5 everyday household items that are toxic for you – from dishwasher tablets to air fresheners

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Today’s technology makes our homes incredibly comfortable and convenient, but some of the products we use may also be exposing us to hidden health risks without us even realizing it.

The risks come from chemicals developed by scientists who aim to improve our lives and create innovative products. Unfortunately, some of these substances have proven harmful to both people and the environment. Here are five common household items you should be aware of:

Dishwasher tablets

I’ve been learning about these chemicals called PFAS, and they’re really interesting – and a little scary. Basically, they contain a super strong carbon-fluorine bond, which is what makes things like non-stick pans, waterproof clothes, and even food packaging resistant to water, stains, and sticking. It’s that strong bond that makes them so durable and prevents them from breaking down easily – almost nothing can react with them!

These chemicals are incredibly durable and don’t break down easily, earning them the nickname “forever chemicals” because very few microbes can decompose them. As a result, they’re widespread and found in our food and water. Growing evidence suggests that as these chemicals build up in our bodies, they may lead to health problems, including cancer.

Plastic food containers

Plastics are incredibly useful materials. When used for packaging, they help food stay fresh longer, which reduces waste and keeps costs down. But making plastics involves adding chemicals to make them strong and long-lasting, and many of these chemicals have been linked to health problems.

Bisphenol A, or BPA, is a chemical that can disrupt your hormones, potentially impacting your reproductive and metabolic health. It mimics the hormone estrogen and can weaken your immune system, with links to various other health problems. While the European Union has completely banned BPA in food packaging, the UK only prohibits its use in baby bottles. To minimize exposure, avoid heating food in plastic containers that contain BPA, as this can cause the chemical to seep into your food.

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Synthetic clothing

Plastics are breaking down into incredibly small particles called microplastics, which are now a growing concern. These tiny pieces are often invisible to the naked eye and are ending up everywhere – in our food, water, and even the air. A major source of these microplastics is wear and tear from car tires. As tires break down while driving, tiny plastic particles are released, washing into rivers and onto land. The smallest particles are so light they become airborne and we inhale them.

Synthetic clothes, paints, and packaging are also significant sources of these tiny particles. While we don’t yet fully understand the impact on human health, studies suggest they can cause inflammation in the body. There’s increasing evidence that these particles are building up not only inside us, but also in the environment, potentially harming plants, fish, and other living things.

Air fresheners

Many common household items are made with chemicals called volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. These chemicals easily turn into gases at room temperature, releasing them into the air you breathe. Because many VOCs are harmful, they can cause health problems, particularly for those with asthma or other breathing difficulties. Exposure to VOCs often comes from everyday products like cleaners, paints, cosmetics, carpets, and furniture. While some VOCs, like certain air fresheners and solvents, may have pleasant smells, they can still be dangerous.

Pet flea treatments

Fipronil and imidacloprid are the key ingredients in many flea treatments for pets like cats and dogs. These insecticides work by disrupting the nervous systems of fleas. While effective, they’re also quite strong and can harm beneficial insects like bees, other invertebrates, and creatures living in water. Although banned for agricultural use in the UK, they continue to be found in some flea treatments applied directly to pets’ skin.

Research indicates that these chemicals easily spread throughout homes, often carried by pets and even transferred to their owners. While the exact health effects are still being studied, there’s growing evidence linking them to conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. When these chemicals enter waterways, they can severely harm plant and animal life.

Authors

Mark Miodownik

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2026-02-09 20:38