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.
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Gastroenterologist Dr Saurabh Sethi is known for sharing a wealth of health expertise on various social media platforms, including Instagram (@doctor.sethi).
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.
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.”
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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.”
What are microplastics and why are they a worry?
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles less than five millimetres in diameter.
They come from a variety of sources in our everyday life, from larger pieces of plastic debris, such as from the degradation of bottles, to the tiny beads in personal care products like toothpaste and exfoliants, and synthetic fibres from textiles like polyester and nylon.
We can either ingest them, for example in food and water contaminated with them, or inhale them from the air.
There is growing concern about the potential health impacts of microplastics on both the environment and human health.
When ingested or inhaled, microplastics can cause physical and chemical damage to living organisms.
Studies have shown that they may be involved in inflammation in the body by leading to the release of proteins called inflammatory cytokines.
While these studies are typically small and in animals or cells, inflammation is linked to a range of chronic diseases, including heart disease, autoimmune disorders, and cancer.
Cellular damage has been a key focus of studies on microplastics.
The tiny pieces of plastic have been shown to cause cell death, cause damage via oxidative stress, and interfere with hormone function.
There is also evidence to suggest that microplastics can cause genotoxic effects, meaning they can damage genetic material within cells – raising fears they can contribute to cancer.
The evidence is still evolving for these tiny particles that are barely visible to the naked eye.