11 Carcinogenic Materials Found in Most of Our Homes

We all want to do as much as possible to make sure our family has a happy and healthy life. To do this, we try to refrain from using items and materials that might harm them, whether it's a dangerous toy or a table with sharp corners, but while we choose healthy foods and safe activities, we unwittingly fill our home with products that may increase the risk of cancer and other health problems. This is why it is important that you familiarize yourself with the following 11 carcinogenic items that are present in most homes.

1. Air fresheners  

According to a report released by the US Natural Resources Defense Council, many of the air fresheners used in our homes on a regular basis contain compounds that can cause us harm and even cancer. The vast majority of air fresheners, even those labeled "natural", contain a group of chemicals called phthalates, the most common being DEHP, DIDP and DINP. As part of the National Toxicology Program in the United States, it was reported that DEHP is a substance that may be carcinogenic to humans and that these chemicals may adversely affect brain development and sexual development. 

 

It's important to note that the most at risk are infants, pregnant women, and chronic patients. Since household air fresheners are very simple to prepare, there is no reason why you should continue to use products that contain hazardous substances that may harm your health. Use this wonderful guide to make natural home air fresheners, and enjoy your favorite comforting and pleasant smells without harming yourself.

2. Shower curtains and similar plastic products 

 

You’ve probably already heard about polyvinyl chloride polymer, also known as PVC because it's the third most common type of plastic. Although this type of plastic may be fine for some uses, such as in sewage pipes, it can be dangerous if we are exposed to it around the house. Shower curtains contain PVC and other toxic compounds that may be released while you shower. 

 

These toxins can affect the reproductive and respiratory system and can cause cancer. This is why it’s important to check what your bathroom curtain is made of, and if it contains this dangerous plastic, you should choose healthy alternatives such as natural cotton or curtains that contain EVA. Also, don’t hesitate to check your children's plastic toys and plastic containers in your home to make sure they don’t contain PVC. 

 

Microwaving plastic 

First of all, it's important that you familiarize yourself with the symbols that adorn various plastic containers, toys and other products made of plastic. Once you know the different types of plastics, it should be noted that none of them are recommended for microwave heating. In fact, plastic containers labeled "microwave safe" just mean that they won’t melt while being heated. Keep in mind that heating plastic increases the potential for the penetration of chemicals into the food you eat!

3. Materials for cleaning fabrics and carpet shampoo 

If you use detergents to clean clothes stains or your carpets it's important to make sure that they don't contain Trichloroethane or Naphthalene. If you do find them on the ingredients list, you should stop using the product as both contribute to an increased risk of lung or throat cancer. If you encounter a stubborn stain on your favorite carpet, you can easily remove it with baking soda. All you have to do is sprinkle a little baking soda on the carpet, allow the stain to be absorbed and finally clean with a vacuum cleaner.

4. Items returned from dry cleaning 

 According to the American Cancer Society, a dangerous substance that’s hidden in your closet is trichloroethylene, a chemical that may stick to clothes and items that have been dry cleaned. Inhalation of this transparent liquid vapor can damage the central nervous system, with symptoms similar to those of alcohol poisoning including headaches, dizziness, and confusion to the point of loss of consciousness and death. 

 

 

In addition to this, the substance is suspected to be carcinogenic. Therefore, the next time you give your clothes to the dry cleaners, don’t forget to make sure that they don’t use detergents containing trichloroethylene or other chemicals that could unknowingly endanger your health.

 

5. Pest Repellent and pesticides 

Many pests enjoy setting up camp on our four-legged friends, which is why most of us buy different products to kill those unwanted visitors. But we need to pay attention and be very alert when choosing tick a flea repellents because, as in the case of our detergents, there are various carcinogenic chemicals that may be present in them, as well as in products that treat children's head lice. 

 

Products containing chemical substances such as permethrin or organophosphates are probably carcinogenic and dangerous for humans. Therefore, you have to be very stringent when choosing these products. Additionally, you can take care of head lice naturally, repel bugs, and take care of your dog and cats flea problem without chemicals. 

6. Talcum powder 

There are quite a few people who use talcum powder in their sneakers or socks to prevent unpleasant sweating or odors, and quite a few mothers put it in baby diapers to prevent rashes. This is why it is important that you know what substances you should be wary of on its label. You should avoid buying talc that contains asbestos fibers, found to be unsafe by the US Food and Drug Administration, as it increases the risk of ovarian cancer and lung diseases.

7. House paint 

From time to time we want to liven up the walls of our house and give them a fresh and clean look, and a good way to do this is by painting them. But the most common problem with paint is the volatile compounds it contains. As paint begins to dry, the chemicals "escape" into the air and this may continue for several years after painting.

 

People who work or live in an area that has just been painted can breathe in these chemicals, which can cause a variety of health problems such as headaches, dizziness and other severe symptoms. Because of these problems, paints that contain less volatile compounds have become more desirable, and you should look for these paint options.

8. Teflon cookware  

Several years ago, the US Environmental Protection Agency found a carcinogenic substance called PFOA inside Teflon cookware. Agency officials added that Teflon secretes toxic substances and gases at high temperatures, which can lead to various diseases and even cancer. However, it's important to note that if you keep your Teflon cookware in good condition and undamaged, you can continue to use it, but at the same time, avoid long or high-temperature cooking.

9. Anti-bacterial products 

We generally tend to put our trust in antibacterial products that are supposedly designed to make our environment as safe as possible. However, in many cosmetics and hygiene products, including soaps and toothpastes, a substance called Triclosan, registered with the US Environmental Protection Agency as an insecticide, has been found, and it may be carcinogenic. Although initial experiments on the subject have only been done on mice so far, they have raised enough concerns to ban the use of products containing this substance in EU countries.

10. Antiperspirant deodorants 

Most of us are careful to apply deodorant every day to reduce armpit sweat and keep our bodies smelling nice, and there are countless different types which offer different smells and textures. Despite the rich selection and tempting offers that make us choose a certain type of deodorant, it's important to know that antiperspirant products, which contain aluminum salts, may promote the growth of cancer cells in the body and may cause breast cancer. 

 

It should be noted that this information is not conclusive and that other studies contradict this claim, but in any case, if you decide to reduce the use of antiperspirant deodorant, you can replace it with coconut oil.

Or better still use alum to rub underarms after bath. I read that all deodorants contain alum. Since more than 2 months, that I use alum, I'm finding it really effective. I was using earlier coconut oil, rose water+ baking soda- may be I was allergic to baking soda. Some say even rubbing lime juice is effective.

 

 

11. Candles  

Another dangerous and poisonous product that may be in your home comes disguised as scented candles. Although the US Consumer Council banned the sale of lead wicks, you should carefully examine the candles in your home to rule out the possibility that they contain this dangerous substance. 

 

A simple way to check if your candle contains lead requires only a piece of paper. Hold the candle in such a way that you can rub the wick on the piece of paper, and if it doesn’t leave a mark on the page, it probably doesn’t contain lead. If you find that the candles in your home are not safe, you can easily make an orange candle, and enjoy its wonderful taste, its pleasant smell, and its bright light.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

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Thyme Is More Beneficial For You Than You Think!

You may enjoy a bunch of chopped thyme in a salad or season your meat dishes with this savory herb… But did you know that the pleasant aroma of thyme is just one of countless beneficial ways this herb can help your life and well-being? If you enjoy thyme in your diet or aromatherapy, you’ll surely be glad to know that this humble herb comes with an impressive list of health benefits and uses. Learn what they are in this educational guide.

The origins and history of thyme 

Thyme is a perennial evergreen herb in the mint family. There are hundreds of thyme species, but the kind that’s most commonly used in cooking, medicine, and landscaping is the species Thymus vulgaris. Thyme grows naturally all across the Mediterranean, but it was likely first cultivated in the Levant, where it grows in the wild to this day.

Humanity has long since discovered the culinary, aromatic, and medicinal value of thyme. The Ancient Egyptians used it in embalming, the Ancient Greeks took baths and burnt incense containing thyme in temples, and the Romans flavored foods and drinks with it. The famous Greek physician Hippocrates recommended thyme for respiratory illnesses, which is why it was often used to purify the air in rooms. 

 

This last tradition continued well into the Middle Ages, but it was but one of many ways Europeans used this aromatic herb. Thyme was believed to ward off nightmares and promote sleep, so people would often place it beneath their pillows. Women would gift thyme leaves to knights and warriors, believing that the herb would bring them courage. Today, we still use thyme in aromatherapy and in cooking, but what is this aromatic herb really good for?

 

The health benefits of thyme

The beauty of adding herbs to your diet is that they add flavor and offer health benefits without adding any calories. One serving of thyme (which is around 1 teaspoon of dried thyme or 2 tablespoons of fresh thyme) has less than 1 calorie, zero fat, 0.2 g of carbs, and 0.1 g of fiber. The herb also has low amounts of vitamin A, C, as well as some copper, magnesium, iron, and potassium. 

 

Besides these general nutrients, thyme is rich in active plant compounds that account for its many health benefits, which we outline below: 

 

1. Helps with a cough

Since ancient times, thyme has been used as a natural cough remedy, and current research tends to confirm that thyme leaves and thyme extract may be able to ease a cough. For example, a research paper from 2006 suggests that taking a syrup consisting of thyme and ivy leaves reduced the cough in patients with acute bronchitis by 50%. A more recent test-tube study suggests that a mix of thyme and primrose extract reduces mucous production and inflammation in acute bronchitis as well. 

 

Therefore, drinking some thyme tea may be a good idea the next time you have a cough! To prepare thyme tea, take 2 sprigs of thyme and steep them in 1 cup of boiling water for 5 minutes. Remove the sprigs and enjoy alone or with a squeeze of lemon and some honey. 

 

2. Fights bacteria that cause food poisoning

In the history section, we briefly mentioned that thyme was used in food preservation. Lo and behold, those Romans were onto something, as scientists are now discovering that thyme has potent antibacterial properties. In fact, thyme essential oil may be able to eradicate strains of bacteria that cause foodborne illness and other infections. 

 

A 2011 paper from Poland points out that thyme oil kills strains of Staphylococcus, Escherichia, Pseudomonas, and Enterococcus bacteria resistant to antibiotics. A more recent test-tube study looked at thyme’s preservative properties and concluded that even low doses of thyme oil killed off foodborne pathogens, so simply adding thyme to your meals can reduce your risk of food poisoning. 

 

3. May reduce high blood pressure

More recently, researchers have started to suspect that thyme may be capable of reducing blood pressure, and the current research is promising albeit not fully conclusive. A 2016 study carried out at the University of Belgrade suggests that wild thyme extract can reduce blood pressure. 

 

A similar experiment conducted in 2014 used a species of thyme native to Pakistan and Afghanistan called Thymus linearis benth. and concluded that it had a significant capacity to lower heart rate, blood pressure, and cholesterol. Both of these studies were conducted in rats, which have a similar but not identical response to high blood pressure in humans.  

 

4. May be beneficial for yeast infections 

As we’ve already established, bacteria are afraid of thyme. But they’re not alone in this regard. The aromatic herb may also be effective against fungi. The fungus called Candida albicans (C. albicans) is the most common cause of yeast infections, also known as thrush. Thyme essential oil was found to wipe out C. albicans strains, even those that are resistant to the antifungal medication fluconazole. 

 

This anti-fungal activity was observed by a 2012 study carried out in Italy that demonstrated the ability of thyme essential oil to destroy the C. albicans fungus in human cells. Another in vitro study from 2021 confirmed these effects and further suggested that even minimal doses of thyme oil were effective at killing resistant strains of the fungus. Currently, human trials are needed to confirm that this effect is preserved in live subjects.

5. Kills acne bacteria  

Acne is caused by the Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) bacterium. Given that thyme has a known antibacterial effect, thyme essential oil may be a good way to eradicate these acne-causing bacteria from the surface of the skin. Research from 2010 suggests that thyme essential oil is indeed effective against P. acnes. 

 

Further research from the Leeds Metropolitan University, England, in 2012, confirmed these findings and compared the antibacterial activity of thyme to benzoyl peroxide, a common clinical acne-fighting ingredient. The antibacterial effect of thyme was stronger than that of benzoyl peroxide. What’s more, the thyme tincture didn’t have the unpleasant side effects of benzoyl peroxide, such as irritation or a burning sensation on the skin.

If you want to try using thyme essential oil on the skin, mix only 1 drop of the oil with your moisturizer on the back of your hand, and only then apply it on the skin. Diluting the oil is key to preventing burns or irritation. We also recommend patch-testing this mixture behind your ear to make sure that your skin can tolerate thyme oil. 

 

6. The aroma of thyme can lift your mood  

The smell of thyme may not be able to make you more courageous, as was believed by people in the Middle Ages, but it can certainly lift your mood! In aromatherapy, thyme essential oil is extensively used in times of stress, fatigue, or even grief. And there is one study suggesting that the smell of thyme can positively influence our brain chemistry. The active substance in thyme essential oil called carvacrol was stated by the study to boost the levels of serotonin and dopamine, the two so-called happiness hormones. So if you enjoy the smell of thyme, try diffusing some thyme essential oil to lift your mood.  

 

7. May have cancer-fighting properties

Cancer research started investigating thyme as a potential cancer-fighting herb only recently. Nevertheless, in-vitro research suggests that the herb may be beneficial for fighting breast and colon cancer. Research from Turkey in 2012 looked at the effect of Thymus serpyllum, or wild thyme, on breast cancer cells. The test-tube experiment concluded that thyme eradicated breast cancer cells. Since then, two other studies - one from 2018 and another one from 2021 - made identical conclusions. 

 

As for colon cancer, a study conducted in Lisbon in 2012 suggested that thyme extract may be effective against colon cancer, and a 2015 study observed similar findings in regards to colorectal cancer. 

 

Home uses of thyme 

Apart from having a direct positive effect on your health, thyme is also beneficial for your home and cooking. Thyme can be easily added to any meat, fish, pasta, and vegetable dish or enjoyed as a tea. But you probably already knew all that. So here are a few extra ways you can use thyme leaves or thyme essential oil around the home.  

 

1. Keeps pests away

Did you know that thymol, a variety of thyme oil, is a common ingredient in pesticides? According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), thymol is used to kill bacteria, viruses, rodents, and pests both indoors and outdoors. Thyme essential oil naturally contains between 20-60% thymol. More recently, research also found that thyme essential oil can kill mosquitos and their larvae, particularly the tiger mosquito known to carry countless deadly illnesses. 

 

Make your own pest repellent by combining 5 drops of thyme oil with ¼ cup (60 ml) of water or mixing 4 drops of thyme oil in 1 teaspoon of carrier oil, such as almond or jojoba oil. You can apply this mixture on the skin or diffuse this mixture around your home. Some people also place dried thyme sprigs in-between laundry to repel pests.  

 

2. Extends the shelf life of cooking oils

If you live in a warmer climate or simply buy oil in bulk, you may struggle with your cooking oil going rancid faster than you can use it up. Even here, thyme can come to the rescue, provided that you enjoy the taste of thyme and use it in cooking quite often. According to Polish scientists, thyme extract can stabilize sunflower oil and prevent it from spoiling at various temperatures. 

 

You can purchase pre-infused cooking oil in-store, but if you want to try infusing your own cooking oil with thyme, follow these steps: 

 

1. Combine 1 cup of cooking oil with ¾ cup of washed and pat-dried fresh thyme in a saucepan. 

2. Heat oil to 180°F (80°C) to kill any germs that may be lurking in the herb.

3. Let the oil cool, strain, and bottle it up. That’s it! 

 

3. Disinfecting 

Those who live in a humid climate will know that the risk of mold suddenly growing in the basement, bathroom, and other places in the home is no joke. Even though thyme oil will not solve a serious mold problem, it can be super helpful at preventing the issue, especially if you already had a mold problem in the past. Diffusing and spot-treating problem areas with thyme essential oil are both beneficial.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

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