10 Things You Think Are Healthy, but Aren't
September 16, 2015
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By Dr. Mercola
Awareness is increasing that many household goods, from your personal care products and food packaging to your couch cushions, could harbor dangerous chemicals. Less well known is the fact that even seemingly healthy products may turn out to be bad for you.
If you have any of these "healthy" or at the very least innocuous-seeming items around your home, you may want to think twice…
10 'Healthy' Items Your Home Is Better Off Without
1. Antibacterial Soap
Washing your hands is your number one protection against the acquisition
and spread of infectious disease. But you do not need to use
antibacterial soap to get the job done.
Studies have shown that people who use antibacterial soaps and cleansers
develop a cough, runny nose, sore throat, fever, vomiting, diarrhea,
and other symptoms just as often as people who use regular soaps.1
Part of the reason for this is because most of these symptoms are actually caused by viruses,
which antibacterial soaps can't kill. But even for symptoms like
vomiting and diarrhea, which may be caused by bacteria, using
antibacterial soaps will offer you no advantage over plain soap and
water.2
So, the rational conclusion is antibacterial soaps are completely unnecessary for the purpose of washing away bacteria.
A 2007 systematic review published in the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases
confirmed that antibacterial soap containing triclosan did not provide
any additional benefit compared with a non-antibacterial soap.3
Antibacterial soap, will, however, expose you to triclosan, an antibacterial chemical that has been linked to concerns over antibiotic resistance and
endocrine disruption.
Some animal studies showed that triclosan
caused fetal bone malformations in mice and rats, which may hint at
hormonal effects. Triclosan has also been found to cause estrogenic
activities in human breast cancer cells, which may stimulate the growth
and development of cancer cells.4
2. Your Chair
At the molecular level, your body was designed to be active and on
the move all day long. When you stop moving for extended periods of
time, such as by sitting, it's like telling your body it's time to shut
down and prepare for death.
Research published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology,
for instance, showed that women who sit for 10 or more hours a day may
have a significantly greater risk of developing heart disease than those
who sit for five hours or less.5
Research published in Diabetologia also found that those who sat for the longest periods of time were twice as likely to have diabetes or heart disease, compared to those who sat the least.6 Sitting for more than eight hours a day has also been associated with a 90 percent increased risk of type 2 diabetes.7
Excess sitting may increase your risk of colon, breast, and
endometrial cancers, and the more hours you spend sitting in a day, the
shorter your lifespan may be.
One study found, for instance,
that reducing the average time you spend sitting down to less than three
hours a day could increase your life expectancy by two years.8
The evidence is overwhelming at this point — 10,000 studies and
growing — that prolonged sitting will reduce your lifespan by promoting
dozens of chronic diseases, even if you exercise regularly. I believe
the answer is to stand up as much as possible (aiming for less than three hours of sitting daily).
If you work a desk job, a standing workstation will be instrumental
for achieving this goal, and I also recommend getting 10,000 steps a day
via daily walk, in addition to regular high-intensity exercises.
3. Whitening or Antibacterial Toothpaste
Whitening toothpastes may be grittier in order to scrub stains off
your teeth, but the grit may actually wear away your enamel or make your
teeth and gums more sensitive. Also be on the lookout for antibacterial
toothpaste, like Colgate Total, which contains triclosan.
In addition, many commercial brands may be loaded with toxic toothpaste ingredients, like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), artificial sweeteners,
fluoride, propylene glycol, and microbeads. The latter pose a risk to
the environment and have been found getting trapped under patients'
gums.
This gives food and bacteria an entrance to your gum line, which could actually cause gum disease.9 It's possible to make your own toothpaste and avoid many of the pitfalls of commercial varieties. You can find two homemade toothpaste recipes here.
4. Cotton Swabs
Your ears should have a healthy amount of earwax,
as they're a self-cleaning part of your body. Excess earwax should move
out of your ear canal automatically, as cells there actually migrate
naturally.
The removal of earwax is also helped along by movements of your jaw
(talking, chewing, etc.), and once it reaches your outer ear it will
simply fall out or be removed when you shower or bathe.
According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck
Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF), under ideal circumstances your ear canals
should never have to be cleaned, especially with cotton swabs. They
state:10
"Unfortunately, many people mistakenly believe that earwax should be
routinely removed for personal hygiene. This is not so. In fact,
attempting to remove earwax with cotton-tipped swabs, bobby pins, or
other probing devices can result in damage to the ear, including trauma,
impaction of the earwax, or even temporary deafness.
These objects only push the wax in deeper, and can block the ear canal entirely."
Under normal circumstances, earwax is only produced in the outer
one-third of your ear canal. One of the primary risks of cotton swabs is
they can push the earwax into the deeper part of your ear canal, near
the eardrum. As AAO-HNSF noted:11
"When a patient has wax blockage against the eardrum, it is often
because he has been probing the ear with such things as cotton-tipped
applicators, bobby pins, or twisted napkin corners. These objects only
push the wax in deeper."
When earwax is pushed deep into your ear where it doesn't belong, it
can bring fungus, bacteria, and viruses from the outer ear into the
inner ear, increasing the risk of infection. It can also block your ear
canal, leading to hearing loss, or even cause a ruptured eardrum.
It's a vicious cycle, too, because the more you rub your ears with
cotton swabs, the more histamine will be released, which makes your skin
irritated and inflamed. This, in turn, may make you want to insert a
cotton swab again, leading to additional dryness and irritation.12
5. Humidifier
During the winter months, heaters and cold temperatures may lead to dry air with low humidity.
This dry air can lead to dry skin, irritated sinuses and throat, and
itchy eyes. Over time, exposure to low humidity can even dry out and
inflame the mucous membrane lining your respiratory tract. When this
natural barrier is no longer working properly, it increases your risk of
colds, the flu, and other infections.
You may be tempted to add humidity to your home's air using a
humidifier, and this is a sensible solution as long as it doesn't
backfire. You must be very careful about making sure your humidity
levels are not too high, as high humidity will cause mold to grow, which could devastate your health.
Additionally, the moist, warm environment of a humidifier is a breeding
ground for bacteria and fungi, which travel out of the unit via a "toxic
mist" that you later breathe in.
Research has shown that breathing in dirty mist from humidifiers can
lead to lung problems, including infection, and humidifier use is
actually associated with an increased risk of developing asthma in children.13
So if you choose to use a humidifier, do so sparingly, making sure
humidity levels do not get too high. A hygrometer, which you can find at
most hardware stores, can measure the amount of moisture in your home's
air so you can adjust your humidifier use accordingly. Some humidifiers
also have a hygrometer built in.
According to Dr. Robert Ivker, D.O., former president of the American Holistic Medical Association, the ideal level of relative humidity for sinus health
is between 35 to 45 percent. This level is also generally recommended
to avoid mold damage in your home. As far as using a humidifier goes,
you'll also need to make sure you clean it often, at least once every
three days using hydrogen peroxide to remove any film or mineral
deposits.
The water in the reservoir should be changed daily, and be sure the area
around it (tabletops, windows, carpeting, curtains, etc.) are kept dry.
If you have a central air heating system, the best humidifier is one
that is built directly over your furnace and tied into a humidistat and
water source so the entire process is automated and your home is evenly
humidified.
6. Loofah
A loofah provides a perfect environment for bacteria, fungi, and mold to
grow, especially when kept in the warm, humid confines of your bathroom
or shower. As you run it over your skin, it's possible that small
wounds (including tiny nicks from shaving) could be infected, leading to
impetigo, folliculitis, or other skin issues.14
If you love to loofah, choose one made of a natural fiber, which will
naturally contain enzymes to inhibit microbial growth, and replace it
monthly. After each use, wring it out and allow it to dry thoroughly –
and store it in a cool, dry spot.
7. Blender
Blenders are handy for whipping up healthy morning smoothies… but if
you're not washing yours properly, it could be a problem. The blender
gasket (the rubber ring that holds the blade portion of the blender in
place) has been found to be the third germiest item in the kitchen, and
research showed it commonly harbored salmonella, E. coli, yeast, and
mold.15
The solution is simple – when you're done using your blender, be sure
to disassemble it completely and wash each part, including the gasket,
well.
8. Nail Tools
Pumice stones, cuticle clippers, and other nail tools harbor bacteria
from your skin. If you neglect to wash them, they could potentially
cause skin infections (this is especially true if you share your nail
tools with friends or family members). Nail tools should be washed with
soap and water after each use, and pumice stones should be replaced
every three to four weeks.
9. Rubber Spatula
Rubber spatulas were found to be even germier than blender
gaskets, coming in at the second germiest item in the kitchen. The
problem is that most people do not pull the spatula head off the handle
when cleaning, which allows E. coli, yeast, and mold to grow. If your
spatula comes apart, always remove the head and wash each piece
separately. If not, pay special attention to the joint between the head
and the handle when washing.
10. Stuffed Animals
Stuffed animals are known to collect dust mites, which are a major cause
of indoor dust allergies. If you're allergic, exposure can lead to
sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and other symptoms. If your child
can't part with theirs, cut the number down to one or two kept on the
bed, with the rest stored on a shelf. You can also put the stuffed
animals in a plastic bag and leave it in the freezer overnight, as the
cold will kill the dust mites.
Do Scented Candles, Incense, and Air Fresheners Cause Cancer, Allergies, and Asthma?
Many people enjoy the ambience that scented candles, incense, and air
fresheners can add to their home, but with that pleasant scent come some
hidden health risks. Such products are known to contain volatile
organic compounds (VOCs), allergens, phthalates, and cancer-causing
chemicals such as benzene and formaldehyde. Many of the chemicals
emitted by these products have been linked to hormone disruption,
allergies, asthma, and even cancerous mutations in DNA.
In one recent study, scented candles were found to act as potent sources
of VOC emissions whether they were lit or not, and when lit,
formaldehyde had the highest emission concentration.16
Incense sticks and air fresheners have also been shown to contribute to
poor indoor air quality, including the release of benzene.17 The Daily Mail further reported:18
"In 2013, after a study of more than 2,000 pregnant women, the International Journal of Public Health
reported that women who used air fresheners in their homes were
significantly more likely to have babies that suffered from wheezing and
lung infections. One study that followed 14,000 children from before
and after birth found they had higher levels of diarrhea and earache,
while their mothers had raised risks of headaches and depression, all
linked to the frequent use of air fresheners and aerosols during
pregnancy and early childhood.
A 2007 study also found that using air fresheners as little as once a
week can raise the risk of asthma in adults. The same report found that
the risk of developing asthma was up to 50 percent higher in people who
had been exposed to air-freshener sprays."
Chemicals in Personal Care Products Linked to Increased Risk of Miscarriage
Chemicals known as phthalates, which are used as plasticizers in
everything from vinyl flooring to detergents, hoses, raincoats,
adhesives, air fresheners, and toys — and even in many soaps, shampoos, lotions, nail polish, and other personal care products.
Phthalates are one of the groups of "gender-bending" chemicals causing males of all species to become more female. Research conducted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) discovered high levels of phthalates in all 289 adult Americans tested,
and the levels of some phthalates in women of childbearing age exceeded
the government's safe levels set to protect against birth defects,
leading scientists to conclude phthalate exposures are "much higher and
more common than previously suspected.19
A new study also revealed that women with higher levels of phthalates
in their urine were more likely to have miscarriages between 5 and 13
weeks of pregnancy than those with lower levels.20
These chemicals have disrupted the endocrine systems of wildlife as
well, causing testicular cancer, genital deformations, low sperm counts,
and infertility in a number of species, including polar bears, deer,
whales, and otters, just to name a few. Scientists believe phthalates
are responsible for a similar pattern in humans as well, and they have
been linked to:
| Impaired ovulatory cycles and polycystic ovary disease (PCOS) | "Decreased
dysgenesis syndrome": A syndrome involving cryptorchidism (undescended
testicles), hypospadias (birth defect in which opening of urethra is on
the underside of the penis instead of at the end), oligospermia (low
sperm count), and testicular cancer |
| Interference with sexual differentiation in utero | Enlarged prostate glands |
| Disturbed lactation | Numerous hormonal disruptions |
| Early or delayed puberty | Breast cancer and uterine fibroids |
How to Create a Healthier Home
While it's important to carefully wash items like your blender to remove
germs, and replace loofahs regularly to avoid infections, by far the
greatest risks in your home come from the chemicals in common household
products. The fewer ingredients a product contains, the better, and try
to make sure anything you put on or in your body – or use around your
home – contains only substances you're familiar with. If you can't
pronounce it, you probably don't want it anywhere near your family. The
following tips will help you to create a healthier home, naturally.
- As much as possible, buy and eat organic produce and free-range,
organic meats to reduce your exposure to added hormones, pesticides, and
fertilizers. Also avoid milk and other dairy products that contain the
genetically engineered recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH or rBST).
- Rather than eating conventional or farm-raised fish, which are often
heavily contaminated with PCBs and mercury, supplement with a
high-quality purified krill oil, eat smaller fish, or fish that is
wild-caught and lab tested for purity. Wild caught Alaskan salmon is
about the only fish I eat for these reasons.
- Buy products that come in glass bottles or jars rather than plastic
or canned, since chemicals can leach out of plastics and into the
contents.
- Store your food and beverages in glass rather than plastic, and avoid using plastic wrap.
- Use glass baby bottles and avoid plastic sippy cups for your little ones.
- Eat mostly raw, fresh foods. Processed, prepackaged foods (of all kinds) are a common source of chemicals such as BPA and phthalates.
- Replace your non-stick pots and pans with ceramic or glass cookware.
- Filter your tap water — both for drinking and bathing. If you can
only afford to do one, filtering your bathing water may be more
important, as your skin absorbs contaminants. To remove the
endocrine-disrupting herbicide Atrazine, make sure the filter is
certified to remove it. According to the Environmental Working Group
(EWG), perchlorate can be filtered out using a reverse osmosis filter.
- Look for products that are made by companies that are
earth-friendly, animal-friendly, green, non-toxic, and/or 100% organic.
This applies to everything from food and personal care products to
building materials, carpeting, paint, baby items, upholstery, and more.
- Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to remove house dust, which is often contaminated with traces of chemicals.
- When buying new products such as furniture, mattresses, or carpet
padding, ask what type of fire retardant it contains. Be mindful of
and/or avoid items containing PBDEs, antimony, formaldehyde, boric acid,
and other brominated chemicals. As you replace these toxic items around
your home, select those that contain naturally less flammable
materials, such as leather, wool and cotton.
- Avoid stain- and water-resistant clothing, furniture, and carpets to avoid perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs).
- Minimize your use of plastic baby and child toys, opting for those made of natural wood or fabric instead.
- Only use natural cleaning products in your home or make your own.
Avoid products that contain 2-butoxyethanol (EGBE) and methoxydiglycol
(DEGME) — two toxic glycol ethers that can damage fertility and cause
fetal harm.21
- Switch over to organic brands of toiletries such as shampoo,
toothpaste, antiperspirants, and cosmetics. You can replace many
different products with coconut oil and baking soda, for example. EWG has a great database22
to help you find personal care products that are free of phthalates and
other potentially dangerous chemicals. I also offer one of the highest
quality organic skin care lines, shampoo and conditioner, and body
butter that are completely natural and safe.
- Replace feminine hygiene products like tampons and sanitary pads with safer alternatives.
- Avoid artificial air fresheners, dryer sheets, fabric softeners, or other synthetic fragrances.
- Look for products that are fragrance-free. One artificial fragrance
can contain hundreds – even thousands – of potentially toxic chemicals.
- Replace your vinyl shower curtain with one made of fabric.
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