Here’s what you can do about having potential cancer-causing substances in your home, according to top toxicology experts.
1. Your big, comfy couch
Your couch, your fridge – even your nice countertops could be hiding cancer-causing substances. Here’s what you can do about having potential cancer-causing substances in your home, according to top toxicology experts.
Your favourite sofa could be killing you, and not just because it lures you away from activity: Many sofas, mattresses, and other cushioned furniture are treated with TDCIPP, a flame retardant known to cause cancer (i.e., a carcinogen).
TDCIPP was used so frequently prior to 2013 that a study out of US-based Duke University found it in the blood of everyone they tested.
It’s also one of ten chemicals most frequently found in household dust, according to this study.
Products used to clean furniture, carpets, and appliances are full of toxic chemicals that are known carcinogens. Try these alternative cleaning solutions to keep your home chemical-free.
2. Your curtains and carpets
Cadmium is a carcinogenic byproduct of cigarette smoke.
If you smoke in your house, cadmium and other cigarette smoke by-products may be lurking, especially on soft surfaces such as curtains and carpet – even long after the smell of smoke is gone.
There’s even such a thing as third-hand smoke and it’s resistant to even the strongest cleaning products.
Here’s where you can learn more about third-hand smoke and its dangers.
What can you do?
Quit smoking – here are 15 mind-blowing ways your body heals after you quit smoking – and never allow smoking in your home.
3. Your leather recliner
Chromium (VI) is a known carcinogen found in tanned leather, wood furniture, certain dyes and pigments used in textiles, and cement.
To give you an idea of the prevalence of chromium VI, one study out of Denmark found that almost half of imported leather shoes and sandals into the US contained some level of the carcinogen.
What can you do?
As with TCIPP, pay attention to labelling.
And don’t be shy about asking questions of your furniture salesperson.
You can easily transform an old piece of leather furniture into a modern showstopper with easy-to-use leather paint.