What poisons the atmosphere in the house
Vadim Rukavitsyn, an associate professor in the Ecology and Nature Management department at the Moscow State Institute of Natural Resources, explains that air pollution is the primary way toxins enter indoor spaces.
He notes that common culprits include certain building materials such as paints, linoleum, and vinyl wallpaper, along with low-quality furniture made from chipboard. Decorative items can also contribute, especially if they use formaldehyde-treated fabrics or faux PVC leather. Problems arise when these materials degrade or break, for instance a damaged thermometer or a mercury-containing lamp becomes a risk, he adds.
To recognize potentially toxic objects, one should watch for an unpleasant, sharp chemical odor and any sense of deteriorating well-being. A laboratory analysis remains the most reliable method to determine indoor pollution levels, offering objective results beyond personal perception.
According to Rukavitsyn, a certified product is a better bet for safety. Consumers should look for eco-labels on store shelves, such as Leaf of Life, Ecomaterial, or Blue Angel, which indicate lower environmental impact.
When a poisonous item is identified, it should not be discarded in ordinary household waste. To protect neighbors and family, it must be handed over for proper processing or destruction. Furniture and textiles can often be taken to private facilities that collect and recycle or dispose of them. For items like a broken thermometer or a mercury lamp, a specialized demercurization service is the safest option. With building materials, disposal options are more limited, and the best recourse is usually a construction waste facility or a designated removal container, the ecologist notes.
types of pollutants
What should residents watch for in their homes? Inessa Generalova, founder of the Ecoraznos project and an eco-activist, outlines seven of the most toxic products commonly found in households.
Store receipts and thermal paper
Even everyday cash receipts can pose hazards. The thermal paper used for printing often contains bisphenol A or C, chemicals capable of penetrating the skin and affecting reproductive and endocrine health. They may contribute to cardiovascular and nervous system issues and have been linked to cancer risk. Handling receipts should be discreet, and they should be kept out of ordinary waste streams to prevent broader contamination.
Aluminum foil and kitchen heat
Aluminum foil is favored for its heat retention, but heating foods wrapped in foil can cause aluminum to migrate into meals. Over time this exposure has been associated with irreversible bodily changes and potential harm to the nervous system, kidneys, and digestive tract. Reducing contact with heated aluminum and opting for alternatives can lower risk.
Air fresheners
Air fresheners freshen spaces but are often used in poorly ventilated areas. Many formulations include components that can irritate the respiratory tract and disrupt hormones. When possible, opt for ventilation and natural deodorizers instead of heavy aerosol products in tight spaces.
Flavored tissue and toilet products
Even seemingly simple items like scented toilet paper can contain phthalates. These substances can irritate the skin and lungs and may disrupt hormonal balance. A straightforward choice is unscented, standard toilet paper with basic materials and no added fragrances.
Chipboard furniture
Chipboard can release formaldehyde, a carcinogenic agent. It is a common household pollutant and may cause throat irritation, eye burning, nausea, and skin discomfort. When shopping for furniture, checking formaldehyde emission ratings is a prudent habit.
Teflon and non-stick cookware
Non-stick pans coated with Teflon can pose dangers due to residual perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a chemical linked to cancer. While many reputable brands have eliminated PFOA, concerns remain about high cooking temperatures and uneven heating releasing substances that are not fully understood and warrant caution.
Plastic utensils and containers
Common plastics may contain phthalates, formaldehyde, styrene, and bisphenols. Ingested or absorbed, these substances can disrupt endocrine and reproductive systems, influence blood pressure, and raise cancer risk. Paying attention to packaging labels and using glass or other safer materials for storage and reheating is advisable.
Generalova emphasizes choosing products with clearer material safety profiles and suggests avoiding long-term storage of hot or acidic foods in problematic plastics. It is also wise to favor glass or stainless steel for containers used with food and drink.