Toxic household chemicals and how to reduce exposure, according to experts
12 reported
A Guardian article reports on various toxic chemicals found in common household items and offers advice on reducing exposure. Experts cited in the article state that indoor air pollution from burning, gas cooking, and cleaning products can harm respiratory and cardiovascular systems and may affect cognition. The article notes that UK furniture and soft furnishings contain flame retardant chemicals due to fire safety rules from the 1980s, which some experts say have no evidence of saving lives and may be harmful. Cleaning products and personal care items release volatile organic compounds that can damage lungs and skin, while antibacterial products may contribute to antimicrobial resistance. Vinyl flooring can release plasticisers that are hormone disruptors, and non-stick pans contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that are considered harmful. The article provides solutions such as opening windows, using Hepa filter vacuums, choosing natural materials, and avoiding sprays.
What’s reported
The article states that burning anything indoors, including gas cooking, wood burners, cigarettes, and incense, causes indoor air pollution.
Prof Francis Pope of the University of Birmingham is quoted saying people spend 80-90% of their time indoors and that indoor pollution can affect respiratory and cardiovascular systems and cognition.
Prof Frank Kelly of Imperial College London says gas cooking produces nitrogen dioxide and PM2.5 particles linked to respiratory issues, cardiovascular disease, and dementia.
The article reports that UK furniture contains more flame retardant chemicals than anywhere else in the world due to 1980s fire safety regulations.
Dr Joanna Cloy of Fidra states there is no evidence the regulations have saved lives and that chemicals can make smoke more toxic.
Prof Miriam Diamond of the University of Toronto says flame retardants may be linked to endocrine disruption and reduced IQ.
The article notes that as of late 2025, children’s furniture and car seats no longer require flame retardants, but older products can still be sold.
Cleaning products and personal care items release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can damage lungs and skin, according to Nicola Carslaw of the University of York.
Prof Frank Kelly says many cleaning products are not comprehensively tested for safety from a health point of view.
Antibacterial product sales rose 40-60% during the pandemic, and Prof Diamond says using them is "a very stupid, ill-advised use of antimicrobials."
Vinyl flooring releases plasticisers that can be inhaled or absorbed through skin, says toxicologist Paul Scheepers of Radboud University.
Non-stick pans contain PFAS, which the article states are "bad."
Key figures
Prof Francis Pope, chair of atmospheric science at the University of Birmingham
Prof Frank Kelly, Humphrey Battcock chair of community health and policy at Imperial College London
Nicola Carslaw, professor in indoor air chemistry at the University of York
Dr Joanna Cloy, leader of Fidra’s flame retardants project
Prof Miriam L Diamond, University of Toronto
Paul Scheepers, PhD, toxicologist at Radboud University in Nijmegen, Netherlands
Sources: The Guardian
