16 Most Dangerous Household Chemicals to Avoid

by Jill Ettinger July 05, 2012

While it may seem to be your sanctuary, the Environmental Protection Agency estimates that the air inside your home is five times more polluted than outside. And considering more and more people now work from home, that's a concern worth doing our best to correct. Many chemicals have no odor or fade over time, giving the appearance that your home is safe from toxins, but take a look at this list first before you decide your home is as safe as it could be.

Bisphenol A

This is a chemical ingredient used to make plastic and resins. This ingredient mimics estrogen and can disrupt the functioning of the endocrine system, thereby interfering with all of the roles of this system, thus having a negative effect on other organs and systems of the body. This ingredient is most commonly found in the lining of many canned foods, thermal paper used for receipts, and many plastics.

Perfluorinated Chemicals (PFCS)

These ingredients are chemicals used in the making of non-stick cookware, clothing, tents, water repellant products, and some upholstery. One component (perfluorooctanoic acid) is completely non-biodegradable and can cause kidney disease, low sperm count, thyroid disease, and many other conditions.

Phthalates

These ingredients are commonly found in plastic food storage containers, plastic toys, and certain beauty products. These ingredients are used as plastic-softening agents; they’re linked to cancer and testicular problems.

Fire Retardants

These ingredients are commonly found in foam furniture, dust, and carpet padding. They’re used to make products be less flammable. However, they imitate thyroid hormones and are endocrine disruptors.

Atrazine

This ingredient is an herbicide commonly used in corn crops. It can cause hormone and endocrine disruption and cancer, and can also lead to fertility issues. It’s commonly found in drinking water and foods or ingredients derived from corn.

Arsenic

This toxic chemical can interfere with the healthy functioning of cortisol and insulin and has been linked to skin, bladder and lung cancer in particular. It’s commonly found in drinking water, processed foods, and many rice products.

Lead

Although lead use in paint has been banned for more than 30 years, it still remains on the walls and pipes in scores of homes and offices. If you've had remodeling done, it can cause the lead paint to emit a dust that can get into the air and lead to developmental issues in children.

Many states and local health departments now offer tests for lead in homes, which is particularly recommended if your house is more than 25 years old. You can also decrease your risk of exposure by not scraping old paint, just simply painting over it.

Pesticides

These odorless, colorless chemicals are used in record numbers now to prevent insect and weed contamination on our food, gardens, and lawns. Pesticides have been linked to hormonal imbalances, respiratory issues, damage to the nervous system, and certain types of cancer. Acutely, they can cause skin irritations and itchy eyes. Even if you wash your fruits and vegetables before consuming, those pesticides can linger wherever those foods were set.

Try washing your produce as soon as you bring it home from the market (especially if it's not organic!). Keep any weed killer products for your lawn or garden outside of the home and wash hands thoroughly after using to prevent contamination. Explore natural alternatives to weed control.

Air fresheners

You may think you're combating your polluted air issue with commercial air freshening products, but guess again. They can contain formaldehyde—a known carcinogen—and phenol, which can lead to coma and even death in high enough exposure. Those fresh scents can contain detergents and actually interfere with your ability to smell! Opt instead for homemade potpourri, essential oils or fresh flowers to enhance your olfactory experience indoors.

Glycol Ethers

These ingredients are solvents that seriously damage fertility and cause low sperm count. They’re commonly found in paint, cleaning products, and cosmetics.

Ammonia

This common poison is found in a number of household cleaning products, fertilizers, plastics, and pesticides. It is extremely volatile and can lead to a number of health issues from burning the eyes, throat, and nose, to causing severe coughing fits. It can cause permanent damage to the eyes and lungs after prolonged exposure and if mixed with bleach, can cause the very toxic combination, chlorine gas, which can kill you quickly. Opt instead for natural cleaners like vinegar, salt, baking soda, and lemon. Try organic fertilizers for your gardens and read labels to make sure you're avoiding ammonia.

Bleach

Like ammonia, bleach is one of the most common ingredients in household products including all types of cleansers, laundry detergents, and even personal care products. Unfortunately, many of us have come to equate the strong smell of bleach with clean, when nothing could be further from the truth! Go all-natural with your cleaning and laundry products instead. Vinegar kills just as many germs on contact as bleach but without the toxins. Read your labels!

Furniture Polish

Wanting wood that shines is reasonable (it's a tree after all, honor it!). But commercial furniture polish is highly flammable and has been connected to skin and lung cancer. It can contain phenol and nitrobenzene, which are extremely toxic chemicals easily absorbed through the skin.

Shine your coffee table with salad dressing instead! Yep! A ¼ cup of vinegar and a tablespoon of olive oil will clean your furniture and leave a sparkly shine without the toxins!

Dishwasher Detergent

The Center for Science in the Public Interest says this is actually the most dangerous household toxin, resulting in more child poisonings than anything else. Most often, dishwashing detergents contain formaldehyde and chlorine.

Both are linked to serious health conditions including cancer. Every time you wash your dishes with detergent, residue lingers and can actually build up and end up in your food (gross!). Switch to a natural dishwashing detergent (but make sure to read the labels) or skip it altogether and wash dishes by hand with a natural soap. You'll save water that way, too.

Perchlorate

These chemicals are used in rocket fuel and can become airborne. When inhaled, they can disrupt thyroid hormones. They’re also found in drinking water, some non-organic produce, and conventional milk.

Dioxin

This chemical is formed during manufacturing of many products and can damage sex hormones and decrease sperm count. They’re commonly found in conventional animal products including milk and eggs.

Are air purifiers effective for indoor air pollution?

Air purifiers can help reduce some pollutants, but they’re not a complete solution for indoor air quality. While they can trap dust and certain airborne particles, they may not eliminate chemicals like Bisphenol A or pesticides that are common in household products.

How can I avoid household toxins like lead and ammonia?

To minimize exposure to household toxins like lead, ensure your home is tested if it's older than 25 years. Avoid disturbing old paint, and consider painting over it rather than scraping. For ammonia, it's advisable to limit the use of household cleaners containing it. Consider natural alternatives like vinegar, baking soda, or lemon for many cleaning tasks, as these are typically free from harsh chemicals.

How can I clean my home without using strong chemicals?

You don’t need strong chemicals to keep your home clean. In fact, natural ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, lemon, and salt are fantastic options. For furniture polish, try using a mixture of olive oil and vinegar, which is surprisingly effective and toxin-free!

Are natural cleaning products as effective as chemical ones?

Cleaning with natural products can be just as effective as using chemical ones. Vinegar can be effective against some germs, but bleach is generally stronger for disinfecting against more resistant pathogens. However, vinegar offers a safer alternative for everyday cleaning without the strong chemicals found in bleach. Scrubbing surfaces with baking soda is a great option, and lemons can cut through grease and leave a fresh, natural scent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are candles and air fresheners harmful?

Some commercial candles and air fresheners may contain chemicals like formaldehyde and phenol, which could affect your health with prolonged exposure. Choosing non-toxic or natural alternatives can help reduce this risk.

Is detergent residue on dishes dangerous?

Some dishwashing detergents may contain chemicals like formaldehyde and chlorine, which could potentially leave a residue on dishes. Using natural detergents or rinsing thoroughly may help minimize any potential residue.

Are the chemicals in household products dangerous?

Some common household cleaners contain chemicals like ammonia, bleach, and formaldehyde, which may contribute to health issues if used in high concentrations or without proper ventilation.