1. Plastic Food Containers (Especially #3, #6, #7)

• Risk: May contain phthalates (soft plastics) or BPA/BPS (hard plastics), which leach into food when heated.
• Check: Look for recycling codes on the bottom. Avoid #3 (PVC), #6 (polystyrene), and #7 (often contains BPA).
• Safer swap: Use glass, stainless steel, or BPA-free #5 (PP) containers. Never microwave plastic.

2. Non-Stick Cookware (Teflon™ or PTFE-Coated Pans)

• Risk: At high heat, releases perfluorinated compounds (PFAS)—linked to thyroid disruption and immune suppression.
• Check: Is your pan scratched, peeling, or over 5 years old? Replace it.
• Safer swap: Cast iron, ceramic-coated, or stainless steel pans.

3. Conventional Cleaning Sprays & Air Fresheners

• Risk: Often contain phthalates, formaldehyde, and synthetic fragrances—hidden under “fragrance” on labels.
• Check: Does it list “fragrance,” “parfum,” or vague ingredients? Assume it contains disruptors.
• Safer swap: Make your own with vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils—or choose EWG-verified brands.

4. Canned Foods (Even “Healthy” Brands)

• Risk: Most cans are lined with BPA or BPS to prevent corrosion—chemicals that migrate into food.
• Check: Look for labels like “BPA-free lining” (but note: BPS may be just as problematic).
• Safer swap: Choose fresh, frozen, or jarred foods—or brands using glass jars or Tetra Paks (like Eden Foods, Trader Joe’s organic beans).

5. Receipts (Thermal Paper)

• Risk: Coated with BPA or BPS—absorbed through skin, especially if hands are wet or greasy.
• Check: Receipts that smudge when rubbed likely contain thermal coating.
• Safer swap: Decline receipts when possible. Store them separately (not in wallets with cash!).

6. Stain-Resistant Carpets, Upholstery & Clothing

• Risk: Treated with PFAS (“forever chemicals”) to repel water and stains.
• Check: Does it say “stain-resistant,” “waterproof,” or “performance fabric”? Likely contains PFAS.
• Safer swap: Choose untreated cotton, wool, or leather. Vacuum often with a HEPA filter.

7. Personal Care Products (Shampoo, Lotion, Makeup)

• Risk: May contain parabens, phthalates, triclosan, or oxybenzone—all endocrine disruptors.
• Check: Use the EWG Skin Deep Database or Think Dirty app to scan products.
• Safer swap: Opt for fragrance-free, minimalist formulas with recognizable ingredients.

8. Dust in Your Home

• Risk: Dust traps flame retardants (from furniture), PFAS, and phthalates—inhaled or ingested (especially by toddlers).
• Check: Is dust accumulating quickly? It’s a sign of off-gassing chemicals.
• Safer swap: Damp-mop weekly, use a HEPA vacuum, and wash hands before eating.

✅ Simple Habits to Reduce Exposure Daily

• Ventilate: Open windows regularly to flush out indoor pollutants
• Wash hands: Especially before eating (removes chemical residues)
• Filter water: Use a carbon filter to reduce PFAS and other contaminants
• Eat fresh: Minimize processed/packaged foods
• Read labels: When in doubt, choose products with fewer, simpler ingredients

💬 Final Thought: Empowerment Over Fear

You don’t need a sterile, chemical-free bubble to protect your health.
Small, consistent changes add up—and your body will thank you for decades to come.

Start with one item on this list. Swap it. Notice how easy it is. Then move to the next.

Because true wellness isn’t about perfection.
It’s about making mindful choices—in the place you call home.