We often assume that if something is sold on store shelves, it must be safe. But the truth is, many common household products contain harmful chemicals that can affect our health and that of our family and pets. Imagine your home as a sanctuary—a place for health and well-being. To maintain this sacred space, we need to be vigilant about what we bring into it.
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Cleaning Products: More Harm Than Cleanliness?
Household cleaners promise sparkling surfaces and germ-free environments. But have you ever wondered what else they bring into your home?
You’re cleaning your kitchen, scrubbing away with a cleaner that promises to kill 99.9% of germs. As you inhale the sharp scent, it feels like you’re doing something good for your family. But what if I told you that these very fumes could be doing more harm than good?
Many household cleaners contain harsh chemicals like ammonia, bleach, and chlorine. While these ingredients may be effective at cleaning, they also release fumes that can irritate our respiratory systems. Think about it—if it’s strong enough to kill bacteria on a countertop, what is it doing to the delicate tissues in your lungs? And let’s not forget about our pets who share this space with us.
Every time you spray a cleaner or scrub a surface, tiny particles become airborne and can be inhaled or absorbed through your skin. Over time, this repeated exposure can lead to various health issues ranging from mild irritations to more severe conditions.
Which of your favorite products should you take a closer look at? counter sprays; oven cleaners; bathroom cleaners; detergents; detergent pods; fabric softeners; dryer sheets; floor cleaners; furniture polish.
Safer alternatives: Better Life Products, Grove Co., Molly’s Suds, 9 Elements, Attitude, Clean Cult, Dropps, Puracy, BioKleen, Ecos, Good Natured Brand
Synthetic Scents: Masking Odors with Toxins
The potential risks associated with undisclosed chemicals are not just hypothetical—they’re very real. Synthetic scents are primarily composed of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which disperse through the air, are inhaled, and subsequently enter the bloodstream. These popular aromatic liquids are in fact chemicals (including lactones, benzene, and aldehydes) and are known carcinogens and hormone disruptors.
The amount of these deadly chemicals is exponentially increased in pets as they spend their days confined in homes unable to escape these airborne pollutants.
Which of your favorite products should you take a closer look at? air fresheners; diffusers; plug-ins; scented candles; fabric fresheners; perfumes; pet grooming products.
Safer alternatives: Grow Fragrance, Good Natured Brand, Scent Fill, Enviroscent, Vitruvi, Fresh Wave, DedCool, P.F. Candle Co.
Non-Stick Cookware: Convenience at a Cost
Non-stick pans are incredibly convenient but often coated with polytetrafluoroethylene. At high temperatures, PTFE is degraded and microscopic airborne particulates are released which are toxic when inhaled. These gases have been linked to various health issues including liver damage, thyroid disorders, and even certain types of cancer.
Which of your favorite products should you take a closer look at? Teflon pans; non-stick griddles; drip pans; heat lamp covers; irons.
Safer alternatives: Caraway, Our Place, Lodge, Field Company, Great Jones
Pesticides: Unseen Threats
There are various types of pesticides, including insecticides (for insects), herbicides (for weeds), fungicides (for fungi), and rodenticides (for rodents). These can be found in products ranging from household sprays to lawn treatments. While their purpose is to protect from pests, they can pose significant risks to health.
Children’s bodies are still developing, making them especially vulnerable to toxins. Short-term exposure to pesticides can lead to symptoms like headaches, dizziness, nausea, and skin irritation. However, the long-term effects are far more concerning—potentially impacting neurological development, hormonal balance, and even increasing cancer risk.
Health issues arising from pesticide exposure in animals can range from mild symptoms like drooling and vomiting to severe conditions such as seizures or organ failure. Dogs often face specific risks due to their habit of sniffing around treated areas or chewing on grass.
Which of your favorite products should you take a closer look at? bug sprays; baits; weed killers; fertilizers; flea collars; oral preventative medications.
Safer alternatives: Safer Brand, Wondercide, Sunday, Green Gobbler, Pestie, Dr. Killigan’s, Bonide, Natria, Diatomaceous Earth, Natures Good Guys
Plastics: The Silent Saboteurs
The harmful chemicals found in plastics, such as BPA (Bisphenol A) and phthalates, are well-documented. These substances can leach into food and beverages, especially when heated or scratched. For children, exposure to these chemicals has been linked to developmental problems, including hormonal imbalances and cognitive issues. Our pets aren’t immune either. Dogs and cats can suffer from digestive issues and other health problems due to ingesting food or water contaminated by plastic toxins.
So how do we identify hazardous plastics lurking in our homes? Start by checking labels. Look for a number inside the arrow-shaped triangle, which is usually found around the bottom of the object. We live in a plastic heavy society so they are impossible to avoid, but it’s important to remember which are less hazardous.
#2, #4 and #5 are generally considered safe, but still should never be heated.
#1, #3, #6 and #7 should be used with varying to extreme caution. #1 is the lesser threat, but needs to be stored in cool environments and should not be reused.
Keep in mind, all plastics can release toxic chemicals if they are damaged or heated, so it’s best to use other materials when possible. For more information on the seven different types of commonly used plastics, check out this Smart Plastics Guide.
For children’s items, opt for toys made from natural materials like wood or silicone rather than plastic. When it comes to pet products, choose stainless steel or glass over plastic ones. These alternatives not only reduce exposure to toxins but also tend to be more durable and easier to clean and sanitize.
Which of your favorite products should you take a closer look at? plastic containers; reusable water bottles; melamine-ware; plastic food and water bowls; plastic food bins; toys for children; toys for pets.
Safer alternatives: glass; porcelain; stainless steel (specifically 18-gauge or 304 steel for pet bowls).
Tap Water Contaminants: a Chemical Cocktail
Heavy metals like lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium can sneak into our water supply through various means. These metals come from industrial pollution, old plumbing systems, agricultural runoff, and even natural mineral deposits. Once they infiltrate our drinking water, these silent invaders can wreak havoc.
Heavy metals can accumulate in the body over time and cause serious health issues. And just like us, our pets rely on clean water for hydration and overall health, making equally susceptible to heavy metal exposure.
Lead is notorious for its detrimental effects on human health. Even at low exposure levels, it can lead to cognitive impairments, especially in children. Adults aren’t spared either; long-term exposure can result in kidney damage and hypertension.
Mercury is another dangerous element that loves to hide in plain sight. Often found in fish due to polluted waters, mercury exposure can affect neurological development and function.
Arsenic contamination is particularly concerning because it’s tasteless and odorless. Chronic exposure has been linked to skin lesions, cardiovascular diseases, and even cancer.
Just as heavy metals can affect human cognition and behavior, they can also alter your pet’s health. Chronic exposure to heavy metals can lead to severe health problems including kidney damage and compromised immune function.
So how do we guard against these contaminants? Here are some actionable steps:
- Invest in quality water filters: Boroux, ProOne
- Regular water testing: At-home testing kits are available online or locally.
- Avoid tap water: (EWG’s Water Filter Guide)
- Support the body with a binder for gentle detoxification support: Biocidin Gentle Binder for you, and Four Leaf Rover Protect for your pets.
- For more information, check out the Environmental Protection Agency and Environmental Working Group.
Holistic Takeaway
So how do we create a home sanctuary that’s genuinely safe for everyone? The first step is awareness—knowing what’s in the products we use daily.
Start by reading labels carefully. Look out for ingredients you can’t pronounce or recognize; they’re often synthetic chemicals best avoided. Make a list of any unfamiliar ingredients and research their effects.
Given the constant exposure to toxins in our environment, incorporating gentle and natural detoxification methods into our daily routine is crucial for both us and our pets.
Consider making your own cleaning solutions using natural ingredients and opt for commercial products made from plant-based ingredients which are generally safer.
Ensure good ventilation in your home as well—open windows regularly to let fresh air circulate through your living spaces.
As a good rule of thumb, if it’s not good enough for you, it’s not good enough for your pets. Just as we scrutinize what goes into and onto our bodies, we should extend the same level of care to our animal companions.
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Melissa & Team THV x