Is Your Home Making You Sick? 10 Hidden Toxins + Simple Design Fixes for a Healthier Life

Erin Carvalho
Jul 27
4 min read

10 common items in homes that may impact health

Most people expect their home to be a place of rest. But for many of us, it’s become something else entirely—a quiet source of stress, fatigue, and even chronic symptoms we can’t explain. If you’ve been dealing with low energy, poor sleep, headaches, skin reactions, or anxiety, and you’ve ruled out food or stress, there’s something else to consider:

Your home environment.

As a wellness-focused interior designer, I help people make healthier design choices that reduce exposure to everyday toxins. These aren’t dramatic changes. They’re small, practical shifts in what you buy, where you place things, and how your space is ventilated.

Below are 10 common household items that could be affecting your well-being, along with what to do about each. If you want a room-by-room strategy, you can also download my

—a full guide to reducing environmental stress and creating a home that truly supports your health.

Home Well‑Being Design Checklist

1. Vinyl Flooring (Also Called PVC or LVP)

This popular flooring often contains phthalates—plastic-softening chemicals that have been linked to breathing problems and hormone disruption. These chemicals can release into the air over time, especially in new installations or warm rooms.

Ideas to Fix: If replacing floors, consider natural options such as cork, hardwood, or linoleum. If you rent, use jute or wool rugs to reduce exposure in bedrooms or play areas.

2. Scented Candles, Sprays, and Plug-in Air Fresheners

Many scented products—even expensive ones—contain synthetic fragrance chemicals that linger in the air. Some break down into pollutants similar to those found in car exhaust.

Ideas to Fix: Try beeswax candles, essential oil diffusers, or open windows when possible. Even switching to unscented products helps reduce indoor air pollution.

3. Non-Stick Cookware

Traditional non-stick pans may release gases when overheated, especially older pans with scratched coatings. These fumes have been linked to lung irritation and long-term accumulation in the body.

Ideas to Fix: Cook with stainless steel, cast iron, or ceramic-coated pans. They may take some adjustment, but they’re safer and often last longer.

4. Particleboard and Pressed-Wood Furniture

Most low-cost furniture uses glued wood chips or compressed wood. These materials often release formaldehyde gas, especially in warm, poorly ventilated rooms.

Ideas to Fix: Look for solid wood, bamboo, or secondhand furniture that has already off-gassed. Let new items air out near windows for several days.

5. Standard Paint

Paints that aren’t labeled “low-VOC” or “zero-VOC” can continue to release volatile organic compounds for months, sometimes years. These affect indoor air quality and are linked to headaches and sleep disruption.

Ideas to Fix: Choose certified low-VOC paints. After painting, open windows, run fans, and use carbon-based air filters if possible.

6. Stain-Resistant or Flame-Treated Fabrics

Curtains, couches, and upholstered beds are often treated with chemical sprays to resist fire or stains. These can break down over time and settle into house dust.

Ideas to Fix: Choose untreated fabrics like cotton, hemp, or linen. Wash new textiles before use. For couches, cover synthetic surfaces with a large natural-fiber throw or slipcover.

7. Tap Water Without Filtering

Municipal water is usually safe to drink, but it may still contain low levels of chlorine, pesticide residue, or heavy metals. These are legal in small amounts but may still add up over time.

Ideas to Fix: Use a quality water filter for drinking and cooking. If you're not sure what’s in your water, check your city’s annual water report.

8. Cleaning Products With Harsh Chemicals

Bleach, ammonia, and artificial scents can linger in the air and irritate the lungs—especially if you clean often or live in a small space.

Ideas to Fix: Switch to fragrance-free or plant-based cleaners. Open a window or run a fan while cleaning. You can also make your own cleaner using vinegar, baking soda, and castile soap.

9. Plastic Food Containers

Plastic can release chemicals into food, especially when heated or scratched. This includes BPA, phthalates, and microplastics.

Ideas to Fix: Store food in glass or stainless steel. Use beeswax wraps or silicone containers for snacks. Avoid microwaving in plastic, even if labeled “microwave safe.”

10. Mattresses and Bedding With Flame Retardants

Some mattresses contain flame-retardant chemicals that can break down over time and may affect hormone balance or thyroid health.

Ideas to Fix: Use an organic mattress protector or topper to reduce exposure. Choose natural fiber bedding, and let new sheets or pillows air out before sleeping on them.

Want to Detox Room by Room?

You don’t need to renovate your home to feel better—but you do need a clear place to start. That’s why I created the Home Well-Being Design Checklist. It helps you identify what’s worth changing, room by room, and what healthy alternatives to try.

You’ll find: