The Toxin-Free Home

Home is your sanctuary. From your food to your furniture to your family, you choose who and what makes your house a home. But there are hundreds of small, often unconscious decisions you make every day that could be endangering your safe space — contributing to chronic disease, disrupting your hormones, and taking years off your life. 

We’re talking about environmental toxins. They’re incredibly common: One study of household dust catalogued 511 individual chemicals in a single sample, and the EPA has found the air inside homes is more polluted (ie. contains more volatile organic compounds) than outdoor air. ^{1 2}

While it’s not possible to eliminate every unwanted chemical, small steps can make a difference in your overall toxic load. This is especially important if you’re struggling with compromised immunity, have recently moved, or care for young kids or other vulnerable populations. 

Your home is your domain — which means you get to choose what comes in, and what stays out. Below, you’ll find actionable advice on keeping your home toxin-free: what to avoid, healthy swaps, and easy ways to mitigate harm.

TIP: If you’re unsure if a common product contains problematic ingredients, you can scan its barcode with an app like Seed Oil Scout, Oasis, or the Environmental Working Group’s Healthy Living App. 

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Toxic exposures in the kitchen come from a variety of sources, from the actual food we eat to the way it is packaged, prepared, and stored. Here are three simple swaps you can make for safer, greener meals. 

1. Source: Non-stick cookware

Toxin: PFAS (aka “forever chemicals”). PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) help that fried egg slide clean off your non-stick pan; when scratched during cooking or cleaning, however, they can be released into food and air. Exposure to PFAS is linked to kidney and testicular cancers, thyroid diseases, immune suppression, neurodevelopmental disorders, hormone disruption, and infertility.^{3, 4} Even “greener” alternatives labeled “PFAS-free” are coated in other carcinogenic substances. 

Solutions: Take a cue from professional chefs and switch to ceramic, stainless steel, or cast-iron cookware, all of which can provide that same non-stick quality when properly seasoned and cared for.

2. Source: Plastic food storage containers

Toxin: Bisphenols (A,F, S) are plasticizers that make these containers more durable — they are also linked to hormonal disruption, reproductive issues, increased cancer risk, and developmental delays in children.⁵ 

Solutions: Choose glass or stainless steel containers or bottles, and never microwave food in plastic containers.

3. Source: Cooking fumes

Toxins: Burning food or oil generates particulate matter (PM2.5), which, when inhaled, is linked to respiratory issues, cardiovascular disease, and lung cancer. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) may be released from heated oils, non-stick coatings, or cleaning residues and can cause respiratory irritation and increased risk of cancer with chronic exposure.⁶

Solutions: Many health officials now recommend induction ranges over gas or electric, though replacement can be costly. Other solutions include using a range hood or exhaust fan, opening windows while cooking, or using an air purifier with a HEPA filter. Additionally, cook at lower temperatures and choose non-seed oils (such as avocado oil) with higher smoke points.

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Toxins primarily enter the body in three ways: ingestion (eating or drinking), inhalation, or through the skin. The bathroom, with all of its opportunities to strip down and slick up, is prime territory for exposure. Here’s what to watch for. 

1. Source: Toilet Paper

Toxins: Formaldehyde (yes, really) is often used in toilet paper to improve durability. Chronic exposure may cause skin irritation and an increased risk of cancer.⁷

Solutions: Choose organic, 100% virgin unbleached natural fiber toilet paper — or choose sophistication and install a bidet! 

2. Source: Dental Products 

Toxins: Titanium dioxide gets your teeth blinding white; it can also cause inflammation and potential lung damage.⁸ Carrageenan, a seaweed-derived thickener added to toothpaste may cause GI inflammation and digestive issues.⁹ Finally, many toothbrushes are made from nylon bristles, which can shed microplastics during brushing, potentially causing reproductive or immune harms.¹⁰

Solutions: There are increasingly more options for people concerned with both dental health and toxin exposure. Look for natural, wax-coated floss or a Waterpik, try xylitol or nano hydroxyapatite toothpaste, and opt for a plant-based bristle toothbrush. 

3. Source: Body wash, shampoo, conditioner

Toxins: Phthalates — used as fragrance stabilizers — potentially contribute to hormonal disruption, reproductive issues, asthma, and developmental delays.¹¹ Parabens are preservatives that mimic estrogen in the body and are linked to hormonal disruption, reproductive issues, and increased breast cancer risk.¹² Finally, sulfates are foaming agents that can cause skin and scalp irritation, exacerbate sensitivities, and may form carcinogenic byproducts in their manufacturing processes.¹³

Solutions: There’s no need to forgo cleanliness or beauty in the pursuit of toxic-free options, as eco-friendly, plant-based alternatives abound. Search for those labeled paraben, phthalate, and sulfate-free. 

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We spend a third of our lives sleeping: That’s a lot of time in bed. Sleep is when your body does the vital work of recovery, so here’s how to optimize your sleep environment. 

1. Source: Artificial lighting, screens, outdoor lights

Toxin: Blue light is what cues the brain and body to wake TF up, elevating cortisol and inhibiting melatonin production.¹⁴ Modern lighting and screens have co-opted blue light, however, and exposure to these artificial sources skews our internal clocks, potentially causing mitochondrial damage and hormonal imbalances, not to mention sleep disruption.^{15, 16, 17}

Solutions: Soft lighting isn’t just for romance. Choose dimmers, incandescent lights, or red or pink bulbs in your bedroom. Reduce screen usage after dark, wear blue-blocking glasses, and use physical screen filters or software like Iris or f.lux.¹⁸ Additionally, use blackout curtains or a sleep mask to block street light, and aim to expose your eyes to daylight within 30 to 60 minutes of waking in order to reset your circadian clock. 

2. Source: Mattress and bedding

Toxins: Flame retardants that are added to mattresses are linked to endocrine disruption, neurotoxicity, and potential carcinogenicity.¹⁹ Volatile Organic Compounds are emitted from polyurethane foam and synthetic materials and cause respiratory irritation, headaches, and allergic reactions. Finally, polyester sheets may shed microplastics, which can be inhaled or absorbed transdermally.²⁰

Solutions: Invest in a mattress made from natural fibers (e.g., wool, organic cotton, GOLS latex) and bedding made from organic, natural fibers like cotton, wool, linen, or silk. Bonus: these materials are better for your skin and hair health, too. 

3. Source: Candles

Toxins: Paraffin wax is derived from petroleum and is used in candles for its ability to hold fragrance and color, but burning releases VOCs that can cause respiratory irritation. 

Solutions: Choose beeswax candles with natural wicks.

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The porosity of your skin means that anything you put on it — from products to clothing — can potentially elevate your toxic load. But don’t toss your favorite tee just yet: here are some simple hacks for minimizing toxic exposure. 

1. Source: Clothing 

Toxins: Synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon, spandex, and acrylic contain plastics and petroleum-derived chemicals that can be inhaled or absorbed transdermally—especially when heated or with friction—and may increase cancer risk, reproductive damage, and other endocrine-disrupting effects.²¹

Solutions: Second-hand clothing is doubly green: any chemical residue present from fiber or manufacturing lessens with time, and — bonus! — participating in the circular economy means you’re reducing the waste and pollution that accompanies production. When it comes to clothing worn close to the body, look for natural, organic fibers such as cotton, hemp, linen, and silk. Finally, as microplastics enter the skin primarily through sweat glands and hair follicles, make sure to remove sweaty clothing immediately after your workout. 

2. Source: Laundry Detergents, Fabric Softeners, and Dryer Sheets

Toxins: 1,4-Dioxane is an unintended byproduct of the surfactant manufacturing process, and is a probable carcinogen linked to respiratory irritation and liver and kidney damage with chronic exposure. ²² Quaternary Ammonium Compounds are added to dryer sheets and are linked to respiratory and reproductive harm, liver and kidney issues.²³

Solutions: Choose eco-friendly, biodegradable detergents, use less detergent to minimize residue, and clean the washing machine regularly with hot water and natural products like baking soda and vinegar. Choose reusable wool dryer balls over dryer sheets, or air dry. 

3. Source: Stain removers, bleach, and pre-treatments

Toxins: Perchloroethylene (PERC) is a solvent in stain removers that is a probable carcinogen and can cause dizziness, headaches, and neurological damage when inhaled.²⁴ Sodium hypochlorite whitens and removes stains, but can cause skin and respiratory irritation.²⁵

Solutions: Take a clue from your grandmother’s laundry routine and try non-toxic stain removers like baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and castile soap; pre-soak with vinegar/lemon juice; and wear gloves when working with chemicals.

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We know the statistics can be overwhelming, but reducing your toxic load doesn’t require a radical overhaul. Small, simple swaps that occur over time and on your own schedule can make a long-lasting difference. Your home is your safe space, and treating it as such can keep you and your family secure for generations to come.