Sure, the traditional chemical-based kitchen cleaner is toxic – but you already knew that. Forbes’ list of the Top Ten Most Toxic Household Items has some surprising (to me) culprits.
Baby care products – think flame retardants used in high chairs, cribs, and even nursing pillows. How about a side of PBDE with that order of fresh from the tap breastmilk?
Vinyl flooring and shower curtains – Okay, I admit, I love the smell of a vinyl shower curtain. I know that is just weird but that smell makes me smile. Perhaps I’m getting a bit of a buzz from the phthalates that are being off gassed?
Nonstick pots and pans – Teflon is great but if a Teflon-coated pan gets too hot, it can flake and off gas PTFE. I believe the recommendation is to get a nice cast iron pan instead – anyone know a good alternative?
Consumer electronics – power cables can have phthalates. This is one that I knew and so I try to keep the kids away from the cords for more than just the electrical shock risk.
Hard plastic bottles and containers – another non-surprise for me. Guess what these might contain? If you guessed BPA, you’re right. I love my Klean Kanteens.
Insulation – Good thing we don’t let the kids play in the attic. When I was a kid I ended up with some nasty flecks of fiberglass in my skin after playing with some cool pink insulation. I know insulation is different now but that experience was enough to make me weary of letting kids around the fluffy stuff.
Air fresheners and cleaners – I’ve written about this before, check out my Alternatives to Air Fresheners article for some neat ideas.
Cosmetics – These are nasty. Phthalates, parabens, and other nastiness are used to make makeup, deodorant, hair care products, nail polish, and more. Check out this Whole Foods Podcast on Natural Cosmetics.
Carpets – Teflon dangers are back, this time in your carpet and even treated furniture. Unfortunately we have a house full of carpet and a daughter with asthma. We’re planning on moving within 2 years and will be foregoing the carpet – I’m thinking bamboo floors.
Personal hygiene products – Soaps and lotions can have triclocarban, phthalates, and other toxins.
Did anything on this list surprise you? What are your favorite alternatives for some of these toxic household items?
Photo: SierraTierra
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
I was surprised by the cosmetics. I don’t use any cosmetics, so I’ve never really looked into them. And the carpets, I shall have to think about that before buying again.
I use very little in the way of cosmetics myself. I know that there are more eco-friendly ways to install carpet as well as carpet with post-consumer recycled content, etc.
You’ve really helped all of us by posting such a complete list! No matter how hard we try to avoid exposure to these “bad” products, it often seems like there’s no escape. Of great concern are the items for babies and young kids, as they are more susceptible to the dangers lurking in these chemicals. Become a vigilant label reader and remember that some of the “old” tried-and-true products remain the best choices, like baking soda for general cleaning and air freshening, and vinegar for window cleaning.
Hi Melissa,
Thanks for the comment. I was happy to see Forbes’ list put out – I think that it helps people find a place to start when they start their “going green” journey.
I totally agree your suggestion to become a vigilant label reader – baking soda and vinegar are great and can be bought in bulk, inexpensively.
Warmly,
Melissa
{ 1 trackback }