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Concern over the use of chemicals and other harmful toxins in household products has been steadily rising for years now. Those concerns have cropped up as more and more people have begun to question the potentially negative effects of being in such close contact with these compounds. However, that question has also often led to another question — what to use instead? For more information on this line of thinking, we’ve turned to Young Living, a leading producer of essential oils. The company’s insights in this area are useful since its Thieves line of products has emerged for many as a helpful aid in their battle against toxins in the home.
Common toxins
In order to effectively avoid toxins, it’s important to first be able to identify them and know where they’re likely to show up. To aid in this, Young Living has compiled information on its website to help individuals understand where toxins can be found in common household products and why it may be best to avoid them. Here are some of the standouts from that information.
DEA-related ingredients
These ingredients are commonly found in products such as sunscreens, soaps, and moisturizers. They are typically used to change the texture of a product to make it foamier. The concern with their usage is that they have been found to cause toxicity in a range of aquatic organisms and also have the potential to accumulate in the body over prolonged exposure.
Synthetic fragrances
These chemicals are often used in cosmetics and laundry products and can even show up in products that are labeled as “unscented”. They have been shown to trigger allergies and asthma attacks in some cases and concerns have grown over their potential status as a carcinogen and neurotoxin. These chemicals may also be harmful to wildlife when disposed of or washed down the drain. You should use safe cleaning chemicals for better results and safety.
Triclosan
This chemical is often found in antibacterial products such as cosmetics, toothpastes, and cleansers. Not only is the chemical a suspected endocrine disrupter, it has also been shown to contribute to antibiotic resistance in bacteria.
Petrolatum
This compound is often found in mineral oil and petroleum jelly. It has been classified as a carcinogen by the European Union and is therefore already restricted in Europe. The compound can also act as a skin irritant and can cause allergies. In the United States, it is used in hair products and moisturizers.
Reasons for avoidance
The above toxins are not an exhaustive list but do serve to single out some of the most common offenders. Part of the reason their use is being reconsidered by many consumers is due to their easy absorbability. Many of these toxins have the potential to enter through the skin or through inhalation. Their use can also contribute to a range of negative environmental effects such as severe injury and disease to plants and wildlife once they are disposed of. Even prior to disposal, the production process for many of these compounds can cause chemicals to be released into the environment creating a potentially dangerous accumulation of carcinogens in the wild. Many of these compounds are not biodegradable and persist for long periods of time in nature.
First steps
Since these chemicals can be found in a wide range of products, it may seem overwhelming to disengage from their usage. But doing so in steps can make the process more manageable. Educating yourself on the above information can be a first step since it helps you avoid buying new products that contain these potentially harmful chemicals.
A next step can be to start replacing the products that you use most frequently. If you find that there’s a particular cleaner that you’re always reaching for, it may be worth your while to find an alternative. Cosmetic and other personal care items are also good candidates in this regard since many people use them daily.
It’s also a good idea to consider prioritizing replacing products that come in contact with individuals who are most vulnerable. Children or individuals with compromised immune systems are potentially more susceptible to the harmful effects of these chemicals, so that may be a good place to start. Look at the products used in a children’s bedroom or play area and see if they contain potential toxins. Swapping these products out for more natural versions can help to prevent negative reactions down the road.
Sourcing alternatives
As an essential oils company, Young Living has a variety of safe alternative products to replace the household products highlighted above. A great place to start with this is the company’s Thieves Household Cleaner. This multipurpose cleaner can replace a range of different chemical-based cleaners in use in many homes today. The essential oil-based formulation can be effectively utilized as a degreaser, glass cleaner, wall cleaner, or general surface cleaner. With such a wide range of uses, it can help consumers condense the contents of their cleaning cabinet while also making it more home-friendly.
Cleaners aren’t the only products that can be singled out for replacement. Soaps and fruit and vegetable washes are also important ways to improve the cleanliness of a kitchen environment. Again, the company offers useful alternatives for these products that are formulated with essential oils and other natural products. By using natural soaps and washes individuals can be assured that they are cleaning their skin and food with products that are effective yet contain no harmful chemicals.
Essential oils and blends are also great alternatives to many personal care products. The natural aromas and soothing sensations experienced through essential oil usage can be a great addition to any personal care routine. Essential oils can also be incorporated into shampoos and conditioners to help consumers eliminate the use of harsher products in their hair.
As information continues to emerge about the potential toxicity of many mainstream household products, consumers are increasingly turning to alternatives to protect their health and the health of their families. Through this search, many individuals are discovering the benefits of products formulated with essential oils and other natural ingredients. The above information from Young Living helps to provide a small snapshot of some of the concerns in this space. If this topic is of interest to you, consider further research to better understand how the products we use may be affecting us in unintended ways.
