Eating organic food whenever possible has been shown to reduce your exposure to toxic substances, such as pesticides. But food is one source to consider when considering all possible toxins in your kitchen.

A book, Living in the Chemical Age, includes many other pollutants in our water, air, cleaning products, and utensils that we use for cooking and storing our food.

Here are 12 unknown toxins that might be hidden in your kitchen – and how to avoid them to keep your family safe.

Chloramine

All municipal water suppliers use chlorine or chloramine (chlorine and ammonia) to disinfect water, so tap water flowing from the sink in your kitchen may contain chloramine.

The problem is that chloramine is respiratory and is known to cause asthma in the form of evaporation (like a hot pot of water on a stove). Chloramine is also corrosive and can lead to lead poisoning.

Filter your water using a multi-step filter system, preferably a granular-activated carbon filter followed by a reversible osmosis filter. Remember to filter your shower water again.

Dioxin

Dioxin is found in paper products (such as paper towels and napkins) bleached using chlorine.

Dioxin is one of the most toxic chemicals known and is formed as the product of a paper-rolling process. Dioxin is a soluble fat and bioaccumulates in the body.

Buy plain paper products, or at least those that are whitened without chlorine bleach.

Phthalates

Phthalates are found in many materials, but in the kitchen, they are commonly found in plastic wraps, vinyl flooring, and many types of flexible plastic.

Phthalates are endocrine disruptors and are linked to birth defects and puberty in girls.

Since phthalates are ubiquitous and are exposed daily, the best way to reduce exposure is to avoid the use of plastic food and beverage packets.

Formaldehyde

Kitchen cabinets and flooring made of pressed wood use glue containing formaldehyde.

Formaldehyde is a carcinogen that releases compressed wood gases. Prolonged exposure to airborne formaldehyde without adequate ventilation causes irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. It has even been linked to leukemia.

Choose natural materials such as real wood cabinets, as well as stone or ceramic floor tile.

Perfume

Spices are used to smell a variety of cleaning products, including dish soap, hand soap, and countertop cleaner.

The word “fragrance” is a compelling term for a list of ingredients that are considered to be related to the manufacturer. That one scent word can contain any 3,000+ ingredients used by the perfume industry, many of which are cancer-causing or endocrine chemicals.

Choose organic soap and cleaning products or choose types that use essential oils as a way to smell their products. Avoid those that list “fragrance or perfume” in the ingredient list.

Radon gas

Radon is commonly found in houses with granite countertops. Since some deserts naturally contain concentrations of uranium, radium, or thorium, these radioactive compounds will decompose into radon, which is an odorless, colorless, radioactive gas.

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer.

Buy a cheap radon test kit at a home improvement store if you have granite counters. It is possible that radon is extracted at home but requires professional help.

Bisphenols (BPA, BPS, and BPF)

Bisphenols are found in plastic containers for food and drink as well as the inner lining of canned food.

Bisphenols are endocrine disruption chemicals associated with the thyroid and reproductive problems, obesity, heart disease, and a high risk of cancer.

To reduce your exposure to bisphenols, buy foods and beverages that are sold in glass as opposed to plastic and cans.

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)

PET is used to make plastic water bottles and other food and beverage containers with the recycling mark No. 1.

PET is a chemical that disrupts the endocrine system and has been linked to thyroid and reproductive problems.

Carry your reusable glass or stainless steel bottle of filtered water from home. Buy food and drink in glass containers, unlike plastic, whenever possible.

Diacetyl

If you like microwave popcorn, be aware that it may contain Diacetyl, a toxic chemical that helps to give it a hint of butter.

When inhaled, Diacetyl vapor is known to cause lung damage.

Instead of removing the corn from the microwave oven, make your popcorn on the stove with natural outflow corn and coconut oil or avocado in a large lid with a lid. Add a little melted butter and you get a delicious meal without damaging your lungs.

Perfluorinated Compounds (PFCs)

PFCs like PFOS, PFOA, and PTFE are found in the nonstick coating in pots, pans, fast-food wraps, and inside microwave popcorn bags.

PFCs are endocrine disruptors and are linked to reproductive problems, as well as adverse effects on the liver and kidneys.

To reduce your exposure to PFCs, choose to use stainless steel or ceramic pots and pans and avoid greasy foods wrapped in paper.

Triclosan

Triclosan is a common chemical used in antimicrobial products, such as dishwashing soaps and certain types of cutting boards.

Although the FDA has released triclosan in some antimicrobial soaps due to its association with hormonal disorders and antibiotic resistance, it is still available in many other products.

Read ingredient labels to avoid products that use Triclosan. Instead, choose soaps that contain natural antibodies, such as those that contain citrus oils, peppermint, tea tree, rosemary, or lavender.

2-butoxyethanol

The powerful petrochemical solvent 2-butoxyethanol is commonly found in glass cleaners and oven cleaners.

2-butoxyethanol vapor is very irritating to the throat and lungs, especially if used in an airless environment and can contribute to serious liver and kidney damage. 2-butoxyethanol has been listed by the California state as “dangerous”.

Look for non-toxic types of glass cleaners that already use water, plant extracts, and essential oils. Or try the many “effective” recipes online for effective self-cleaning. For glass cleaning, these recipes often include vinegar and water. In the oven, try a recipe that combines baking soda with vinegar. You do not need to expose yourself to unnecessary toxins to have a clean, shiny kitchen.