Are you waking up to the impacts of chemicals on human health in our modern world? While you might be concerned about greenhouse gases and clean water, there are other chemicals hiding out in your home and body care products that could be causing more damage than you realize. From PFAS in your cookware to lauryl sulfates in your toothpaste, there are chemicals quietly eroding your health. While you don’t need to do an overhaul all at once, here are some chemicals to start looking for and making healthier swaps when possible.
PFAS and Forever Chemicals
Forever chemicals are those substances that once you ingest them, they stick around in your body for a long time and are notoriously hard to detox from. You’ll find PFAS in common products like nonstick cookware, dental floss and even some waterproof makeup. The real danger is that these chemicals don’t leave very easily. They are the unwanted guest that sticks around damaging your cells, impacting your hormones, and even affecting your immune function.
To cut down on these chemicals, look for products labeled as PFAS-free. Since these chemicals are often found in kitchen products and waterproof items, those are the areas you want to focus on in your efforts.
Lauryl Sulfates
You know when you brush your teeth and it gets all foamy or you lather your shampoo in your hair? The chemical giving these important body care products this frothy effect is called sodium lauryl sulfate or another sulfate. The problem with this sudsy chemical is that it can cause real harm for your health. Unfortunately, it strips away the protective oils in your mouth and on your skin. So if you have sensitive gums, dry skin, or even eczema, you’ll want to choose a toothpaste without lauryl sulfate to help keep your body healthy.
You can find effective toothpaste and shampoo options that clean and protect just fine, even without the foamy lather. Look for labels that say SLS-free or even look for options that have ingredients that don’t sound like a chemistry lab.
Artificial Food Dyes
It’s been all over the news and they are in countless food, cosmetic, and body care products. You’ll find Red 40, yellow 5, or blue 1 in everything from marshmallows to spicy chips. Unfortunately, for so many people, these bright and vibrant colors have some serious side effects. Synthetic dyes are banned or regulated in European countries, but in the USA, it’s like the wild west.
These dyes are often implicated in mood swings, violent outbursts, difficulties navigating emotions, and even severe mental health issues. Plus, for kids, they can increase hyperactivity. Many natural brands use plant-based pigments instead. And while they aren’t as vibrant, they don’t have the same detrimental effects as synthetic colors. Look for labels that say they don’t have artificial dyes and watch out for the ways they sneak into medications and other products.
Artificial Fragrances
Speaking of artificial, fragrances are another area that can be a literal chemical bomb. Whether you love the smell of Tommy, enjoy a good laundry scent, or you love to use air freshener, you might want to rethink your choices. Artificial fragrances can exacerbate or cause lung issues including asthma. They also contain hormone disrupting chemicals that can impact your body’s overall function. Plus, some people with sensitive skin can get a rash from the fragrance in their favorite lotions.
If you love a good scent, look to options that use herbs, essential oils, or even options that don’t have phthalates or parabens. Going unscented or low-scent can have positive impacts on your health. Using essential oil based perfumes or even infused waters for a good smell can give you the feel good effects without causing harm.
Triclosan Products
While antibacterial and antimicrobial ingredients are essential for shelf-stability, some of them just aren’t that good for you. Triclosan could once be found in soap, toothpaste, hand sanitizers, and even on your clothing. This bacteria busting chemical can keep you from getting some bacterial infections, but long-term use can create more antibacterial resistant microbes that are even harder to kill off.
While it’s banned by the FDA in hand soaps, it does still pop up in many different types of products. The good news is that regular soap and water, when used correctly, can give you the hand cleaning you need to stay healthy. And when you’re on the go, you can use an alcohol based hand sanitizer free from triclosan.
Image by Kaboompics.com from Pexels
The editorial staff of Medical News Bulletin had no role in the preparation of this post. The views and opinions expressed in this post are those of the advertiser and do not reflect those of Medical News Bulletin. Medical News Bulletin does not accept liability for any loss or damages caused by the use of any products or services, nor do we endorse any products, services, or links in our Sponsored Articles.
Are you waking up to the impacts of chemicals on human health in our modern world? While you might be concerned about greenhouse gases and clean water, there are other chemicals hiding out in your home and body care products that could be causing more damage than you realize. From PFAS in your cookware to lauryl sulfates in your toothpaste, there are chemicals quietly eroding your health. While you don’t need to do an overhaul all at once, here are some chemicals to start looking for and making healthier swaps when possible.
PFAS and Forever Chemicals
Forever chemicals are those substances that once you ingest them, they stick around in your body for a long time and are notoriously hard to detox from. You’ll find PFAS in common products like nonstick cookware, dental floss and even some waterproof makeup. The real danger is that these chemicals don’t leave very easily. They are the unwanted guest that sticks around damaging your cells, impacting your hormones, and even affecting your immune function.
To cut down on these chemicals, look for products labeled as PFAS-free. Since these chemicals are often found in kitchen products and waterproof items, those are the areas you want to focus on in your efforts.
Lauryl Sulfates
You know when you brush your teeth and it gets all foamy or you lather your shampoo in your hair? The chemical giving these important body care products this frothy effect is called sodium lauryl sulfate or another sulfate. The problem with this sudsy chemical is that it can cause real harm for your health. Unfortunately, it strips away the protective oils in your mouth and on your skin. So if you have sensitive gums, dry skin, or even eczema, you’ll want to choose a toothpaste without lauryl sulfate to help keep your body healthy.
You can find effective toothpaste and shampoo options that clean and protect just fine, even without the foamy lather. Look for labels that say SLS-free or even look for options that have ingredients that don’t sound like a chemistry lab.
Artificial Food Dyes
It’s been all over the news and they are in countless food, cosmetic, and body care products. You’ll find Red 40, yellow 5, or blue 1 in everything from marshmallows to spicy chips. Unfortunately, for so many people, these bright and vibrant colors have some serious side effects. Synthetic dyes are banned or regulated in European countries, but in the USA, it’s like the wild west.
These dyes are often implicated in mood swings, violent outbursts, difficulties navigating emotions, and even severe mental health issues. Plus, for kids, they can increase hyperactivity. Many natural brands use plant-based pigments instead. And while they aren’t as vibrant, they don’t have the same detrimental effects as synthetic colors. Look for labels that say they don’t have artificial dyes and watch out for the ways they sneak into medications and other products.
Artificial Fragrances
Speaking of artificial, fragrances are another area that can be a literal chemical bomb. Whether you love the smell of Tommy, enjoy a good laundry scent, or you love to use air freshener, you might want to rethink your choices. Artificial fragrances can exacerbate or cause lung issues including asthma. They also contain hormone disrupting chemicals that can impact your body’s overall function. Plus, some people with sensitive skin can get a rash from the fragrance in their favorite lotions.
If you love a good scent, look to options that use herbs, essential oils, or even options that don’t have phthalates or parabens. Going unscented or low-scent can have positive impacts on your health. Using essential oil based perfumes or even infused waters for a good smell can give you the feel good effects without causing harm.
Triclosan Products
While antibacterial and antimicrobial ingredients are essential for shelf-stability, some of them just aren’t that good for you. Triclosan could once be found in soap, toothpaste, hand sanitizers, and even on your clothing. This bacteria busting chemical can keep you from getting some bacterial infections, but long-term use can create more antibacterial resistant microbes that are even harder to kill off.
While it’s banned by the FDA in hand soaps, it does still pop up in many different types of products. The good news is that regular soap and water, when used correctly, can give you the hand cleaning you need to stay healthy. And when you’re on the go, you can use an alcohol based hand sanitizer free from triclosan.
Image by Kaboompics.com from Pexels
The editorial staff of Medical News Bulletin had no role in the preparation of this post. The views and opinions expressed in this post are those of the advertiser and do not reflect those of Medical News Bulletin. Medical News Bulletin does not accept liability for any loss or damages caused by the use of any products or services, nor do we endorse any products, services, or links in our Sponsored Articles.
