Toxic Chemicals Hiding in Our Homes

Creating a healthier home starts with understanding the hidden chemicals we’re exposed to everyday, such as phthalates. Found in hundreds of thousands of everyday products, phthalates have been linked to serious health issues including hormone disruption, reproductive problems, and even death from heart disease, according to a recent study in the Journal of Environmental Pollution. From flooring to fragrances, being aware of what’s in your home can have a real impact.

“Although it may be nearly impossible to live a completely phthalate-free life and build a phthalates-free home,” says consumer environmental attorney Vineet Dubey of CD Law, “there are a few small steps and conscious choices you can make to live a healthier life.” Vineet’s expert insight on these steps was recently featured in Homes & Gardens.

What Are Phthalates and Why Are They Harmful?

Phthalates are chemicals used to soften plastics and help fragrances last longer. But the problem is, they don’t stay put and are easily transferable.

According to Aminah Taariq-Sidibe of earthday.org, phthalate particles can leach into the air, cling to household dust, and enter the body through inhalation or ingestion. They are also absorbed through the skin.

The good news is that our bodies can quickly eliminate phthalates once exposure stops. This means that reducing contact with these chemicals can lead to noticeable improvements in a short amount of time.

Phthalates in Your Home and Safer Alternatives

Scented air fresheners and scented body products

Scented air fresheners often contain phthalates hidden in the chemicals used to create the fragrance. Body and beauty products that indicate they have a “fragrance” or “perfume” as an additive usually means the product contains phthalates as well.

Vineet warns, “So that ‘spring meadow’ scent may be poisoning you a little bit even as it sweetens the air.”

Safer Alternatives:

• Scented oil diffusers

• Beeswax or soy candles with cotton wicks

• Simmer pots with herbs and spices

• Search your body products for ingredients such as DBP, DEP, DMP, BBP and DIDP, which are common phthalates.

Children’s school supplies and toys

Children’s toys, school supplies, and even their storage containers could be putting your child at risk, especially those made of soft plastic manufactured in China. This is one of the most alarming facts to learn for parents of younger children who put toys in their mouths.

“Parents may be surprised to learn that many school supplies contain phthalates,” says Dubey. “Anything made of soft vinyl – backpacks, pencil bags, notebooks, and vinyl pockets or packaging. Every time your child touches that product, their skin is being exposed to phthalates.” Click HERE to hear more from Vineet about phthalates in school supplies.

Safer alternatives:

• School supplies made from canvas, cotton, or those certified phthalate-free by companies such as OEKO-TEX or GreenGuard.

• Wooden toys, cotton or felt dolls and toys with non-toxic paints.

Vinyl Flooring and Paints

Many types of vinyl flooring including sheet vinyl, luxury vinyl plank (LVP), and vinyl tiles are common and sometimes surprising sources of phthalates. Luckily, in California, newer vinyl flooring products are now labeled “phthalate-free” due to stricter regulations so safer alternatives are easy to spot.

The most common type of paint used globally is acrylic paint, which often contains VOCs and can contain PFAs. Swapping out these paints for a safer alternative is one of the easier product swaps you can pursue.

Flooring and paint alternatives:

• Look for products labeled phthalate-free

• Choose bamboo, hardwood planks, stone, or ceramic tiles

• Choose mineral-based or natural paint brands

Other Everyday Tips to Reduce Phthalate Exposure

• Ditch plastic food containers and non stick cookware when you can

• Opt for natural materials like cotton, glass, linen, or wood around your home

• Choose fragrance-free or phthalate- free personal care products

• Wash your hands regularly, especially before eating, as phthalates can easily travel

• Ventilate your home, dust to reduce chemical buildup, and utilize an air purifier

• Use apps like Yuka to scan products and check for harmful chemicals (this app even works for food!)