Doctor says toxic household items 'must be thrown away', and you have all three

A doctor has named what he says are the three most toxic household items that 'must be thrown away immediately'. Dr Saurabh Sethi, a gastroenterologist, has urged people to take action as soon as possible.

First on the list from Dr Sethi is scented candles. He said: “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.”

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Dr Sethi lists plastic cutting boards as being a danger. He says: “These can degrade over time, releasing microplastics into your food, which can accumulate in the body. Switch to a wooden one to minimise risk.”

And last on the list? Scratched or chipped non-stick pans. Dr Sethi explains: “These contain PFAs, which have been linked to high , 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.”

Phthalates (pronounced thal-ates) are a group of chemical compounds commonly used to make plastics — especially polyvinyl chloride (PVC) — more flexible, durable, and harder to break. They are often referred to as plasticizers. In addition to plastics, phthalates are also found in personal care products, household items, medical devices, and even food packaging.

Phthalates are endocrine disruptors, meaning they can interfere with hormone systems in the body. They can mimic or block hormones like estrogen and testosterone, leading to:

• Altered reproductive development

• Reduced sperm count and quality

• Early puberty in girls

• Hormone-related cancers (potentially)

Some phthalates, like DEHP and DBP, have been linked to:

• Birth defects

• Miscarriages

• Developmental delays in children

• Testicular toxicity in animals

Exposure through inhalation (like from scented products) may cause:

• Asthma and allergy symptoms

• Potential immune system effects in children

Animal studies suggest some phthalates may promote tumour development. DEHP is classified as possibly carcinogenic to humans by some health agencies.

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles often invisible to the naked eye — and they are considered unhealthy for both environmental and human health reasons.

Microplastics can carry 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 human-made chemicals (over 10,000 types) used since the 1940s to make products resistant to water, oil, heat, and stains.

They’re sometimes called "forever chemicals" because they don’t break down easily in the environment or the human body.

PFAS are used in a wide variety of products, 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 linked to:

• 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