3 Nastiest Toxins to Banish From Your Home

Here are three nasty substances you can identify and avoid with a little effort.

You may not be able to completely rid your life of offensive toxins, but you can do a lot to reduce your exposure. Here are three nasty substances you can identify and avoid with a little effort:

Toxin #1: Formaldehyde

Where it is: Cushions, carpeting, particleboard and adhesives used to manufacture most inexpensive furniture

Why it's bad: Potentially carcinogenic and may cause eye and respiratory irritation

What to do: Switch out cheaper cushions with organic hemp, cotton, or buckwheat pillows. Use non-toxic carpet and flooring. Invest in furniture that lasts, made from all-natural materials.

Toxin #2: Lead

Where it is: Paint or plumbing in older buildings

Why it's bad: Even in low levels, lead contributes to learning disabilities and behavioral problems. Also causes neurological and kidney damage, high blood pressure, disrupted blood cell production and reproductive problems

What to do: Inspect older homes for lead paint and check level of toxicity. It may be appropriate to strip old paint or repaint with no-VOC paint.

Toxin #3: Vinyl chloride, aka "that new car smell"

Where it is: Off-gasses from the interiors of new cars

Why it's bad: At high levels, this known carcinogen causes severe liver damage and ballooning of the fingertips

What to do: New cars should be aired out over the course of several weeks or months, windows open.

For more information on the 10 most common household toxins, click here.