Toxins in Our Homes and Offices

If you have multiple chemical sensitivities, Sick Building Syndrome (new home/renovation syndrome) is probably old news. My first obvious run in with this phenomenon was when I bought a new computer about 13 years ago. I experienced a new weird smell and I didn’t feel good – headachy, foggy and off. A practitioner I was seeing at the time said something along the lines of “what is new in your environment, because your lungs have taken a hit.” The only new thing since my last visit was the computer. It turns out, the outside casing is made of cadmium and aluminium, which off-gasses and I was breathing it in. It took about 6 weeks for the obvious smell to go, but even now if I don’t have the window open for a day I can smell an electrical/computery smell. Looking back, there were probably a lot more toxins in my past like photographic chemicals, mercury fillings, glyphosate, gluten and one that involved a lot of satellite dishes which attributed to my systems overload. The difference between whether people get sick, is their sensitivity and how well their body can detox from the amount, duration, toxic combination, heat, hormones, and bodily stress as they accumulate. The early detectors are pets, children, pregnant women, elderly, asthmatics, people who suffer from migraine and mast cell/histamine sensitivity whose chemical burden is high – the proverbial canaries in the coal mine.

Symptoms of High Toxic Load

Persistent headaches indoors
Fatigue improving outdoors
“New furniture smell”
Static-heavy dust accumulation
Chronic sinus symptoms
Eye irritation
Poor sleep
Pets avoiding certain rooms

When people think about “air pollution,” they often picture traffic or smog outside. In reality, indoor air can contain a complex mix of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particles, and chemical residues released slowly from everyday materials. In modern homes and workplaces, many of these sources are hidden in plain sight. The main culprits are benzene, flame retardants, formaldehyde, toluene, xylene, trichloroethylene (TCE) PFA’s (Forever Chemicals), phthalates (plastic softening) and microplastics. Many are released slowly over time through a process called “off-gassing,” while others accumulate in household dust. Clothing and wardrobes are also a surprisingly consistent source of low-level chemical exposure. Unlike the kitchen (where exposure is intermittent), fabrics sit directly on skin for hours, off-gas into enclosed spaces, and collect dust that both humans and pets inhale. Our pets get a higher exposure because they are smaller and groom themselves ingesting fibres and dust. So where are these toxins?

Furniture, Soft Furnishings, Building Materials & Paints

Key pollutants: formaldehyde, toluene, xylene. These are especially noticeable in newly renovated spaces.
Potential effects are dizziness, nausea, cognitive fatigue, blood toxicity, long-term cancer risk and irritation of airways.

Formaldehyde Found in pressed wood furniture, MDF, Cabinets, Flooring underlay, Glues, Curtains, Permanent-press fabrics
Effects: Eye/nose irritation, Headaches, Asthma aggravation, Hormone disruption, Sleep issues, Classified carcinogen and Immune stress in pets
Benzene Found in paints, Synthetic fragrances, Candles, Cleaning products, Tobacco smoke residue and Vehicle fumes entering garages
Effects: Nervous system effects, Fatigue, Dizziness, Blood toxicity Long-term cancer risk
Toluene & Xylene Found in Paints, Solvents, Nail products, Adhesives and New carpets
Effects: Brain fog, Nervous system irritation, Hormone effects, Headaches, Dizziness and can affect pets’ liver systems
PFAS (“Forever chemicals”) Found In stain-resistant carpets, Upholstery coatings, Waterproof fabrics, some paints, furniture protectors, eg: PFOA, PFOS, GenX chemicals
Effects: Hormonal disruption, Thyroid issues, Immune suppression, Fertility effects, Potential cancer links and persistent accumulation in pets and humans
Phthalates – Plastic-softening chemicals. Found In Vinyl flooring, Shower curtains, Synthetic leather furniture, Fragranced products, Air fresheners, Electrical cables, PVC blinds. Examples: DEHP, DBP and BBP
Effects: Endocrine disruption, Testosterone reduction, Asthma, Metabolic disruption, Developmental concerns in children
Common Types PBDEs & Organophosphate Flame Retardants. Found In
Sofas, Foam cushions, Mattresses, Electronics, Carpets and Curtains
Effects: Thyroid disruption, Neurodevelopmental effects, Hormonal imbalance, Fertility concerns and persistent household dust contamination. Pets often accumulate high levels because they groom dust from fur.
Microplastics & Synthetic Fiber Dust Found In Polyester furnishings, Carpets, Fleece blankets, Foam cushions, Curtains and Synthetic rugs
Effects: Airway irritation, Inflammatory responses, Chemical carrier effects and Potential endocrine disruption
Asbestos Found in corrugated cement roofing, roof shingles, soffits/eaves, “Fibrolite”, Cement sheet cladding, Exterior wall sheets
Effects: When asbestos-containing materials are cut, drilled, sanded, broken, weathered, or deteriorate, microscopic fibres can become airborne and lodge deep in the lungs. Blue and brown asbestos imports were banned in NZ in raw form in 1984. The full ban on importing asbestos-containing products was in 2016. Any home or building built before 2000 or renovated before 2000 may still contain asbestos somewhere.

New furniture tends to release the highest levels — which is why “new house smell” isn’t always as fresh as it seems.

What helps:

Solid wood over MDF
Low-VOC certified furniture
HEPA + activated carbon filtration
Ventilation, Air purification, Fresh air exchange
Humidity under 50%
Fragrance-free homes or Essential oils used sparingly with ventilation
Avoid paraffin candles
Garage isolation
Zero-VOC paint
Cure renovations before occupancy
Avoid “stain resistant” treatments
Wool over synthetic carpet
Avoid PVC/vinyl
Fragrance-free products
Natural flooring, fiber rugs, latex/wool furniture
Vacuum with HEPA filter
Replace deteriorating foam
Frequent wet dusting

Wardrobes

Polyester (and synthetic fibres in general) Found in Activewear, fast fashion, bedding, linings and fleece.
What it is: Petroleum-derived plastic fibre
Chemicals involved: Antimony (used as a catalyst in production)
Microplastics (shed during wear and washing)
Effects: Skin irritation for some people. Potential endocrine disruption (from additives, not the fibre itself).
Microplastics can enter the body via inhalation/ingestion. Pets inhale fibres from dust and ingest them when grooming.
Key issue: Heat + sweat increases chemical release and absorption
Nylon Found in hosiery, activewear, swimwear, carpets, bags
Chemicals involved: Residual solvents, Plasticisers
Effects: Skin irritation, off-gassing VOCs (especially when new). Can contribute to headaches or sensitivity in enclosed wardrobes.
Key issue: Heat + sweat increases chemical release and absorption
Acrylic Found in Jumpers, blankets, faux wool
Chemicals: Acrylonitrile (a toxic monomer used in production)
Effects: Respiratory irritation (off-gassing when new). Possible carcinogenic concern at high exposure levels. Sheds large amounts of microplastics.
Spandex / Elastane (Lycra) Found in stretch clothing, underwear, fitted garments
Chemicals: Polyurethane-based compounds. solvents like dimethylformamide (DMF)
Effects: Skin irritation and potential liver toxicity (in occupational exposure; low-level relevance in clothing but cumulative exposure matters)
Formaldehyde resins Found in “Wrinkle-free” shirts, treated cottons, some new garments
Purpose: Prevent wrinkling and shrinkage
Effects: Skin irritation and dermatitis, respiratory irritation, classified as a carcinogen with long-term exposure. Common sign: “Chemical” smell in new clothes
Flame retardants Found in children’s sleepwear, Upholstered wardrobe items (shoe linings, storage boxes)
Chemicals: PBDEs and newer replacements
Effects: Hormone disruption (thyroid particularly), neurodevelopmental concerns, persistent in dust (pets get higher exposure)
PFAS (“stain/water resistant” chemicals)
Found in Waterproof jackets, school uniforms, shoes and stain-resistant fabrics
Effects: Hormone disruption, immune system effects, bioaccumulative (“forever chemicals”)
Azo dyes Found in brightly coloured fabrics, especially cheap or fast fashion
Risk: Some azo dyes break down into aromatic amines
Effects: Skin irritation, some are carcinogenic and can be absorbed through sweat + skin contact
Heavy metals in dyes Found in Dark or intensely coloured fabrics, leather tanning
Metals: Chromium (especially in leather shoes), lead, cadmium (in some dyes)
Effects: Skin reactions (contact dermatitis), toxic accumulation over time
Pets: exposure via chewing shoes or licking dust
Phthalates Found in Faux leather, printed graphics on clothing, synthetic shoes
Effects: Hormone disruption (especially reproductive hormones). Linked to fertility and developmental issues.
Leather treatment chemicals Found in Shoes, belts, bags
Chemicals: Chromium VI (toxic form), Formaldehyde (in finishing processes)
Effects: Skin irritation, Allergic reactions. Potential carcinogenicity (chromium VI)
Fragrances & antimicrobial treatments Found in “Odour-resistant” activewear, scented wardrobe sachets and fabric sprays.
Chemicals: Synthetic fragrance blends (often contain phthalates), Silver nanoparticles (antimicrobial fabrics)
Effects: Hormone disruption, skin sensitivity and microbiome disruption (on skin and in environment)
Mold toxins (Mycotoxins) Found in damp rooms
Effects: Immune suppression, fatigue, headaches.

What helps:

Wash new clothes before wearing
Air out wardrobes regularly
Avoid heavily synthetic tight-fitting clothes for long periods
Be cautious with “wrinkle-free,” “stain-resistant,” and “odour-proof” labels
Choose natural fibres when practical (cotton, linen, bamboo, wool)
Store clothes in breathable spaces
Reduce synthetic fragrance use
Dust regularly

Electronics & Office Equipment

Computers and laptops
Printers and photocopiers
WiFi routers and cables
Plastic casings and heated components
Cell Phones, smart meters, wireless airbuds, bluetooth devices

Key pollutants released: benzene, styrene, flame retardant particles, heavy metals, Plastic VOC’s, ultra fine particles, ozone (especially from printers)

Electronics can emit low levels of chemicals when heating up, and printers in particular can release microscopic particles into the air during use. Potential effects are brain fog and reduced focus, headaches, eye strain (compounded by screen exposure), nervous system fatigue in sensitive individuals. EMF’s can cause sleep disturbances, reduced melatonin, nervous system stress and headaches.

What helps:

Don’t sleep beside routers or in the room on the other side of smart meters
Reduce unnecessary wireless exposure
Use airplane mode overnight
Prefer wired internet where practical
Avoid carrying phones directly against the body continuously
Use a faraday bag
Ventilate office areas
Keep printers separate
Dust electronics regularly

Heavy Metals

Lead Found in old paint, dust, renovations
Mercury Found in Broken fluorescent bulbs, curly bulbs, amalgam fillings and old thermostats
Cadmium found in Electronics, Pigments, Batteries
Effects: Neurological damage, Kidney stress, Hormonal disruption

What helps:

Careful renovation
HEPA cleanup
Avoid cheap imported materials

Cleaning Products & Fragrances, Pesticides & Dust

Fragrances: Found in Air fresheners, scented candles, Laundry products, Diffusers, Cleaning sprays and fabric softeners
Common Chemicals: Limonene, Synthetic musks, Acetaldehyde, Formaldehyde-forming compounds
Effects: Migraines, Hormonal disruption, Asthma, Nervous system irritation, Mood effects and respiratory irritation in pets
Important: When fragrance chemicals react with ozone indoors, they can create secondary pollutants like formaldehyde. Even products labelled “fresh” or “clean” can contribute to indoor chemical load.
Pesticides: Found in Indoor sprays, Flea treatments, Termite chemicals, Outdoor chemicals tracked indoors
Examples: Pyrethroids, Organophosphates
Effects: Nervous system irritation, Hormonal disruption, Pet toxicity, Child vulnerability
Dust: Household dust becomes a concentrated mixture of: PFAS, Flame retardants, Pesticides, Heavy metals, Phthalates and Microplastics. Children and pets receive higher exposure.

What helps:

Remove shoes indoors
Integrated pest management
Steam cleaning
HEPA vacuum
Damp dusting
Air filtration
Reduce synthetic materials

Kitchen

PFAS (“forever chemicals”) found in Non-stick cookware (older or damaged pans), greaseproof paper, some food packaging
Chemicals: Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), PFOS (now often replaced with similar compounds)
Effects: Hormone disruption, Immune system effects and linked to some cancers with long-term exposure. In pets (especially birds): fumes from overheated non-stick pans can be acutely toxic.
BPA & BPS found in plastic containers, can linings, receipts (can transfer to food)
Chemicals: Bisphenol A (BPA), Bisphenol S (BPS)
Effects: Mimic estrogen → hormone disruption, potential impacts on fertility, metabolism and child development
Pets: similar endocrine disruption risks over time
Phthalates found in soft plastics, cling wrap, food packaging, fragranced cleaning products
Effects: Hormonal interference (especially testosterone), linked to reproductive and developmental issues. Can leach into fatty foods when heated.
Heavy metals
– Lead found in old pipes, solder, imported ceramics, some spices (contamination)
Effects: Neurotoxicity (especially harmful for children), behavioural and cognitive issues
– Copper found: Copper pipes (especially in acidic water conditions)
Effects: Essential in small amounts, but excess can cause nausea, liver stress
– Aluminium found in foil, some cookware, baking powders
Effects are generally low risk in normal use, but high exposure has been studied for neurological effects
Fluoride found in tap water (in many regions), some toothpastes (accidental ingestion)
Effects: Lowers IQ, excess exposure: dental or skeletal fluorosis
Pets: more sensitive to overexposure depending on water intake/body size
Chlorine & Disinfection Byproducts found in tap water, bleach cleaners
Chemicals formed: Trihalomethanes (THMs) when chlorine reacts with organic matter
Effects: Respiratory irritation (especially from fumes) and long-term exposure to by products linked to increased cancer risk
Glyphosate found in non-organic grains, produce, and processed foods
Effects: Disrupts gut microbiome, possible carcinogen classification
Pets: exposure through food or lawn contact can affect digestion and overall health
Acrylamide found in burnt or high-heat cooked starchy foods (chips, toast, fried foods)
Effects:Formed during high-temperature cooking, linked to cancer risk in animal studies. Best minimised by avoiding overcooking/burning
Microplastics Found in bottled water, plastic containers, degraded utensils, dish sponges
Effects: Still being researched
Potential inflammation and toxin transport within the body. Found in both humans and animals increasingly.
Silicon vs. Silicones Found in silicone bakeware, utensils. Clarification: Silicon (element) ≠ silicone (synthetic polymer used in kitchenware)
Effects: Food-grade silicone is generally considered stable and safe at normal temperatures
Lower concern compared to plastics, but quality matters
Pesticide residues (general) Found in fruits, vegetables, grains (non-organic)
Examples: Organophosphates, carbamates
Effects: Nervous system effects (high exposure) and hormonal and developmental concerns with chronic low-dose exposure.
Nitrites/Nitrates Found in processed meats (bacon, ham, deli meats)
Effects: Can form nitrosamines (linked to cancer risk) when cooked at high heat. Associated with colorectal cancer risk in high intake.
Mold toxins (Mycotoxins) Found in old grains, nuts, coffee, damp kitchen areas
Effects: Immune suppression, fatigue, headaches. Pets are often more sensitive (especially dogs)
Microwaves cause accelerated chemical leaching when heated in plastic, cook unevenly which can leave cold spots (and not kill any bacteria), it’s a burn risk, change the texture of food and cause the breakdown some heat-sensitive nutrients. They can also leak radiation.

What helps

Swap scratched non-stick → stainless steel, cast iron, or ceramic
Avoid heating food in plastic
Avoid using a microwave
Use glass or stainless steel storage
Filter tap water (carbon or reverse osmosis depending on concern)
Wash produce thoroughly or choose organic for high-residue foods
Ventilate when cooking or using cleaners
Use low-tox or fragrance-free cleaning products
Avoid burning food (reduces acrylamide)

Combustion Pollutants – Candles, Fireplaces, Gas Appliances

Paraffin Candles Can release: Benzene, Toluene, Soot particles
Gas Stoves/Heaters Can release: Nitrogen dioxide, Carbon monoxide, Ultrafine particles
Effects: Respiratory irritation, Cardiovascular stress, Headaches, Asthma worsening, Reduced indoor oxygen quality

What helps:

Beeswax candles
Proper extraction fans
Air quality monitors
Induction cooking where possible

Mold & Microbial Toxins

Sources: Damp carpets, Bathrooms, HVAC systems, Hidden leaks, Condensation
Common Toxins: Mycotoxins, Mold spores, MVOCs (microbial VOCs)
Effects: Fatigue, Brain fog, Sinus symptoms, Histamine reactions, Nervous system symptoms, Immune dysregulation
Pets are often early indicators.

What helps:

Dehumidification
Leak remediation
HEPA filtration
Avoid masking mold with fragrances

Outdoor Pollutants Brought Indoors

Even if your home is “clean,” pollutants can enter via:

Shoes
Clothing
Open windows – when the air outside is worse than inside
Air circulation systems
Vehicle fumes entering garages
Tobacco smoke residue
Potting mix without adequate ventilation – legionnaires disease (Include a dry cough, high fever, chills, chest pain, shortness of breath, and muscle aches, typically appearing 2 to 14 days after)
Smart meters, cell phones, blue tooth devices

Common pollutants: vehicle exhaust residues, pollen and particulates, industrial pollutants (depending on area).

How These Toxins Affect the Body

Exposure isn’t usually dramatic — it’s subtle and cumulative. Over time, indoor pollutants can contribute to:

Nervous System Load: Brain fog, reduced concentration, fatigue
Respiratory Stress: Irritated airways, increased sensitivity to allergens, worsening of asthma symptoms
Hormonal Disruption: Certain compounds (like phthalates) can act as endocrine disruptors (Endocrine disruptor), interfering with the body’s signalling systems.
Sleep & Recovery Impact: Sleep depth, recovery, overall resilience

How can we Reduce the Toxic Load?

Reduce major sources where possible to reduce cumulative load on the body
Prioritise natural materials
Look for Low toxin furnishings eg. GREENGUARD Gold, OEKO-TEX, GOTS, FSC-certified wood, Eco Choice Aotearoa
Improve air filtration – true HEPA, activated carbon, low ozone emission
Increase ventilation – even 10–20 minutes daily matters
Frequent dust removal
Address mold quickly before it establishes
Support the environment with plants and natural materials
Drink lots of water, ground yourself, sweat through exercise and/or infrared saunas
Take yourself through a Deep cleanse Healy protocol
If the problem is more EMF related look into the Electrosensitivity program in Bioenergetic Defence.
Try the Nervous System protocol while reducing screen time