19 Hidden Toxins You Need to Remove from your House
Have you already made this important change? If so, give yourself a pat on the back.
If not, it’s an important move that your doctor probably didn’t tell you about.
This change runs against popular lifestyle practices in homes and workplaces in the West.
Remove all chemically scented products from your home.
Typical scented products contain toxins that can harm the nervous system, as well as cause other physical damage. You don’t have to be experiencing symptoms for the products to be causing damage. Complete avoidance is the safest practice.
What items usually include scents?
It’s amazing how many items are scented, from toilet paper to candles. If the product label says “fragrance” or “masking fragrance,” ditch it. Some may use natural essential oils for aroma. These might be OK if no one in the family is allergic or sensitive to the oil, such as a known reaction to natural citrus or pine. But there can also be cross reactions. If for example, if someone is allergic to ragweed, they could crossreact to chamomile. It’s safest to look for totally unscented products.
Keep in mind: human bodies are designed to breathe air — fresh, clean air, not perfumed or chemically altered air!
Personal products
- Body lotions and moisturizers
- Cosmetics
- Deodorants
- Hair gel and mousse
- Hairspray
- Perfumes and colognes
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Shaving cream and aftershave
- Suntan lotion
- Toilet paper and tissues
- Wet wipes
1500 different chemicals can be included in fragranced products without any specific product labeling.
Household products
- Dish soap, handwash and machine
- Fabric softener
- Furniture polish
- Spray, liquid and plug-in air fresheners
- Household cleaners
- Laundry detergents
Miscellaneous
- Children’s play items (scented markers; select toys)
- Pest control: inside, gardens, and outdoors
Once you’ve made these changes at home, it’s a great idea to educate other family members and school staff. These days it is not unusual to see signs that say “No perfumes or scented products allowed” in the workplace or religious facilities. Spread the word!
