10 Everyday Items That Are Harming Your Health

In our busy lives we often don’t even think about the negative health effects of the items we use everyday. The past 50 years may have brought many conveniences into our lives but at what cost to our health? Below is a list of 10 everyday items that may harm you.

1.Fluorescent Bulbs

Compact fluorescent bulbs are becoming more popular due to the ever-growing awareness to climate change. However, even though these bulbs are said to reduce energy consumption up to 75%, they could be secretly harming your health. CFB have lower frequencies and magnetic ballasts, which create a low-grade “hum” that have been shown to trigger migraine headaches.

CFBs also put out more ultraviolet light, which can be a problem for those with photosensitivity due to certain medications, lupus, and cancer. Everyday exposure to ultraviolet fluorescent bulbs has also been shown to disrupt your natural circadian rhythms, which can result in sleep disturbances, mood changes, fatigue, eyestrain, and even weight gain.

Incandescent bulbs are better for your health.

2.Air Fresheners

Fancy air fresheners may have impressive names like “ocean breeze” or “angel touch” but there’s nothing breezy or angelic about them. Air fresheners are one of the most toxic substances in your home. They contain formaldehyde, mercury, parabens, and phthalates that wreck havoc with your health. Each of these chemicals has been linked to hormone disruption, neurological dysfunction, autoimmune disease, and even cancer.

3.Non-Stick Skillets

Non-stick skillets may be convenient but they can cause serious health problems. Non-stick cookware is made using a carcinogenic (cancer-causing) chemical called perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). When food is heated over 300 degrees, a chemical warfare agent known as PFIB is released into the air and into your food. PFOA has been linked to developmental disorders, reproductive malfunction, thyroid disease, immune system damage, and tumor development.

Cast iron and stainless steel are healthier alternatives.

4.Cell Phones

Each year, the number of people who own cells phone is increasing. It used to be these handy little devices were primarily stored away in a glove compartment for emergency use. Now, just about everybody over the age of 8 is on one; playing games, taking photos, and texting friends. As convenient as these phones are, they’ve also been linked to the development of serious disease.

This is because cell phones use two-way microwave radiation that has been linked to tinnitus, hearing loss, male infertility, brain tumors, and salivary gland tumors.

You can decrease these health risks by using a setting called ‘airplane mode’, which halts all wireless transmissions. You can also use this setting if you plan to put your phone under your pillow to use as an alarm clock. Using a hands-free headset also works to keep microwave radiation away from direct contact with your brain.

Follow your teenager’s example; text more and talk less. This keeps the cell phone away from your head where it can cause the most harm.

5.Antiperspirants

Your underarms were designed to release toxins through sweat. When you use antiperspirants to inhibit this process, you’re not only blocking your body’s natural ability to detoxify, you’re also increasing your risk for breast cancer. Most store-bought antiperspirants contain aluminum and parabens that have been found in high amounts in the tissue of women with breast cancer.

6.Microwave

Your microwave oven may be quick and convenient but it’s not a healthy way to cook your food. Microwave ovens use radiation to heat your food from the inside out. Dozens of studies have shown that the chemical structure of food is completely altered through cooking food in this way. In one study, food scientist, Dr. Hans Hertel, found that the blood levels of those who ate microwaved food changed in a dramatic way. Both white and red blood cells decreased while cholesterol levels elevated and cancer-causing radiolytic compounds coursed through the blood.

Toaster ovens work in a pinch to reheat food.

7.Cadmium

One of the household items you may never have thought of as toxic is your children’s toys. Cadmium is type of metal often found on cheap jewelry, paint coatings, and toys that require batteries. The International Agency Research on Cancer has declared this metal a “known human carcinogen” yet items containing up to 90% cadmium are still being sold to unsuspecting parents.

8.Hand Sanitizer

Do you use a lot of hand sanitizer? Instead of protecting you from colds and flu, it may actually increase your risk of getting sick. This is because hand sanitizer contains a synthetic antibacterial agent called Triclosan. Triclosan was created for use in hospitals but never meant to be used over long periods of time. Doing so strips away the natural protective barrier of your skin, causing immune system breakdown and antibiotic resistance. These toxic chemical has been shown to contribute to the development of thyroid disease, liver toxicity, and muscular weakness.

9.Cosmetics

Cosmetics are one of the worst offenders on this list. Everything from your skin lotion to your blush to your hairspray contains an incredible array of harmful synthetic chemicals that have never been tested by the FDA. These chemicals include formaldehyde, parabens, phthalates, mercury, and PEG compounds that have been linked to the development of neurological disease, fertility problems, and cancer. This doesn’t mean you have to stop bathing and wearing make-up. It’s just important to select natural, organic cosmetics instead.

10.Candles

Knowing how dangerous chemical air fresheners can be, you would think candles would be a safer alternative. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. Many strong-smelling store-bought candles contain carcinogenic chemicals called benzene and toluene. Burning these candles regularly has been shown to increase your risk of asthma, skin rash, and lung cancer. Beeswax or soy candles are safer alternatives.

Need Help with a Chronic Health Problem?

Dr. Maxwell is an osteopathic physician who is board certified in integrative medicine, family medicine and osteopathic medicine.He specializes in chronic conditions such as allergies, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, adrenal fatigue, and more. Ask Dr. Maxwell your most burning health question to find out if he can accept you as a client.