Harmful Chemicals in Common Household Products: 5 Healthier Options

This past month has been brutal. The day before my birthday, our Wedding Anniversary, and Valentine’s Day, I came down with Covid. A week later, my husband had the same symptoms. We were on the struggle bus. However, I am happy to report we are finally feeling great and I can write again!

I don’t know about you, but one thing I have been making sure I do is be more conscious about what I put on me or in me. I try to buy as much organic food as possible even though it can be expensive. The other thing I have tried to do is swap out items that have chemicals that are very harmful.

Yes, this can be quite pricey. Yes, it can also be an adjustment when items you purchase aren’t quite like the ones with the harmful chemicals. I can tell you the long term benefits outweigh those two issues.

I remember hearing recently to not transition everything right away. It will take baby steps to get to the point where the items you purchase are healthier and contain less harmful chemicals.

Chemicals Found in Household Items

Disclaimer: I am no scientist and I am not a doctor so what I have to say is just from what I have read up on and what I find to be true for me and my family!

These are some of the chemicals that are found in common household items. These items could be causing you to have headaches, not feel well, may make it difficult to get pregnant, and in years to come, could cause cancer and other health issues.

1. Phthalates- Found in soaps, shampoos, lubricating oils, plastic, vinyl flooring, among other household items.
2. Formaldehyde-Found in air fresheners, cosmetics, wallpaper and paint, synthetic fabrics, glues, cosmetics, hair straighteners, and detergents.
3. Sulfates-Found in shampoos, hand soaps, body washes, and toothpastes.
4. Parabens-Found in shampoos, conditioners, other hair products, moisturizers and lotions, make up, and even shaving creams.
5. Bleach-Found in cleaning products
6. Pesticides and artificial fertilizers-Found in food, household cleaning products, dishtowels, antibacterial hand soap.

These are just a few of the harmful chemicals. Lately, I have been thinking about the number of friends, family, and friends of family or friends who have been diagnosed with cancer. I have heard that we all have cancer cells inside of us. Those cancer cells can be activated by our body’s health. Knowing this has caused me to start thinking about what I put on my body, in my body, and what I use around the house. I want to give myself and my children a chance of a long, healthy life.

Items That Do Not Contain Harmful Chemicals

The following products are ones that I personally use. I can say my headaches are minimal even though I have a ways to go when it comes to using safer products.

1. DR SUDS laundry detergent. This was one of the easier choices for me. I was looking for a product that was clean, good for the environment, and was not controversial. We wear our clothes 24/7, why not make sure that what is washing them is good for us and the environment? I have seen a difference with my clothes after I started using this detergent as opposed to one that has a number in it and is about generations. Often times, my son’s clothes still smelled after washing a small load. Now, his clothes do not smell.
2. Grab Green Newborn Baby Laundry Detergent Pods-My babies also deserve the best. My 5 month old no longer has small bumps on her and these are easy to use.
3. Dime Perfume– Recently, I learned how harmful the chemicals in perfume are. Since we inhale these, they go on our skin and my baby girl is up against me a lot, I chose to look for a cleaner option.
4. The Earthling Co Shampoo and Conditioner – I never thought I would try the shampoo and conditioner that come in the form of a bar, but I did. As I mentioned above, parabens and sulfates fill up most shampoos and conditioners. This option is also good for the environment since they do not come in the form of a bottle.
5. Avalon Organic Hand and Body Lotion – So here is a thing about me, I take 2 showers. Yes, one in the morning and one quick rinse off in the evening before bed. After each shower, I apply lotion. Since I know my

Slow and Steady

It is not easy to change everything at once. Unless you can afford or you have access to more natural items, it is okay to slowly eliminate any harmful items in your home. Change out one item one week, then another the next week. Slowly, you will have more natural and safer items in your home.

This is also not something you may be able to keep up with the Joneses. What one family is able to do may not be something you are able to do. Don’t beat yourself up over it. I see posts every day containing the natural ways a mom was able to transform her home. Everything in her home was considered “safe”. That is wonderful news and I am happy that mom, but realistically, that isn’t possible for me. I am happy to have made the change I have made and that is what matters most.