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Phthalates -

Phthalates are everywhere, from hair spray, perfumes, and nail polish, to food packaging and other plastics. Swallowing or inhaling phthalates could affect human reproduction and development, and even cause cancer.

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Azodicarbonamide -

Spongy plastic materials, like yoga mats and flip-flops, contain azodicarbonamide, a chemical linked to increasing the risk of respiratory issues or skin irritation.

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Triclosan -

Banned by the FDA in soaps, this antimicrobial chemical is still found in toothpaste. If accumulated on your toothbrush, it can easily absorb into your bloodstream and cause hormonal and gut issues.

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Bisphenol A -

Linked to birth defects, cancer, and reproductive toxicity, bisphenol A, also known as BPA, is found in 40% of canned food bought at grocery stores.

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Perfluoroalkyl -

Perfluoroalkyl (PFAS) is a chemical mostly used to make surfaces resistant to stains and stickiness. They are found in pizza boxes, frying pans, food wrappers, and even furniture and clothes. High exposures to it can cause disrupted regulatory systems, developmental issues in children, or even cancer.

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Flame retardants -

Furniture companies used to use chemicals called flame retardants to prevent fires caused by cigarettes. However, these chemicals have been linked to cancer, reduced IQ, and hyperactivity. The good news is that many companies have removed them altogether.

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Volatile organic compounds -

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are dangerous chemicals often found in cleaning products. They can cause cancer, damage the liver, kidneys and central nervous system, as well as irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. So it may be a good idea to replace them with cleaners that are natural and chemical-free.

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Polybrominated diphenyl ethers -

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) are used as flame retardants in mattresses. Unfortunately, it's a toxic chemical that can cause neurobehavioral effects in humans, so it's best to go for a natural, non-toxic mattress.

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Toluene -

Though candles are super relaxing and cozy, they contain toxic chemicals that spread around your home, which can put your health at risk.

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Atrazine -

Atrazine is a pesticide used in crops, which is also found in American tap water. It has been linked to serious health issues, like learning difficulties, reproductive issues, and cancer.

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1,4-Dioxane -

1,4-Dioxane is a synthetic chemical found in dyes, deodorants, shampoos, and cosmetics, as well as some food supplements. They are known to cause eye, nose, and throat irritation, as well as kidney and liver damage.

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Chloroform -

Chloroform is a chemical that is frequently released into the air through the chlorination of drinkable tap water, swimming pools, and wastewater. Breathing it in has been found to cause liver problems, cancer, and even depression.

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Mercury -

High levels of mercury in the body can cause many health issues, especially in pregnant women, as it can impact the health and development of the fetus. The exposure is most common in fish and seafood, but it's also found in batteries, thermometers, and lamps.

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Nonylphenols -

Often found in laundry detergents and personal hygiene products, this chemical has been shown to cause reproductive and developmental problems.

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Perchlorate -

Commonly found in rocket fuel, fireworks, and airbags, this chemical is also present in milk and drinkable tap water. It's linked to imbalance in thyroid hormones, which is responsible for regulating the metabolism, as well as brain and organ development in children.

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Formaldehyde -

Formaldehyde is a chemical found in many products you have at home, from cleaning products to cosmetics, shampoos, and lotions. It's been found to cause cancer in humans.

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Lead -

Lead has been found to cause everything from brain damage, hearing loss, and kidney damage, to miscarriage. It's commonly found in old paint, as well as drinkable tap water, so make sure you use a water filter.

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Dioxins -

Found in animal products, specifically meat, dairy, and fish, dioxins can mess up your hormones. It can affect your reproductive and immune systems, and also cause cancer.

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DEET -

Used in many insect repellents, DEET can cause some health issues. Using a high concentration of it could lead to skin and mucous membrane irritation, as well as rashes and blisters.

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Paraffin -

Paraffin is waste from petroleum manufacturing, which is found in candles and air fresheners. This can cause health issues to the respiratory system.

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PFSAS -

It might be a good idea to stop with microwaved popcorn. The bags from many brands contain toxic chemicals called PFSAS, which enter the popcorn while it's cooking. This can cause many issues like affecting the immune system and risking cancer and kidney toxicity.

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Organophosphates -

Organophosphate pesticides account for almost half of all pesticides used for crops in the US. Higher levels of these pesticides have been found to increase rates of ADHD in children.

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Polyvinyl chloride -

Polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, is known as the most toxic plastic for health and the environment. It’s made of harmful chemicals that can sadly be found in water and food, which is how it can get into our bodies.

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Arsenic -

Arsenic is known as a deadly ingredient in rat poison, but it's also commonly found in seafood like clams, oysters, scallops, and mussels, as well as drinkable tap water. Unfortunately, even small levels can lead to skin, bladder, and lung cancer. 

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Perfluorinated chemicals -

Perfluorinated chemicals (PFC) are found in many home products like mattresses, carpets, cookware, and food packaging. These chemicals have been linked to changes in thyroid hormone levels, ADHD, and issues with the liver and pancreas.

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Polytetrafluoroethylene -

Polytetrafluoroethylene, or PTFE, is a chemical created to give cookware non-stick surfaces for easy cleanup. The issue is that any overheating could cause you to breathe in fumes that could lead to flu-like symptoms.

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TXIB -

TXIB, a type of plastic, is a replacement chemical for BPA. Though it's a less harmful chemical, research has found that children can still be at risk when exposed to high amounts.

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Aluminum -

While aluminum is found in everything from beverage cans to pans, people are usually exposed to it via food, like flour and coloring agents. Being exposed to high levels can cause Alzheimer's disease, as well as bone or brain diseases in those with kidney issues.

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Air pollutants -

Air pollution from fossil fuels such as coal, oil, or gas is usually associated with respiratory issues. Higher exposure to these has been associated with preterm deliveries, heart defects, and lower birth weights.

Sources: (CNN) (The Guardian) (Global Citizen) 

See also: The truth about microplastics

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