Doctor says toxic household items 'must be thrown away', and you have all three
The common household objects are used every day by millions of people but are packed with dangerous chemicals
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.'
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 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.'
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
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Scottish Sun
27-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
The three toxic items in EVERY home that this doctor warns should be removed ‘immediately'
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A DOCTOR has revealed the three household items that should be thrown away "immediately" because of their toxic traits. Repeated use could lead to high blood pressure, cholesterol and reproductive issues, he warns. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Gastroenterologist Dr Saurabh Sethi has warned of three toxic items that can be found in almost every home Credit: Jam Press/@ 3 Scented candles release phthalates into the air, which have been linked to reproductive issues, developmental problems, and increased risk of certain cancers Credit: Jam Press/@ Gastroenterologist Dr Saurabh Sethi is known for sharing a wealth of health expertise on various social media platforms, including Instagram (@ He previously shared three foods he always avoids to protect his liver. Now, the 42-year-old has revealed three toxic items commonly found in people's homes, and advises people get rid of them immediately. In a clip, which has racked up 11.8m views and over 141,000 likes, Dr Sethi's first warning is over scented candles. 'These contain phthalates, which are known to disrupt hormone levels,' the doctor, from California, US, says. 'And cause respiratory issues." Phthalates are chemicals used in synthetic fragrances to help the scent bind to the wax and last longer. When candles containing phthalates burn, they release them into the air. Dr Sethi adds: 'Opt for unscented or natural candles made from soy or beeswax.' Phthalates have been linked to various health risks, including endocrine disruption, reproductive issues, developmental problems, and increased risk of certain cancers. How to prevent toxic plastics 'destroying' your brain - as doctor warns of 'damage and dementia risk' Studies have also shown connections between phthalate exposure and asthma, ADHD, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. The second household item Dr Sethi lists as being a danger is plastic cutting boards. He says: 'These can degrade over time, releasing microplastics into your food, which can accumulate in the body." Studies have linked microplastics to a range of potential health issues, including reproductive problems, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurological effects. They can also contribute to inflammation, cell damage, and disrupt the gut microbiome. Instead, Dr Sethi advises: "Switch to a wooden one to minimise risk.' 3 Scratched or chipped non-stick pans can release PFAS into food Credit: Getty Last on Dr Sethi's list is scratched or chipped non-stick pans. Dr Sethi explains: 'These contain PFAS, which have been linked to high blood pressure, cholesterol and reproductive issues. 'Damaged pans can release these particles into your food." PFAS are a large, complex group of synthetic chemicals that have been used in consumer products around the world since about the 1950s. Exposure to PFAS has been linked to a range of health problems, including increased risk of certain cancers, altered immune function, liver damage, and reproductive and developmental issues. Some studies also suggest links between PFAS and thyroid disease, changes in cholesterol levels, and behavioural problems in children. Dr Sethi advises: "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.'
Daily Mirror
27-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
Doctor says three toxic household items 'must be thrown away immediately'
A gastroenterologist, Dr Saurabh Sethi, has highlighted the three home items that he claims are the most noxious and insists they should be immediately discarded for health concerns. Topping his list are scented candles. He remarked: "These contain phthalates, which are known to disrupt hormone levels,and cause respiratory issues." Choosing unscented or natural options is better, according to Dr Sethi, who recommends: "Opt for unscented or natural candles made from soy or beeswax." His warning extends to plastic cutting boards too; he asserts: "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 warns against scratched or damaged non-stick pans, stating: "These contain PFAs, which have been linked to high blood pressure, cholesterol and reproductive issues", reports the Mirror. He advises: "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." For context, phthalates (pronounced thal-ates) are chemical compounds often added to plastics like polyvinyl chloride (PVC) to enhance their flexibility, strength, and longevity. Frequently called plasticizers, they are common not only in plastics but also in personal care products, household goods, medical instruments, and food packaging. Phthalates, known as endocrine disruptors, can meddle with the body's hormone systems. They have the potential to mimic or block hormones such as estrogen and testosterone, leading to: Inhaling them (like from scented products) may result in: 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 considered 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: These chemicals may interfere with: 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. PFAS, often dubbed "forever chemicals" due to their persistent nature in the environment and human body, are commonly found in a plethora of household items and materials. These forever chemicals make their way into numerous products we encounter daily, such as: Research has highlighted worrying health implications associated with PFAs exposure:
Daily Mirror
27-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
Doctor says toxic household items 'must be thrown away', and you have all three
The common household objects are used every day by millions of people but are packed with dangerous chemicals 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.' 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 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.' 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
