When we think of creating a clean and healthy home, we typically concentrate on eliminating dust, dirt, and bacteria. But what about the invisible threats lurking in everyday household products? Neurotoxins—chemicals that cause adverse effects on the nervous system—are commonly found in cleaning agents, air fresheners, plastics, and even candles. These hidden dangers can affect cognitive function, mood, and overall well-being.
What Are Neurotoxins?
You may have heard this term floating around in the last few years. But what exactly does it mean? Neurotoxins are substances that disrupt the normal function of nerve cells (neurons). Exposure to these toxins can lead to symptoms ranging from headaches and dizziness to long-term neurological disorders such as memory loss, cognitive decline, and horrifically, developmental issues in children. Industrial pollution is a well-known source of neurotoxins, and it's easy to blame manufacturing and large industrial complexes, but many of us unknowingly introduce them into our homes through common household products.
This isn't something to be dismissed as simply "fear-mongering". Studies have linked neurotoxin exposure to significant health concerns. Research published in The Lancet Neurology classifies certain environmental toxins, including pesticides and industrial chemicals, as developmental neurotoxins that can lead to cognitive impairment and behavioral disorders.
How Neurotoxins Affect Our Health
The nervous system controls everything from our thoughts and emotions to motor skills and organ function. When exposed to neurotoxins, our bodies may struggle to detoxify effectively, leading to:
Cognitive Impairment – Memory issues, brain fog, and difficulty concentrating are some short-term effects we may experience. Conditions like Alzheimer's and dementia have been on the rise among adults as young as 45-54 in the last 10 years, and neurotoxins may play a big role.
Mood Disorders – Increased anxiety, depression, and irritability. These descriptors have been an everyday reality for a lot of us. Many factors play into these emotions (like diet, exercise, and life stress), but hidden toxins can affect how our bodies and brains react to external stress.
Hormonal Disruption – Neurotoxins can interfere with the endocrine system, leading to metabolic imbalances, weight gain, thyroid dysfunction, and insulin resistance. Studies have shown that endocrine disruptors like phthalates and BPA affect estrogen and testosterone levels, potentially leading to infertility and other reproductive health concerns.
Weakened Immune System – Constant exposure can put stress on the body, making it more susceptible to illness. Getting sick repeatedly may be a sign to look at your exposure risks.
Increased Allergic Reactions – Neurotoxins can trigger or exacerbate allergies, causing heightened sensitivity to environmental allergens, respiratory issues, and skin irritation. A study in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that phthalates in household products can increase allergic sensitization.
The Risk of Carcinogens in Neurotoxins
Many neurotoxins are also classified as potential carcinogens (the development of cancer). Long-term exposure to chemicals such as formaldehyde, benzene, and toluene—commonly found in household products—has been linked to an increased risk of cancers, including leukemia and brain tumors. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies formaldehyde as a Group 1 carcinogen, indicating strong evidence of its cancer-causing potential.
Common Household Sources of Neurotoxins
Understanding where neurotoxins hide is the first step in reducing exposure. Here are some of the biggest culprits:
1. Cleaning Products
Many conventional cleaning agents contain harsh chemicals like ammonia, chlorine, and phthalates. These substances release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air, which can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin.
Better Alternative: Choose all-natural, non-toxic cleaning solutions made with essential oils, vinegar, and plant-based ingredients. Make your own, like we do at Couture Cleaning, or purchase from companies dedicated to healthy living, such as https://branchbasics.com, https://www.ecos.com, and https://www.forceofnatureclean.com
2. Air Fresheners & Scented Candles
Plug-in air fresheners, aerosols, and paraffin-based candles often contain synthetic fragrances, which can include neurotoxic chemicals like benzene and toluene. These chemicals are linked to headaches, dizziness, and even long-term nervous system damage. If you see a candle made with paraffin wax or artificial fragrance, it contains neurotoxins.
Better Alternative: Opt for beeswax (best) or soy candles scented with pure essential oils, or use natural room sprays. Pure essential oils can be diffused with water vapor diffusers or wooden reeds. A bouquet of fragrant flowers can be a visually stunning accent as well as an aromatic refreshment for a space. Try https://bluecorncandles.com or https://www.rockymountainoils.com.
3. Plastics & Food Packaging
Plastic containers, bottles, and food packaging often contain bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, which are known to interfere with brain and hormone function. Even BPA-free plastics leach microplastics into our food, especially when heated. These microplastics build up in our bodies over time.
Better Alternative: Use glass, ceramic, or stainless-steel containers for food storage and choose BPA-free products whenever possible. Never heat food in or on plastic dishes. Transfer food from plastic packaging into glass containers or other safe packaging once it's brought home from the store. https://www.amazon.com/Storage-Containers-Bamboo-Friendly-Airtight/dp/B084H7K9LY
4. Non-Stick Cookware
Cookware coated with Teflon and other non-stick chemicals releases toxic fumes when heated, which can have neurotoxic effects over time.
Better Alternative: Switch to cast iron, stainless steel, or ceramic cookware. https://www.lodgecastiron.com, https://www.tramontina.com, https://fromourplace.com/collections/cookware
5. Personal Care Products
Shampoos, lotions, and cosmetics often contain synthetic preservatives like parabens and formaldehyde-releasing agents, which can be absorbed into the bloodstream and affect neurological health. Additionally, some of these toxins actually affect our skin and make us look older the more we use them.
Better Alternative: Choose organic and non-toxic personal care products made without synthetic fragrances or preservatives. We like https://prose.com, https://iliabeauty.com, and https://amallow.com/
Reducing Neurotoxin Exposure in Your Home
Now that you know where neurotoxins lurk, here are simple steps to detoxify your home:
Switch to Natural Cleaners: Use products made with essential oils and natural ingredients.
Improve Indoor Air Quality: Open windows regularly, use air-purifying plants, and invest in a high-quality air purifier.
Ditch Synthetic Fragrances: Replace artificial air fresheners with essential oil diffusers or homemade sprays.
Choose Safer Materials: Swap plastic containers for glass and non-stick pans for cast iron.
Read Labels Carefully: Avoid products with phthalates, parabens, formaldehyde, and synthetic fragrances.
Conclusion
Our homes should be a sanctuary, not a source of toxic exposure. By making small but impactful changes, we can create a safer, healthier environment for ourselves and our loved ones. Choosing non-toxic cleaning products, reducing synthetic fragrances, and opting for safer materials can help protect our nervous system and overall well-being.
Ready to experience the benefits of a naturally clean home? Our all-natural cleaning services eliminate harmful toxins while leaving your home pristine and fresh. We custom-make most of our cleaning products in-house, and use pure essential oils for an aromatherapy experience during your appointment. We also offer training sessions to help you make healthy swaps at home, make your own cleaning and personal care products, beeswax candles, and use & treat cast-iron and stainless steel, and more. Contact us today to learn more or schedule your appointment! https://www.couturecleaningco.com/
References
Grandjean, P., & Landrigan, P. J. (2014). Neurobehavioural effects of developmental toxicity. The Lancet Neurology, 13(3), 330-338. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1474-4422(13)70278-3
Guilarte, T. R. (2010). Manganese and Parkinson’s disease: A critical review and new findings. Toxicology, 275(1-3), 1-15. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tox.2009.09.014
Gore, A. C., et al. (2015). EDC-2: The Endocrine Society's Second Scientific Statement on Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals. Endocrine Reviews, 36(6), E1–E150. https://doi.org/10.1210/er.2015-1093
Bornehag, C. G., et al. (2004). The association between asthma and allergic symptoms in children and phthalates in house dust. The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 114(5), 1103-1110. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaci.2004.03.032
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