Even though we feel completely safe only at home, it seems that nowadays, our homes are not as pure as they once were. Apparently, we constantly use numerous harmful products, like shampoos, plastic, rubber, perfumes, dyes, which are high in carcinogens, such as formaldehyde, nitrobenzene, and methylene chloride.

The following 7 items are not harmless as you may have thought they were and they can lead to numerous health issues, so it is wise to avoid them in order to improve the environment in which you live with your family.

Shampoos

Conventional shampoos are extremely high in toxic ingredients, but there are no studies which can prove whether they can cause cancer. However, it is much safer to use homemade shampoo.

Candles

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) conducted a study and found that 40 % of candles sold on the market, especially scented ones, have lead wires inside the wicks. Since fragrance oils soften the wax, they are commonly used by manufacturers in order to make the wicks firmer.

The CPSC claims that a candle with a lead-core wick releases five times the amount of lead regarded as harmful for children and surpasses the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) pollution standards for outdoor air.

Furthermore, the exposure to large lead amounts can cause many health issues, such as behavioral issues, hormone disruption, and learning disabilities.

Hence, in order to prevent these risks, you should use beeswax candles with cotton wicks.

Air fresheners

Numerous air fresheners contain volatile organic compounds, carcinogens, and toxins like phthalate esters. According to a study conducted by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) which examined 13 common household air fresheners, most of them included chemicals that can worsen asthma and cause reproductive development issues.

Anne Steinemann of the University of Washington also conducted a study in 2008 which showed that all air-fresheners gave off chemicals reported to be harmful and toxic by federal laws, as well as carcinogens with no safe exposure level.

Moreover, none of these harmful ingredients have been included in the labels or Material Safety Data Sheets. Therefore, you should use essential oils as natural fragrances.

Insecticides and Pesticides

Even though we usually regard pet products as safe and pet and human-friendly, most of the flea, tick and lice control products contain potentially carcinogenic chemicals for both humans and pets, like permethrin, organophosphate insecticides, and carbamates.

Shower curtains

Plastic shower curtains release harmful toxic chemicals, known as volatile organic chemicals or VOCs, into the bath and shower, as well as the environment.

 Art supplies

Research has shown that some art supplies such as solvents and acrylic paints, Epoxy and rubber cement glues, and permanent markers include harmful chemicals associated with cancer, allergies, and organ damage.

Toxins are especially dangerous to children, as they are more prone to their effects, due to their immature immune systems and higher metabolisms. Therefore, you should try and find green and toxic-free alternatives to common art supplies, or you can make them on your own.

Antiperspirants

The majority of conventional antiperspirants and deodorants include numerous ingredients which have been related to virulent cancers.

Namely, as these products stay on our body for hours, these dangerous chemicals may be absorbed through the skin and cause numerous health issues. You can find numerous recipes to make your own natural antiperspirants and deodorants instead and avoid these harmful side-effects.

Hence, in order to protect your health and the health of your family, you should avoid these 6 products, as well as conventional cleaners.

Source: www.healthy-holistic-living.com
Featured image source: viralsection.com