The fact that we live in a consumer-focused society is undeniable. We love buying new products and often stick with our favorite brands for years. While this can have a significant impact on our finances, few of us stop to think about the ingredients used in some of our everyday items.
The things we buy can have a lasting impact on our physical health, but few of us know it. From fruit at Walmart to mouthwash and even the carpet we walk on, these products can cost us much more than just their ticket price. Believe it or not, they can have a lasting impact on our physical health – but few of us know it.
1. CFL Light Bulbs
CFL light bulbs typically last for 8,000 hours, meaning you’ll have to change them far less often. Not only are they cost-effective, but they also save you time. However, if you have CFL bulbs in your home, you’ll need to be extra careful with how you store and change them.
If you accidentally break a bulb, it’s not as simple as just sweeping up the debris and getting rid of it. You have to be careful with the broken glass and make sure you dispose of it properly. For the safety of people and pets, evacuate the room immediately if a mercury-containing bulb breaks and turn off any central air systems. Dispose of the bulb in a way that’s approved by your local authority.
2. Water Bottles
Many people have been ditching plastic water bottles in favor of metal or bamboo ones in recent years, and for good reason. Almost everyone has some sort of reusable bottle in their possession, whether it’s used purely for the gym or as a handy way to measure water intake.
There are so many bottles that you can buy for just a few bucks on sites like eBay and beyond that are actually full of chemicals. The more the bottles are reused, the more chemicals that seep into the water and end up in the body. These carcinogens can do harm to our systems in many different ways.*
3. Pizza Boxes
Pizza delivery is a $14 billion industry in the United States, and it’s no surprise that Americans love takeout pizza. It’s a time-honored tradition at this point. With so many pizza boxes being produced, it’s almost beyond belief.
PFASs, a substance linked to cancer and birth defects, were previously used to coat pizza boxes and prevent liquid and grease from soaking through. The FDA has now banned PFASs, but we don’t know much about its replacement. If you’re looking to avoid cancer-causing and birth defect-linked PFASs, you might want to ditch the Domino’s pizza box next time and ask for some foil instead.
4. Hand Sanitizer
Even in ancient times, hand sanitizer was used extensively in many settings to destroy harmful bacteria that could cause illness. There’s no denying that it’s a useful invention, but does it come without its own special set of risks?
It seems that hand sanitizers may not be as safe as we thought. The main active ingredient, triclosan, has been linked to reproductive problems, early puberty, and even liver cancer in mice. So next time you’re at the store, ditch the hand sanitizer and opt for some good old-fashioned soap instead.
5. Bleach Cleaner
There are many different ways that bleach can be used around the house, from cleaning the bathroom to making whites white again. However, what some people don’t realize is that repeated exposure to fumes can cause issues, too. Although bleach has harmful properties if it gets ingested or if it comes into contact with your skin, repeated exposure to fumes can also be dangerous.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder has been linked to bleach products such as Procter & Gamble’s Clorox. While it would take repeated, prolonged exposure to the fumes for this to pose a risk, it’s worth noting if bleach is one of your go-to household products.
6. Extension Cords
Most homes have extension cords, especially because we’re using more technology than ever before. There are not enough power outlets in homes to keep up with modern life. While extension cords are not necessarily harmful, the way they are being used can pose a risk.
Most people are unaware that extension cords are only designed to handle a certain amount of power. Overloading them can create a fire hazard. Proper positioning is also important for the same reason. For example, placing them underneath a rug or furniture can be dangerous.
7. Mattresses
When choosing a new mattress, most of us focus on comfort. But few of us ever think about what’s actually in a mattress and whether it could impact our health.
While some manufacturers use natural products that are not harmful at all, others are not as transparent. The main difference lies in the flame retardant chemicals used, which can contain formaldehyde, benzene, and other dangerous substances. These chemicals have been linked to infertility and brain disorders, among other illnesses.
8. Non-Stick Pans
Does every kitchen need non-stick cookware? While cookware is necessary to prepare a meal, the non-stick coatings often used on pots and pans have come under fire in recent years for containing chemicals with strong links to cancer and other illnesses.
The FDA’s recent ban on certain substances is just the beginning of the fight for better health and safety standards. The first proposed and approved substitute for the original coating also proved to be harmful to health, which led to its withdrawal. Picking out pans at Bed, Bath, and Beyond may be trickier than you expected, but it’s worth it to know you’re doing your part to protect your health.
9. Oven Cleaner
If ovens aren’t cleaned enough, they can get very dirty- which is why there’s such a big market for chemical-based cleaning products. There are so many on offer that it can be difficult to pick which one to go for. Most brands have one thing in common: they’re very harmful if ingested.
Caustic soda and ethylene glycol can cause skin irritation and emit harmful fumes. Instead of buying these ingredients, why not pick up a pack of salt and a lemon from Kroger? You may have to put in a little more elbow grease, but these natural items can do the job.
10. Plastic Food Containers
There are so many various shapes and sizes of Tupperware to fit our every need. Whether you want to reserve an army-sized amount of leftovers or just sufficiently for your lunch break, there’s a plastic container out there for you.
Most plastic containers contain chemicals that can seep into our food, especially if you microwave them. This is a problem because these chemicals can be harmful, even causing cancer. To avoid this, it might be time to switch to glass or bamboo containers, which are much safer. You can find these containers for just a few dollars on Amazon.
11. Antibacterial Soap
Antibacterial soap is a fantastic invention that has forever altered the field of health. It’s no secret that there’s been a surge in demand over the last few years. The worldwide soap market is valued at $55 billion today, and it is projected to reach almost $70 billion in 2027.
Antibacterial soaps, despite the fact that they are a necessity, might cause problems. Strong carbolic soap, for example, can induce skin irritation and long-term problems such as dermatitis and eczema.
12. Sunscreen
We’ve all heard the warnings about how important it is to use sunscreen, and we all know how harmful UV radiation can be to our skin. Spending $5 on a bottle of sunscreen seems like a good investment when you consider that sunburn and other health issues can be caused by prolonged UV exposure. However, sunscreen has its own set of problems.
Not all sunscreen brands contain oxybenzone, but you should avoid those that do. Aerosols should also be avoided. In general, it’s preferable to choose sunscreens that are composed of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide since they’re considerably safer. Unfortunately, they’ll cost you a little extra; nevertheless, it’s worth it.
13. Hairspray
Hairspray is a wonderful tool for taming fly aways and turning a terrible hair day around, but it’s no surprise that it contains a plethora of chemicals. The majority of these are completely safe, although they might irritate the skin and eyes.
Although this particular CBD oil isn’t made from Charlotte’s Web, it still has serious side effects if you consume it by accident. The best thing to do is avoid that at all costs. If you have sensitive skin, you should avoid using it altogether, but there are certain brands available at Target and Kroger that may work for you.