Toxic chemicals are everywhere—in your home, in a lot of your stuff, and most definitely in your body.
It can feel overwhelming to learn this. But know that it doesn’t have to be this way. All of us can take steps to reduce the many sources of toxic chemicals in our lives. It’s worth it to protect our health and the health of our loved ones. While everyone is at risk, pregnant women, infants, and children under age six are particularly vulnerable to toxic chemical exposure. These exposures can impede brain development, cause behavioral issues, or increase risk of cancers and other serious diseases.
A new study published in Environmental Technology and Science estimated that in California alone more than 5,000 tons of chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects, and other reproductive harm were released into the air from consumer products in 2020. That is 5,000 tons of carcinogenic chemicals in one year in one state that consumers, workers, and whole populations are being exposed to. A single male polar bear weighs one ton—multiply that by 5,000. It is as though an army of carcinogenic polar bears has been released on the population to run amok.
The study authors write, “Our analysis highlights 11 top tier … chemicals that are widespread in the material economy and may pose a health risk to consumers, workers, or the general population. We also identified 30 product categories likely to cause significant exposure to these especially toxic VOCs [volatile organic chemicals].”
In other words, we are constantly, consistently, and chronically exposed to chemicals that are not regulated, are not safe, and should not be in our daily environments.
A study like this one is only possible in California, thanks to the state’s Proposition 65, which was designed to protect consumers from harmful chemicals, and to the California Air Pollution Resources Board (CARB). And it shows why we all need our own state and local lawmakers to create agencies and rules for tracking chemical release and exposure. If you can’t measure it, how can you know if you even have a problem?
If you don’t live in California, write your state and local representatives and ask them to enact similar legislation to protect you from harmful chemicals. Then call your federal lawmakers and urge them to pass legislation requiring FDA and EPA to protect consumers from harmful Proposition 65 substances.
While we wait for regulation, though, we can always shop smarter. Here are my tips for reducing your chemical exposures.
For cosmetics, personal care, and cleaning at home:
- Go fragrance free to limit unwanted and unknown chemicals.
- Look for products with fewer ingredients on the labels.
- Stick to items made from natural ingredients.
- Prioritize products with recognizable ingredients, like aloe vera, lavender oil, and shea butter.
- Look for certifications for safer ingredients, such as EWG Verified.
For home furnishings, flooring, toys, clothing, and consumer products:
- Choose products made from natural sources, like cotton, wool, stainless steel, and glass.
- Whenever possible avoid plastics, petroleum, and petroleum-based ingredients, such as vinyl, polyester, and nylon.
- Don’t buy nonstick, stain resistant, or fire-resistant items.
- Look for certifications for safer ingredients or that track VOCs, including MADE SAFE® and UL GREENGUARD.
- Buy zero-VOC paints, flooring, rugs, and other products.
Remember: you won’t be able to avoid every toxic chemical, but you can give your body a break from some. Plus, you’ll be supporting an economy for more sustainable products. These are both wins.