Books on your bookshelf
Contains: ethylene oxide
Reading is a beautiful hobby. Unfortunately, the older the book, the riskier for your health. That’s because antique books are fumigated with a chemical called ethylene oxide, the same substance used to sterilize medical equipment. In smaller amounts, it is also used as a pesticide. Studies indicate that exposure to ethylene oxide can increase the risk of cancers, such as breast cancer or lymphoid cancer in women.
The workers using this chemical are at a higher risk, but ethylene oxide can also linger on the products it is used on, such as old books, and have harmful effects in the long run.
Your fluffy rugs and carpets
Contains: formaldehyde, acetone, and flame retardants
Replace with: all-natural wool, mohair, jute, cotton, or sisal rugs
As surprising as it may sound, your carpets can be toxic and have harmful effects. That’s because most of them are made with formaldehyde and acetone, chemicals that are known to increase the risk of cancer. In addition, carpets can also include carcinogenic flame retardants.
It gets better! Do you know that “new carpet smell”? Well, it is actually caused by a chemical that has been linked to eye, nose, and respiratory problems.
