WTFs in Everyday Products
In our quest for wellness, we often overlook the hidden toxins lurking in everyday products. From that seemingly innocent receipt to your go-to sunscreen, some everyday items might be more harmful than you think. Let’s dive into the sneaky dangers and how you can navigate them without getting caught up in the chaos.
Receipts: The Toxic Truth
What’s the deal?
Most receipts are printed on thermal paper coated with BPA or BPS, chemicals known to disrupt hormones. These sneaky substances can absorb through your skin, potentially leading to health issues like reproductive abnormalities and cancer. Plus, they’re an environmental nightmare—these receipts contribute to deforestation and waste.
What to do about it:
Go digital whenever you can, and wash your hands after handling receipts. Let go of that stack of old receipts cluttering your purse. Encourage businesses to switch to safer alternatives or ditch paper altogether.
Resources:
BPA and BPS in Thermal Paper
Study finds toxic chemicals in 80% of receipt paper
Baby Formula: The Seed Oil Surprise
What’s the fuss?
Industrial seed oils are the not-so-great secret ingredient in most baby formulas. High in omega-6 fatty acids, these oils can lead to inflammation and gut issues. Despite claims to mimic breast milk, they don’t quite hit the mark, and their long-term effects on infant health are still a big question mark.
What to do about it:
While the options are limited, we did some serious digging and found a few formulas that skip the seed oils—though they’re tough to come by. As more people start waking up to the truth about these oils, we hope that changes. Because let’s be real: knowing what we know now, why would we settle for a formula packed with them?”
Resources:
Podcast: The Be Well Podcast: Seed Oils 101
Product: Sammy’s Milk
Product: Serenity Kids Toddler Formula
Sunscreen: Protection or Problem?
WTF is it doing to me?
Sunscreen is supposed to protect us, but many contain chemicals like oxybenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene, avobenzone, octisalate, and homosalate, which can be absorbed into our bloodstream and have been linked to hormone disruption. And let’s not forget the environmental fallout—these chemicals wreak havoc on coral reefs.
What to do about it:
Go for mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide—the only truly safe active ingredient on your label. While titanium dioxide gets a lot of hype for being ‘safe,’ it can actually kick up free radicals in your body, leading to oxidative stress. Also, remember you need up to 15 minutes of direct sunlight daily (without sunscreen) to boost your vitamin D levels, which is crucial for strong bones, fighting inflammation, and reducing cancer risks. Also, keep in mind that consuming seed oils can make you more prone to sunburn. So, alongside choosing the right sunscreen, think about sun-protective clothing and finding shade during peak UV hours. Balance is key, after all.
Resources:
EWG’s Guide to Sunscreens
EWG’s 18th Annual Guide to Sunscreens
Product: Babo Botanicals Tinted Sunscreen (used by Untoxed Unbothered)
Product: Van Man’s Tallow & Zinc Sunscreen (Plus, there’s the added bonus of tallow, which we’ll dive into later)
Feminine Products: The Unseen Risks
What’s inside?
Tampons and feminine pads might seem like everyday items, but they can be hiding some pretty sketchy chemicals. We’re talking PFAS (“forever chemicals”), lead, arsenic, VOCs, phthalates, dioxins (from bleaching), and even pesticide residues from non-organic cotton. These nasties can sneak through the delicate vaginal tissue and might mess with your hormones, increase cancer risk, and even impact fertility and immune function. It’s a lot to consider, but knowing what’s lurking in your period products helps you make smarter choices.
What to do about it:
Go for organic, unbleached products or give menstrual cups a try. There are ‘untoxed’ options available, but they require a bit of research. Staying informed and supporting better ingredient transparency can also help drive industry change.
Resources:
Tampons as a source of exposure to metal(loid)s
Scientists find heavy metals such as lead, arsenic in tampons: What to know
Product: Lola Period Products
Product: Cora Tampons and Pads (used by Untoxed Unbothered)
EMFs: The Invisible Exposure
What’s the concern?
Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are all around us—from your cell phone and Wi-Fi router to electrical appliances, laptops, tablets, baby monitors, smart watches, and televisions. And that’s just scratching the surface—EMFs are emitted by many other sources we interact with daily. While they’re not as intense as ionizing radiation like X-rays, the chatter around their potential effects continues. Research has explored their potential risks, including links to cancer, reduced fertility, and neurological effects.
What to do about it:
To keep EMFs in check, keep devices at a distance whenever you can. Flip your phone to airplane mode when it’s not in use, and shut off your Wi-Fi router and other electronics at night. Swap out wireless for wired connections when possible, and cut down on Bluetooth gadgets. Unplug devices when they’re idle and explore EMF-blocking products if you’re feeling extra cautious.
Resources:
Understanding EMF and Brain Health
Effects of electromagnetic fields exposure on the antioxidant defense system
A rationale for Biologically-based Exposure Standards for Low-Intensity Electromagnetic Radiation
Navigating the world of wellness can be tricky, but with a little knowledge and proactive choices, you can steer clear of these hidden hazards. Remember, it’s not about perfection; it’s about making informed decisions that keep you feeling Untoxed & Unbothered. So, stay curious, stay balanced, and keep living your best, most enjoyable life.
