Most people assume the products sold in stores are safe — but the truth is, many everyday items in our homes contain chemicals that can harm our health, especially with repeated exposure over time. Cleaning sprays, air fresheners, cookware, cosmetics, laundry products — all of these can contain ingredients linked to hormone disruption, asthma, skin issues, and even developmental or immune problems.

While each product might only release small amounts of toxicants, the cumulative effect of daily exposure from multiple sources is what creates risk — especially for people who are already immunocompromised, chemically sensitive, or managing chronic conditions.

Some of the most concerning toxins found in household products include:

• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Chemicals that easily become airborne, found in paints, cleaners, air fresheners, and furniture. Known to irritate eyes and lungs and contribute to indoor air pollution.
• Phthalates: Common in synthetic fragrances and plastics. Linked to hormone disruption, asthma, and developmental effects.
• Parabens: Preservatives in personal care products. Mimic estrogen and have been found in human tissue.
• PFAS (forever chemicals): Used in nonstick cookware and stain-resistant coatings. Persist in the body and environment; linked to immune suppression and cancer.
• Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (quats): Found in disinfectant wipes and sprays. Known to cause respiratory and skin irritation and may trigger asthma.

We’re not exposed to these toxins in isolation — we’re exposed to many of them daily, through what we breathe, touch, and even ingest. This course is designed to help you understand those exposures and offer practical, low-cost strategies for replacing toxic products with safer, healthier alternatives.