What are environmental toxins?
The proper term for environmental pollutants is “toxicants.” In simple terms, toxicants are substances that can potentially harm the body.
While toxic substances can be either human-made or naturally occurring, most of the ones we encounter are human-made. These human-made toxicants are often referred to as “chemicals.”
How do environmental toxins affect your health?
There are millions of toxicants and chemicals in the world, and they can affect your health in various ways. Some of the most concerning effects include increased inflammation and cancer risk, reduced fertility in both men and women, and impaired growth and development in fetuses, infants, and young children.
Many chronic health conditions can stem from or worsen due to exposure to toxins. These include:
- Diabetes
- Infertility and reproductive disorders
- Neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s
- Respiratory issues like asthma and COPD
- Autoimmune diseases
- Obesity
- Heart disease
- Cancer
- Digestive problems
- Thyroid disorders.
However, the full scope of the impact may still be unknown. Many human-made chemicals have not been thoroughly tested for their effects on human health, so there could be additional links that researchers have yet to uncover.
Exposure to toxic substances can also lead to more subtle symptoms like low energy, digestive health issues, bloating, weight gain, and recurring infections. Since many toxins cause inflammation, they may contribute to flare-ups in chronic conditions as well.
If you have any health concerns or a chronic condition, reducing your exposure to toxins is an essential step for your long-term wellbeing. Taking action to limit your contact with harmful substances can make a significant difference.

Common toxins found in your home.
While you might think that environmental toxins are mostly found outdoors, the truth is that many harmful substances can lurk right in your own home. In fact, the average household is full of potential toxin sources, including:
- Cleaning products
- Personal care items like shampoo, conditioner, body wash, soap, and toothpaste
- Plastics
- Sunscreen
- Non-stick cookware
- Makeup products such as lipstick, foundation, and mascara
- Fake tanning products
- Pesticides in conventional foods
- Paint and building materials containing volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
- Organisms like mold and dust mites
As you can see, there are dozens of everyday products in the typical home that may contain compounds detrimental to your health. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce your exposure to these toxins.
Simple changes to reduce toxins in your home.
To create a healthier home, swap out potentially harmful chemicals for natural alternatives. Let’s explore some simple changes you can make to reduce toxins around your living space.
Make the switch to natural home cleaning and laundry products.
Unfortunately, many household and cleaning products aren’t required to list their full ingredients, even if they contain toxic or potentially harmful substances. Warning labels like “Poison,” “Toxic,” “Corrosive,” or “Caution” can tip you off, but many concerning ingredients fly under the radar without any warning at all.
To avoid using toxic household products, your best bet is to seek out all-natural options that are upfront about their ingredients. Look for brands that prioritize transparency and use safe, non-toxic formulas. With a little research, you can find cleaning and home goods that are better for your health and the environment.
Choose all natural personal care products.
The average American uses 9 personal care products daily, but many contain toxic substances due to lax regulations. To reduce exposure, opt for products with verified safe ingredients, like Dr. Bronner’s Castile soap line. Their plant-based, organic, and fair-trade formulas can be used from head to paw.
For a deeper dive, check the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep database to research the safety of your current cosmetics and personal care items.
Use natural fragrances.
Do you use perfumes, candles, room sprays, air fresheners, or reed diffusers? If so, you may be exposing yourself to a cocktail of harmful toxins from artificial fragrances.
Scented products contain hundreds of chemicals linked to symptoms like headaches, dizziness, nausea, and allergic reactions. Many of these chemicals are also classified as hormone disruptors.
A red flag is the word “fragrance” on the ingredient list. Fragrances often contain a mix of chemicals, including phthalates – a known endocrine disruptor that makes scents linger.
Instead, opt for natural options. Use essential oils in a diffuser to safely scent your space. Be wary of products that claim to be “with essential oils” – they may also contain artificial fragrances.
You can also eliminate odors naturally with baking soda. And simply opening a window on a nice day can freshen the air and reduce indoor pollution.
The key is being an informed consumer and choosing fragrance-free or truly natural alternatives. Your health and home will thank you!
Get rid of non-stick cookware.
Non-stick cookware contains PFOA chemicals that repel water and oil, but these chemicals are classified as hormone disruptors, obesogens, and even potential carcinogens. Over time, these harmful chemicals can leach into your food.
Fortunately, there are some safer alternatives to non-stick pots and pans. Stainless steel and cast-iron are excellent, durable options for stovetop cooking. For baking, you can use ceramic, stone, heat-proof glass, or Pyrex dishes instead.
Add indoor plants to your home.
Did you know that indoor air is typically 5 times more polluted than outdoor air? This is because modern homes often lack proper ventilation, and common household items like furniture, carpets, and soft furnishings can release toxic chemicals like formaldehyde.
While indoor air pollution is unavoidable, many people turn to air filtration systems and purifiers for a solution. However, most filters don’t address all pollutants, and can even increase levels of some, like ozone. Fortunately, there are some safer air filter options available.
A more cost-effective solution is to add some houseplants throughout your home. Plants actively remove carbon dioxide and replenish oxygen. They can also metabolize and trap certain toxic chemicals in their tissues. This makes plants a friendly, natural way to improve your indoor air quality.
The top 10 house plants that effectively clean the air are:
- Areca palm
- Lady palm
- Bamboo palm
- Rubber plant
- Dracaena
- English ivy
- Dwarf date palm
- Ficus
- Boston fern
- Peace lily
Some plants are more effective than others at addressing specific pollution concerns. For instance, ferns have been found to be particularly effective at removing formaldehyde.
If you have pets at home, be sure to check the safety of each plant variety for your furry friends first. Many plants, especially lilies, can be toxic and even lethal to cats.
Making these adjustments can make a world of difference for the health of your home environment, and in turn, your own wellbeing. Time for a spring refresh?
Feeling unwell can be incredibly frustrating and draining. But finding solutions and getting the right support doesn’t have to be. Our unique model of care was thoughtfully designed with your needs in mind.