Is Your Kitchen Toxic?
By Sara Butler
You do a lot of things in your kitchen, from cooking to socializing to eating. But it's a place in the home that can have a lot of hidden dangers. Of course, hot cooking surfaces and sharp knives are always going to be a concern, but it's the things you can't see in a kitchen that tend to be the most dangerous. Here are a few surprising but common things in your kitchen that may be toxic and putting your health at risk.
Dish Soap
You probably use quite a bit of dish soap to, you know, wash your dishes. But there's something that may be in your dish soap that isn't good for your health: phthalates. Phthalates are also known as plasticizers. They're found in a variety of products around the home such as raincoats and adhesives. Some phthalates have been found in studies to harm the reproductive system, especially when exposed over the long term.
Dish soap can have phthalates in it. While the risk is low, you should check out the brand you use and make sure that it doesn't contain this ingredient. There are a variety of products out there that are effective but less risky to your health.
Multipurpose Cleaners
Multipurpose cleaners can make life a whole lot easier since you can use just one thing to clean a variety of surfaces. But some of them contain a chemical called 2-butoxyethanol that can lead to several health issues such as kidney damage, sore throats, and skin irritation.
Opt for cleaners that don't have this ingredient or make your own out of water and white distilled vinegar. If you don't like the vinegar smells, you can add a few drops of essential oil to give it the scent you want.
Bleach
You'd be hard-pressed to find a home that doesn't have bleach in it. It's a handy thing for disinfecting and laundry, but it's also a dangerous substance. You must make sure you use bleach properly so that it doesn't cause issues such as respiratory problems or skin irritation. Never mix it with ammonia and never use it on metal surfaces since it can cause corrosion.
Research the products you use in your kitchen so you don't accidentally end up bringing toxic substances into your home. There are even products out there that make it easy to ensure that nothing toxic sneaks its way into your house -- simply make sure to read labels of the things you buy!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Des Peres, Mo.