Hormone-Disrupting Chemicals Lurking in Your Household

No matter where you live and how clean you eat, you’re exposed to chemicals every day. Although some chemicals are safe, others can affect your health in the long term.

The worst offenders are the toxins in soaps, detergents, multipurpose cleaners, and other household products. These contain endocrine disrupting chemicals that mess up your hormones and impair thyroid function.

The Dangers of Common Household Products

Nowadays, we have access to thousands of products that make our lives easier. Whether you want to remove stains from the sofa, restore the color of your favorite jeans, or clean the floors within minutes, there’s a product for it. Unfortunately, these perks come at a price.

Researchers confirm the dangers of household products. Over 75,000 chemicals are currently used in the U.S. alone. Surprisingly, many of them have never been tested for safety. These toxic compounds have been linked to a myriad of health issues, such as:

• ADHD
• Prostate cancer
• Breast cancer
• Lung cancer
• Thyroid cancer
• Endometriosis
• Brain damage
• Congenital heart defects
• Coughing and wheezing
• Skin and eye irritation
• Allergies

All of these side effects – and many others – are caused by prolonged exposure to household chemicals.

Let’s take air fresheners, for instance. Just because they smell nice and fresh, doesn’t mean they’re safe for you. These products have been shown to increase the risk of hormonal disorders, lung dysfunction, respiratory problems, damage to the central nervous system, and heart disease.

Household Products and Your Hormones

Most household chemicals have a devastating impact on your hormonal balance. The side effects depend on the type of chemical you’re exposed to, how it entered your body, how long the contact lasted, and your health. For example, if you’re sick or have a weak immune system, these toxins will affect you to a greater extent.

Household cleaners are among the worst offenders. These products usually contain ammonia, lye, and other chemicals that may contribute to nose and throat irritation, pulmonary edema, endocrine dysfunction, and blindness.

Believe it or not, your shower curtains may be dangerous too. Plastic models are made of PVC or vinyl, which can release over 108 volatile compounds – including hazardous air pollutants. Exposure to these toxins may lead to reproductive system disorders, lung disease, and damage to the central nervous system.

Unfortunately, avoiding these toxins completely is difficult – if not impossible. Organic household products are your best bet. To stay safe, make your own cleaners and soaps – or switch to organic brands.