These days, we are constantly being exposed to toxins and it seems that there is no way to avoid them. However, restaurants and other workplaces are forced to follow specific preventive measures in order to protect their employees and customers from the detrimental effects of these chemicals.
Still, many toxins are present in our homes, without being aware of it. Therefore, this article discusses 5 cancer-causing items which are present in your home and you need to eliminate right away. It also presents certain alternatives which are considered safer.
- Commercial Cleaning Products
Every household has various cleaning products which are designed for different parts of the house, such as the bathroom, windows, kitchen sink, etc. Even though their major purpose is to prevent accumulation of harmful bacteria in the house, most of these cleaning products have been associated with respiratory issues such as asthma.
Many cleaning products have been found to contain substances which are known hormone disruptors, such as BPA, phthalates, parabens, and triclosan.
The good news is that there are safer alternatives you can use, including vinegar and baking soda, both of which provide antimicrobial properties without the side-effects that commercial cleaning products are linked to. According to a study, these ingredients are effective against many bacteria, such as salmonella, E.coli, and staph.
Air fresheners are used to eliminate the bad odors from the house, but recent study shows that the fumes which these products emit actually do more harm than good, as they are more dangerous than cigarette smoke. Moreover, these fumes have been associated with disruption with hormone balances as well as respiratory issues like asthma.
According to a study done by by Public Health England’s Center for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards, air freshener contain significant amount of formaldehyde which is classified as human carcinogen by the United States` Toxicology Program. Excessive exposure to air fresheners may cause cancers of the throat and nose.
Using essential oils as substitute to conventional air fresheners is far safer option. In fact, besides being effective at neutralizing bad odors and creating pleasant smell, they are found to provide many health benefits too. According to a certain study, inhaling rosemary oil could stimulate the nervous system and improve your mood.
To prepare your own air freshener, mix 10-15 drops of essential oil with a cup of distilled water in a spray bottle. Spray the house as you would do with store-bought air freshener.
- Plastic Bottles and Food Containers
The bad thing about plastic bottles and food containers is that when you eat or drink foods from them, the chemicals leach into the drink/food and get digested in the body as well. Such chemical is Bisphenol A, a chemical which is used in harden products like bottles, Tupperware and other drink and food containers.
It has been scientifically shown that Bisphenol A provides various side effects. Back in 2012, the FDA revealed their concern over the effects this chemical has the behavior, brain, and prostate glands in fetuses, babies, and young kids.
To stay on the safe side, it is recommended to use reusable metal or glass water bottles and food containers. Besides being environmentally-friendly, they are far better for your body too.
This cookware is definitely the most common cookware used in the U.S, despite the fact that it releases toxins into the food. In fact, when non-stick cookware is heated up, its coating breaks down and you are not able to see this, as it happens at a molecular level.
Once the coating breaks down, it releases toxic particles and fluoride-based gasses, most of which are cancer-causing.
It is recommended to use glass or ceramic pans instead of non-stick cookware, as they don’t release detrimental fumes.
Most people believe that they are doing the right thing by replacing sugar with one of its alternatives. Even though there are many natural sweeteners available, most of them are much worse than sugar. Among them are:
- Aspartame: It has been associated with skin cancers and it can be fatal for people with phenylketonuria
- Acesulfame K: It affects pregnancy, causes tumors, and may be carcinogenic
- Sorbitol: It gets partially digested and causes gas, bloating and diarrhea
- Saccharin: It is indigestible, gets eliminated by the liver unchanged, and may cause bladder cancer
You should replace these artificial sweeteners with natural variants, such as:
- Yacon syrup: It feeds good bacteria in the body and helps in case of constipation
- Xylitol: It reduces the risk of tooth decay and improves bone density
- Erythritol: It doesn’t affect cholesterol, insulin, or blood sugar levels
- Stevia: It can lower both blood sugar and blood pressure levels
Source: www.healthylifestyleadvice.com
