Most conventional household products do far more harm than we realise. They don’t just pollute our bodies and waterways, they also severely compromise our indoor air quality, hormonal balance, immune health, and long-term wellbeing.
We’ve rounded up some of the most harmful and common toxins found in household items—plus easy tips to detox your home.
🚨Top Household Toxins to Avoid
🧪 Endocrine Disruptors & Hormone Imbalancers
These chemicals interfere with hormone production and function, contributing to fertility issues, thyroid problems, PCOS, cancer, and more.
Phthalates – Found in air fresheners, plastics, PVC flooring, candles, and fragranced products
BPA (Bisphenol A) – Found in plastics, canned food linings, and drink bottles
PFOs / PFCs – Found in stain-resistant coatings (non-stick pans, clothes, furniture)
PBDEs – Flame retardants found in electronics, textiles, and furnishings
Formaldehyde – In bedding, clothes, furniture, construction products
Dioxins – Found in some sanitary pads, paper products
🫁 Respiratory Irritants & Air Pollutants
These chemicals compromise lung function and increase the risk of asthma, allergies, and immune dysfunction.
Chlorine – Found in cleaning products, bleach, tap water, pool water
Bleach (Sodium Hypochlorite) – Found in toilet & laundry cleaners, produces toxic fumes
Ammonia – In floor & glass cleaners, reacts with bleach to form deadly gases
Triclosan – Antibacterial in soaps & toothpaste, affects immune system
VOCS (Volatile Organic Compounds) – From paints, air fresheners, solvents
2-Butoxyethanol – In multipurpose cleaners; causes liver/kidney damage
🧠 Neurological & Cognitive Toxins
Tied to brain fog, headaches, nervous system disorders, fatigue, and behavioural issues.
Fragrance/Parfum – Found in nearly all conventional cleaning & personal care products
Dry Cleaning Chemicals (PERC) – Found in carpet, furniture, and clothing treatments
Tetrachloroethylene – Linked to CNS damage, confusion, dizziness
Chloramine gas – Formed when bleach mixes with ammonia
Petroleum Distillates (Naphthas) – In laundry products; contaminated with benzene
🧬 Carcinogens & Chronic Disease Triggers
Long-term exposure may lead to chronic illnesses, immune dysfunction, reproductive damage, and cancers.
Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) – Found in cosmetics, creates carcinogenic byproduct 1,4-dioxane
Napthas – Used in detergents and softeners, linked to benzene exposure
Quats (Quaternary Ammonium Compounds) – Found in fabric softeners, linked to asthma and dermatitis
Formaldehyde & Derivatives – Carcinogenic, found in household items & building materials
Chlorpyrifos, Diazinon, Permethrin, Fipronil – In pesticides and insect sprays
⚠️ Pesticides, Insecticides & Pet Treatments
Highly toxic, often containing neurotoxins that linger in your home and on your pets.
Common compounds include imidacloprid, fipronil, methoprene, DDVP
Linked to neurological, respiratory, reproductive, and cardiovascular problems
Some are classified as first-class poisons
🏠 Tips to Detox Your Home
✅ Switch to clean, non-toxic brands→ Browse recommended brands by Nicole Bijlsma here
✅ Ventilate your home – Open windows daily, invest in air-purifying plants or a quality air filter
✅ Use The Chemical Maze Book/App to check product safety
✅ Avoid synthetic fragrance – Use essential oils in a diffuser (we love Vibrant Blue Oils)
✅ Don’t wear shoes inside – Use separate indoor shoes to reduce dirt, pesticides, and toxins
✅ Skip "non-stick", "wrinkle-free" or “stain-resistant” products
✅ Wash clothes, bedding & furnishings before use – especially if brand new
✅ Find a non-toxic dry cleaner or skip dry cleaning where possible
✅ Be mindful of VOCs in paint, flooring, and furniture – choose low or zero-VOC alternatives
🧼 Start Small – But Start Today
It’s not about fear, it’s about informed empowerment. The reality is, our homes are often one of the biggest sources of toxic exposure—but they’re also the easiest place to make a change.
Even swapping out a few toxic products for clean alternatives can drastically reduce your toxic load over time.
✨ Your body, hormones, lungs, and future self will thank you.