Hidden Chemical Hazards

AllYou.com: 6 Chemical Hazards in Your Home

Like most people, you probably don’t think twice about slathering on facial moisturizer or microwaving a plastic dish. But common products can harbor harmful chemicals that have been linked to cancer, neurological disorders, heart disease, asthma and more.

Fortunately, there are ways to protect yourself and your family. Learn about hidden chemical hazards around your home and how to protect your family from them.

(Photo: AllYou.com)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

More from this Slideshow

0 of 0

Hidden Chemical ...

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

In Your Bathroom...

Watch for parabens, para-dichlorobenzene and phthalates in your bathroom. The scary sounding toxics are commonly found in products you use everyday like toothpaste (parabens), air freshners (para-dichlorobenzene) and moisturizers (phthalates). Parabens and phthalates have been linked to increased estrogen levels in girls and women and para-dichlorobenze is thought of as a possible carcinogen.

(Photo: IPC Images)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

Detox Your Bathr...

Read product labels carefully. If you find a word you can't pronounce or it ends in "paraben", that should be a tip-off that a product may contain toxic chemicals.

Use green cleaning products and paraben-free cosmetics. Companies like Burt’s Bees and Seventh Generation tend to be good choices but you can find more options by checking out our buying guide.

(Photo: AllYou.com)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

In Your Kitchen

Even if you are careful, you may be unintentionally introducing toxics into your diet. Avoid these two common-kitchen hazards:

?Bringing leftovers for lunch to save money? Check your plastic container. Hard plastics found in baby bottles and other plasticware may contain the chemical bisphenol A (BPA), which has been linked to serious health concerns such as breast cancer and heart disease.

?While you are at it, check your fridge and pantry for mercury. Larger fish, like tuna, swordfish and shark, can have high levels of mercury, which is especially harmful to unborn babies and young children.

(Photo: AllYou.com)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

Detox Your Kitch...

Keep plastics away from the microwave. Don't microwave platic containers or pour hot liquids into them—BPA can leach into your food. Use microwavable safe, non-plastic bowls instead.

Pick canned. Choose canned light tuna over albacore, which has more mercury.

Drink up. Drink plenty of water, it helps to flush out vital organs.

(Photo: AllYou.com)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

In the Closet

By drying cleaning, you may just be bringing hazards into your home. Perchloroethylene (perc) is the most common dry-cleaning solvent—an estimated 85% of dry cleaners in the U.S. use it. While perc cleans delicate fabrics without shrinking or fading, studies show that inhaling high levels of perc can canuse liver cancer, kidney damage and memory loss.

(Photo: IPC Images)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

Detox your Close...

Air it out. After picking up dry cleaning, tear-off plastic containers and air out clothes before putting them in your closet.

Open windows. Try cracking open the window for at least 10 minutes a day.

(Photo: AllYou.com)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

Boost Your Detox... Your liver, kidneys and digestive system remove potentially harmful substances naturally, but you can give your purification system some help. Click here to see how.