After humans entered the industrial world, while daily real-life impressions brought convenience and speed, there are also many concerns about "poisoning" from chemicals. Below are 15 commonly used real-life items that may still be quietly harming your physical health...
1. **Air Fresheners**
- Most air fresheners contain phenol. Inhalation can cause difficulty breathing and headaches, and irritate the eyes. Contact with the skin can also lead to peeling and rashes.
- **Alternative Solution**: Use natural methods to freshen the air, such as keeping potted plants or placing grapefruit peels.
2. **Bleach**
- Most bleaches contain a chemical called sodium hypochlorite, which is highly corrosive and releases irritating toxic gases. Overexposure can damage the lungs and hair. Using bleach together with ammonia-based products (commonly used as household cleaners) is especially dangerous, as they react chemically and release chlorine gas.
- **Alternative Solution**: For tough stains, try wiping repeatedly with lemon.
3. **Synthetic Carpets**
- Synthetic carpets often contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Long-term exposure can lead to allergic diseases.
- **Alternative Solution**: Use carpets made from natural fibers like wool or cotton.
4. **Dishwashing Liquid and Detergent**
- Dishwashing liquid and detergent contain sodium carbonate and phosphates, both of which can easily cause allergic reactions.
- **Alternative Solution**: Use phosphate-free products.
5. **Electronics**
- Many electronics, such as TVs, computers, and electric blankets, usually contain brominated flame retardants. These substances, when released into the air, can be inhaled by humans and are not easily expelled from the body. Brominated flame retardants have been shown to cause miscarriages in rats and have been banned in countries like Sweden in Europe.
- **Alternative Solution**: Replace electric blankets with hot water bottles; move electronic devices out of the bedroom to avoid inhaling brominated flame retardants during rest.
6. **Cleaning Powder**
- Many cleaning powders used for cleaning glass windows contain a distinctive ammonia odor. This can irritate and corrode the skin, causing discomfort in the eyes and lungs. Long-term exposure to ammonia can even cause liver damage.
- **Alternative Solution**: Mix two tablespoons of vinegar with one liter of hot water, then use a cloth dipped in this solution to clean the glass.
7. **Hair Dye**
- Hair dye can be absorbed through the scalp into the body. Previously, the European Union Commission banned 22 chemical substances from being used in hair dyes.
- **Alternative Solution**: Embrace natural beauty.
8. **Toilet Cleaner**
- Toilet cleaners often contain naphthalene. This toxic substance can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Inhaling large amounts can damage the liver and kidneys.
- **Alternative Solution**: Pour 250 ml of white vinegar into the toilet bowl and scrub it the next day.
9. **Nail Polish Remover**
- Nail polish remover often contains acetone solvent. Long-term use can cause headaches and neurological confusion.
- **Alternative Solution**: Avoid using nail polish, and thus no need for remover.
10. **Plastic Toys**
- Plastic toys may contain phthalates. A U.S. study found that long-term exposure to phthalates can cause genital malformations.
- **Alternative Solution**: Choose wooden toys.
11. **Shoe Polish**
- Shoe polish contains nitrobenzene, which has central nervous system toxicity and can cause headaches and drowsiness.
- **Alternative Solution**: Dip a cotton cloth in olive oil, add a few drops of lemon juice, apply it to the shoes, and wipe clean after a few minutes.
12. **Cosmetics**
- Cosmetics often contain some toxic chemicals. For example, xylene in moisturizing creams is a high-risk factor for miscarriage.
- **Alternative Solution**: Look for eco-friendly labels on packaging and understand their contents.
13. **Hand Soap**
- Hand soap contains a chemical substance called surfactant. This substance produces foam but can also cause skin moisture loss, making the skin dry and rough.
- **Alternative Solution**: Use organic products.
14. **Synthetic Bed Sheets**
- Synthetic bed sheets may contain formaldehyde. This substance can irritate the skin and respiratory tract and cannot be completely washed away.
- **Alternative Solution**: Try to use 100% pure cotton bed sheets.
15. **Anti-dandruff Shampoo**
- Anti-dandruff shampoos often contain antifungal agents. The most commonly used one is zinc pyrithione, which may cause skin sensitivity.
- **Alternative Solution**: Try massaging your hair with olive oil for ten minutes.
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