'I'm a gastroenterologist - three household items are toxic and should be binned'
Share this @internewscast.com

A doctor has revealed three everyday household items as hazardous to health and suggests binning them immediately.

Dr Saurabh Sethi, a gastroenterologist, said scented candles were particularly dangerous, stating: “These contain phthalates, which are known to disrupt hormone levels, and cause respiratory issues.

“Opt for unscented or natural candles made from soy or beeswax.”

Dr Sethi also cautioned against plastic cutting boards, explaining: “These can degrade over time, releasing microplastics into your food, which can accumulate in the body. Switch to a wooden one to minimise risk.”

Lastly, Dr Sethi warned about scratched or chipped non-stick pans, stating: “These contain PFAs, which have been linked to high blood pressure, cholesterol and reproductive issues.”

“Damaged pans can release these particles into your food. So make sure to either replace these pans as soon as they are scratched or chipped. Or replace those with safer alternatives, such as stainless steel or cast iron.”, he added.

Phthalates are a group of chemical compounds commonly used to make plastics more flexible and durable, often found in personal care products, household items, medical devices, and food packaging. Phthalates, known as endocrine disruptors, can interfere with the body’s hormone systems, reports the Mirror.

They have the ability to mimic or block hormones such as estrogen and testosterone, leading to:

  • Altered reproductive development
  • Reduced sperm count and quality
  • Early puberty in girls
  • Hormone-related cancers (potentially)

Certain phthalates, like DEHP and DBP, are associated with:

  • Birth defects
  • Miscarriages
  • Developmental delays in children
  • Testicular toxicity in animals

Inhaling them (like from scented products) may result in:

  • Asthma and allergy symptoms
  • Potential immune system effects in children

Animal studies suggest some phthalates may encourage tumour development. Some health agencies classify DEHP as possibly carcinogenic to humans.

Microplastics are minuscule plastic particles often invisible to the naked eye – and they are deemed harmful for both environmental and human health reasons.

Microplastics can transport toxic chemicals, either from the plastic itself or absorbed from the environment. These include:.

  • Phthalates and Bisphenol A (BPA) – endocrine disruptors
  • Heavy metals – like lead or cadmium
  • Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) – like PCBs or DDT

These chemicals may interfere with:

  • Hormonal balance
  • Reproductive health
  • Neurological development
  • Immune function

PFAS stands for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances – a large group of man-made chemicals (over 10,000 types) used since the 1940s to make products resistant to water, oil, heat, and stains.

Often dubbed “forever chemicals” for their persistent nature, PFAS hardly deteriorate in the environment or the human body.

These compounds are used across a wide range of household items, including:

  • Non-stick cookware (e.g. Teflon)
  • Waterproof and stain-resistant fabrics (e.g., Gore-Tex, Scotchgard)
  • Fast food wrappers, microwave popcorn bags
  • Cosmetics (especially long-wear or waterproof types)
  • Firefighting foams
  • Carpets, upholstery, and paints

PFAs have been associated with various health issues, such as:

  • Interference with thyroid function
  • Developmental delays in infants and children
  • Disruption of reproductive hormones
  • Increased risk of kidney and testicular cancer
  • Elevated cholesterol levels
  • Liver damage
  • Suppressed immune function
  • Reduced response to vaccinations (especially in children)
  • Low birth weight
  • Pre-eclampsia
  • Fertility issues
Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Are You Aware of the Serious Risks Type 2 Diabetes Poses? Discover the Potential for Related Organ Failure

The one in 10 Americans living with type 2 diabetes may be…

NHS advises some UK residents to schedule essential vaccination starting October 1 – here’s how to arrange it

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has urged specific at-risk groups to…

Find Out: Are You an Introvert, Extrovert, or the Newly Discovered Otrovert? Take This Quiz to Discover Your True Personality!

We all know people who are the life and soul of the…

Put an End to the Duvet Battles: Experts Explain Why Women Often Feel Colder Than Men and Offer Solutions

The great domestic autumn battle has begun – and it’s being fought…

Britons Encouraged to Include Salmon in Their Diet for an Unexpected Health Boost

Specialists have highlighted the remarkable advantages of incorporating more fish into your…

UK Residents Advised to Start Daily Pill Regimen from Wednesday

Individuals throughout the UK are being prompted to take a daily supplement…

I’m a Dementia Nurse: How to Gently Discuss Early Alzheimer’s Symptoms with a Loved One

A prominent dementia specialist has shared three essential approaches for having an…

Countryfile Star ‘Overwhelmed with Fear’ Before Emotional ‘Farewell’ Pre-Surgery

Former Countryfile presenter Julia Bradbury has candidly shared the profound fear she…

Top Athlete’s Life Saved by Screening that Detected Concealed Syndrome

During training for his major race of the season, athlete Scott Owen…

Expert Highlights the Risks of ‘Fibremaxxing’—Why This Health Trend Might Not Be Right for Everyone

A prominent gut physician has issued a caution about ‘fibremaxxing’—a wellness trend…