Do you know you may have hidden toxins lurking in your home?
If you are just starting your journey into natural living this will be a great starting point for you. Even if you are already immersed in this world these hidden toxins may come as a shock to you as well! Hidden toxins are everywhere, sad but true, so be on the lookout for theses and many more!
I’m happy to introduce the author of this post: Michelle Tricomi
Phthalates
Fragrance is the top “hider” of phthalates! Unless your product says that the fragrance is derived from nature or is 100% essential oils it most likely contains toxins! Many products such as air fresheners, laundry detergents, dish soaps, shampoo/conditioner and even toilet paper have that terrible word on the label! Because of proprietary laws, companies don’t have to disclose what’s in their scents, so you won’t find phthalates on a label. If you see the word “fragrance” on a label, there’s a good chance phthalates are present. Phthalates are known endocrine disruptors. Unlike the digestive system, the skin has no safeguards against hidden toxins. Absorbed chemicals go straight to your organs! Opt for fragrance free products to be safe!
Triclosan
If your hand soap or dish soap say that they are antibacterial they most likely contain Triclosan! This is an aggressive antibacterial agent that can promote the growth of drug-resistant bacteria and disrupt thyroid functions. “The FDA has banned triclosan in antibacterial hand soaps, effective September 2017. But manufacturers still add triclosan to some dish soaps, personal care products and Colgate Total toothpaste. They use it in a variety of other products, although you won’t see it on labels. To avoid triclosan and other questionable chemicals, don’t buy consumer products that claim to be “antibacterial.” EWG.org
Aresenic
You probably read that word and did a double take, I know I did! This horrific toxin can be found in your food and drinking water! Rice, apple juice, seafood and beer are a few of the places that arsenic can be hidden. Drinking water is a given as it is a public source and can contain several other chemicals. Always try to buy organic when possible and drink filtered or spring water when available!
Radon
Radon is an invisible, odorless toxin created naturally during the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water. This radioactive gas can sneak into your home via cracks in the foundation. It is the number-one cause of lung cancer among nonsmokers—and smokers are even more susceptible. Make sure you have radon detectors in your home and that you are testing them regularly!
BPA
BPA is most commonly found in plastic bottles, containers, plates, bowls, kids cups, plastic bags, plastic wrap but can also be found in food cans! This toxin tricks the body into believing it is estrogen and can lead to breast cancer, reproductive problems, obesity and early puberty. According to government tests, 93 percent of Americans have BPA in their bodies! Go fresh when possible and read your product tags to make sure they are BPA Free.
Sodium Hydroxide
This toxic chemical can be found in oven cleaners and drain openers. Sodium Hydroxide, otherwise known as lye, is extremely corrosive! If it touches your skin or gets in your eyes, it can cause severe burns. Routes of exposure are skin contact and inhalation. Inhaling sodium hydroxide can cause a sore throat that lasts for days. A healthier alternative is baking soda for cleaning the oven and baking soda and vinegar for drains!
Lead
Lead is commonly found in paint (both for your house and certain baby toys) but can also be found in candles! Studies have found that as many as 30% of candles contain heavy metals (including lead!) in their wicks. When burned, these lead-laden candle wicks release five times the amount of lead considered hazardous to kids! A healthier choice would be to purchase candles with 100% beeswax with cotton wicks.
In closing, you can see that you have to be very careful when choosing food, water and products for your home! A lot of companies are out for profit and could care less about the consumer. I normally make my own products or purchase from small companies that have proven to me that they care about what goes into their products as well as their consumers. Please take the time to do your own research and if you have any questions I am here to help! My passion is helping families achieve a toxic free lifestyle!
About the author:
Michelle is a mom to 2 amazingly funny, creative and super cute children and a wife to an incredibly funny, sweet and amazing man and father! She is extremely passionate about natural living and tries to reduce toxins as much as possible for their family because she believes our future depends on it and deserves it! Michelle wants to teach every family how to be toxic free! You can find more of her tips and recipes at: http://www.michelletricomi.com
Learn More
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