8 Toxic chemicals that are often encountered in the home & bull; hello healthy

The chemicals and materials you find in your household can emit dangerous toxins that not only affect indoor air quality, but can also harm the health of you and your family. Side effects range from dizziness and nausea, feeling unwell, allergic reactions, to organ damage.

These household products - which include tile adhesives, plastics, asbestos and concrete, paints, floor cleaners, to camphor - contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs are described by experts as a mixture of various chemicals released from various sources and are at least 10 times more harmful to the body if trapped indoors, especially in children. There are at least 80 thousand chemicals contained in daily household utensils, and approximately 1,300 of them are considered hormone destroyers.

Toxic chemicals lurking inside your home

1. Acetone

Found at: nail polish remover, furniture polish, wallpaper, topical alcohol

When exposed to air, acetone evaporates very quickly and burns easily. Acetone can cause fatal, life-threatening poisoning, but it is very rare because the body is able to break down the large amounts of acetone that is absorbed into the system. In order to become poisoned, you must consume or swallow enormous portions of acetone in a short amount of time. Symptoms of mild acetone poisoning include headache, slurred speech, lethargy, lack of coordination and a sweet taste in the mouth. Therefore, using acetone to remove colorful nail polish should be done outdoors and away from open flames. Always keep products containing acetone out of reach of children.

Alternative: Use a nail polish remover product that says an acetone-free label. The same goes for furniture polishers; Water-based furniture lubricants work just as effectively as products that contain acetone.

2. Benzene

Found at: paint, glue, gases released from carpet, waxes, detergent, emissions from natural gas burning, cigarette smoke, camphor, deodorizer

Benzene evaporates into the air very quickly. The density of benzene vapor is heavier than ordinary air and can sink into low-lying areas. Outdoor air contains small amounts of benzene from tobacco smoke, gas stations, motor vehicle exhaust and industrial emissions. Indoor air generally contains higher levels of benzene than in outdoor air from daily exposure to household products.

Benzene works by disrupting the work of cells in the body. For example, long-term exposure to benzene can cause the bone marrow to not produce enough red blood cells. Benzene can also damage the immune system by changing antibody levels and causing a loss of white blood cells - which can lead to anemia, or worse, leukemia from heavy and prolonged exposure. Some women who inhale large amounts of benzene for months have irregular menstrual cycles and a decrease in the size of their ovaries.

Alternative: Look for household products labeled benzene-free, and as much as possible reduce the use of camphor to dampen bad odors in the home. Fresh lavender flowers, besides being able to beautify the house, their fragrance is effective in driving away musty smells and nuisance insects.

3. Ethanol

Found at: perfume, cologne, hairdressing products, deodorant, shampoo, mouthwash, hand sanitizer, air freshener, furniture polish, dish soap, detergent, clothes softener

Exposure to ethanol which is still within reasonable limits does not always have an impact on health. Most people will be exposed to ethanol from consuming liquor with the ethanol concentration level can vary from 4-45%. However, if you are in contact with large amounts of pure ethanol (oral, skin, or inhaled) the symptoms of poisoning can vary, ranging from nausea to vomiting, skin allergic reactions, seizures, slurred speech, chaotic coordination, burning eyes, to deep extreme case, coma. However, exposure to high concentrations is more likely in work environments such as in industry or laboratories, where pure ethanol is sometimes used. The exposure to ethanol in air and water in the general environment is fairly low because these compounds are easily broken down by sunlight.

Alternative: When using household cleaning products that contain ethanol, be sure to open the windows wide or create an effective air filtration system that will absorb the chemicals.

4. Formalin

Found at: asbestos and concrete, cigarette smoke, burning gas or kerosene compost, pressed wood furniture with adhesives containing urea-formaldehyde (UF) resin, plastic bags

Formaldehyde is a chemical compound derived from combustion and certain natural processes which is widely used by industry to produce building materials and various household products. Thus, there may be traces of formaldehyde in sizable concentrations both indoors and outdoors.

When formaldehyde is present in the air at levels exceeding 0.1 ppm, some people may experience side effects such as watery eyes; burning sensation in the eyes, nose and throat; cough; wheezing sound; nausea; skin irritation; and chest pain. Exposure to high concentrations can trigger asthma attacks in people who have it, it can also cause bronchitis. Formalin has been shown to cause cancer in animals and is suspected of causing cancer in humans.

Alternative: Don't smoke, and especially don't smoke indoors. Keep the windows as wide as possible to let fresh air in, especially if you are using cleaning products and insecticides. Try to keep the temperature indoors at a low, comfortable setting. Also, spend a lot of time outdoors getting as much fresh air as possible. This is especially important for families with children, the elderly or family members with chronic illnesses such as asthma.

5. Toluene

Found in: paint, rubber, dye, glue, printing

Toluene is an excellent solubilizing agent for paints, lacquers, thinners and adhesives. the most common route of exposure is through inhalation. Symptoms of toluene poisoning include CNS effects (headache, dizziness, ataxia, drowsiness, euphoria, hallucinations, tremors, convulsions, and coma), ventricular arrhythmias, chemical pneumonia, respiratory depression, nausea, vomiting, and electrolyte imbalance. People who are exposed to light exposure to toluene vapors do not pose a risk of acute poisoning.

Alternative: Check the paint label to see if the product you are using contains toluene. If so, open each air vents wide open to allow a smooth exchange of fresh air. Paint any furniture or other household items in the open air (garden or driveway) to prevent the paint from releasing harmful gases that can build up in the house.

6. Xylene

Found at: motor vehicle exhaust emissions, paints, varnishes, nail polish, adhesives, rubber cement

Mild to moderate exposure to xylene vapor can cause hot eyes reddening, swelling, watering, blurred vision; and / or mild skin irritation, such as a reddish rash and swelling, dry and itchy skin; irritation of the nose and throat. Exposure to large amounts of xylene is very dangerous, as it can cause central nervous system depression leading to nausea and vomiting as well as headaches, and lightheadedness; to liver and kidney damage, loss of consciousness, respiratory system failure, and even death.

Alternative: Check the paint label to see if the product you are using contains xylene. If so, open each air vents wide open to allow a smooth exchange of fresh air. Paint any furniture or other household items in the open air (garden or driveway) to prevent the paint from releasing harmful gases that can build up in the house. Never leave a car engine running in a closed garage.

7. Phthalate

Found at: tiles, shower curtains, synthetic leather, household utensils made of PVC vinyl (to make plastics flexible and pliable), air freshener products (phthalate is used to keep perfume from evaporating); nail polish, wall paint, furniture varnish; cling wrap and plastic food containers

Studies reveal that boys born to mothers with high concentrations of phthalates in their systems suffer from abnormalities in their genitals. These chemicals interfere with testosterone and estradiol, hormones that affect breast development. Studies have found that women who have breast cancer have higher levels of phthalates than women who don't have cancer.

Alternative: Avoid any room fresheners that contain synthetic fragrances, such as fresh chalk or aerosol sprays. Avoid household utensils made from vinyl, and always store your food in glass, ceramic, or stainless steel containers.

8.Bisphenol A (BPA)

Found at: canned food containers, plastic household utensils, old plastic drinking bottles (before 2012), old model baby milk bottles (before 2011), shopping receipts

Production of BPA actually started in the 1930s as a synthetic estrogen administered to women. So it's not surprising that exposure to these chemicals leads to hormonal changes, such as decreased sperm production, precocious puberty in girls, and infertility in adults. Lab studies also suspect that exposure to high concentrations of BPA can cause miscarriage. BPA also disrupts the body's metabolism and plays a role in heart disease, obesity and diabetes.

Alternative: Always prioritize buying fresh or frozen foods over canned foods. You can also limit the risk of additional exposure by refusing to buy an absolutely unnecessary receipt.

You can prevent household pollution by placing indoor freshener plants in strategic places. To find out the best air purifier houseplants, click here.