practically everything has been adulterated to some extent. The only way forward is to stay updated and take whatever steps possible to replace toxic stuff with safe options.
