Create a Healthy & Chemical-Free Home

Each year, more and more of my patients express their concern about everyday chemical exposure and associated health risks. As a healthcare practitioner, I am also concerned about the growing research linking environmental exposure to chronic health conditions.

Currently, the Environmental Protection Agency designates allowable levels of heavy metals, pesticides, fungicides, as well as a long list of other chemicals considered to be safe. However, we have no data on the health implications related to the exposure of multiple chemicals in the body.

Household Chemical Exposure Research

Compelling research from many medical and science disciplines suggest that we should not ignore this health issue. For example, the Household Exposure Study completed by Silent Spring revealed more than 89 endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in 120 home samples in the Cape Cod area of Massachusetts.

Research has found links between PFAS exposure and several health conditions. PFAS are known as forever chemicals, found in many products as well as US drinking water according to the Environmental Working Group’s study.

PFAS have been linked to cancer, increased cholesterol levels, pregnancy-induced hypertension, liver damage, reduced fertility, increased risk of thyroid disease, and a weaker immune system. Most alarming is the research on breast milk, revealing that infants are now exposed to PFAS and other chemicals through human milk.

Chemical Exposure While Trying to Conceive

Additionally, women with higher blood levels of PFAS experienced longer times to conception according to a study of 1,240 women. The incidence of infertility also increased by 60% to 154% in women with higher exposure to PFAS. Female infertility is defined by the study as a woman trying to conceive longer than 12 months or seeking infertility treatments.

How to Reduce Chemicals in Your Home

You're not alone if you feel overwhelmed just thinking about the possibilities. However, there are a few ways to significantly reduce your chemical exposure. When advising my patients on the subject, the goal is to reduce exposure in specific areas of the home, while supporting the body's natural immune system. We consider cleaning products, personal care products, plastic use, water filtration, as well as increasing organic food sources.

Choose Green Cleaning Products

Replace old cleaning products with eco-friendly alternatives as you are able. Pay particular attention to bleach products as they contain dioxins, a known endocrine disruptor. Additionally, many scented products also contain endocrine disruptors.

Fragrances are often trademarked, allowing manufacturers the ability to conceal their ingredients. Avoid scented toilet paper, paper towels, napkins, tampons, pads, air fresheners, trash bags, and many other items.

Reduce Plastic Use

Several research studies show that all plastics eventually leach chemicals into the food and beverages stored inside plastic items. You can reduce plastic exposure by replacing plastic containers, plastic wrap, and other products with glass or stainless steel storage containers. If possible, recycle any plastic water bottles and beverage containers that do not have a BPA-free label. This includes baby bottles, many canned foods, and soda cans.

Test Your Water

You can learn about the many issues affecting the water in your home in our: How to Improve the Water Quality in your Home article. Begin by having your water tested to determine the type of drinking water filter you may need. Once you know the types of chemicals in your water, you’ll be able to make an educated decision about the best filters. Don't forget the shower and bath. A shower head filter can also be installed to eliminate common chemicals absorbed through the skin and respiration.

Discover Green Beauty

When choosing personal care products, avoid products with multiple, synthetic ingredients. You can find the rating for any and all personal care products on the Skin Deep Database by the Environmental Working Group. If you want to learn more about this topic as well as some of our favorite green beauty picks, visit the Organic Skincare post.

Shop Organic Produce

Increase the number of organic fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy products this year. Visit local farmers markets, try organic produce delivery services, or visit Local Harvest to find a Community Support Agriculture (CSA) near you for organic produce and meats. You can also try an organic produce delivery service such as Misfits Market that will deliver your pick of favorite fruits and veggies to your doorstep.

Buy Eco-Friendly Items

Now that you have taken the time to remove some chemical-laden items from your home, think carefully about purchases going forward. Each time you make a new purchase for your home, consider the packaging, materials, or chemicals required to manufacture the product.

In most cases, you will be able to find an eco-friendly option. Green and organic products have multiplied over the past decade, giving consumers multiple product options that often outperform their chemical-laden alternative.

If you enjoyed this article, you may like other green living articles including OMBE’s Green Gift Guide or Organic Sunscreens.

More About OMBE

OMBE is celebrating 15 years of service in Massachusetts! Additionally, we are now scheduling in-person acupuncture sessions for our South Shore and Cape Cod clients. Telehealth consultations are available for all of our Massachusetts clients living in the Boston area, North Shore, and Western Massachusetts.

Learn more about us, read our organic health philosophy, or schedule an appointment. Contact us for any questions about appointment scheduling, acupuncture services, or integrative medicine. We look forward to hearing from you!