These days people are much more aware of the chemicals in the things they use daily, which is why we created this list of 15 household products that contain cadmium, methanol, or benzene.
There are chemicals in pretty much anything, and the vast production of them began during the Industrial Revolution. From then on, the things you buy have been made and reproduced with chemicals. Harmless chemicals do exist and there are also those that are only harmful in large amounts. However, there are also harmful chemicals that are so toxic a single drop could be fatal. In this case, cadmium, methanol, and benzene are the culprits. The harm usually occurs after a prolonged, constant exposure to the products containing them.
MsMaria/Shutterstock.com
According to Live Science, cadmium is a chemical much like zinc and could easily be cut with a knife. It’s toxic, and so are the solutions of its compounds. It’s also used in electroplating, and as a yellow pigment when it starts forming salts like cadmium sulfate. On the other hand, methanol is a colorless, flammable liquid also known as monohydric alcohol. It’s a fatal poison that could cause blindness. Used as a gasoline extender for gasohol, it’s also a known fact that large amounts of methanol are used in formaldehyde. Benzene is a yellow chemical that easily evaporates in the air but is also highly flammable. It’s usually found in gasoline and tobacco smoke. If you’re exposed to this chemical for a long time, you’ll have a higher risk for leukemia and other blood diseases.
The use of these chemicals in the products we use and encounter frequently is part of the process and it could be hard to change. Even so, it’s alarming that they’re present in the household items we own. This is why it’s so important to read labels and ingredients before buying something, especially if you have children or pets. Research is a good way to be informed. You can also research some Cochineal Insects Products: 7 Foods Made with Crushed Bugs.
To create this list, we made a point to include five products for each chemical, since all three aren’t present in one product. Without further ado, check out this list of 15 household products that contain cadmium, methanol, or benzene.
Cadmium
15. Painted ceramic items
Mugs, nonstick pans, and even kids’ sippy cups that are painted can be at high risk. Cadmium is used primarily in pigments for ceramic goods.
Ladev/Shutterstock.com
14. Markers and coloring materials
Sometimes we keep our kids occupied by encouraging them to do art instead of watching TV. In this case, choosing their coloring materials should be done very carefully.
Lordn/Shutterstock.com
13. House paints
Because Cadmium is known to be used in pigments, this one is not surprising. If you’re getting your house repainted, especially your kids’ rooms, make sure you get a paint that has low to no cadmium content.
archideaphoto/Shutterstock.com
12. Lipsticks
This might disappoint the ladies, but your lipstick, next on our list of household products that contain cadmium, methanol, or benzene might not be good for you in the long run. If you can, stick to cosmetics products that have more organic ingredients.
Africa Studio/Shutterstock.com
11. Epoxy products
Epoxy products have been discovered to have larger amounts of cadmium. In the same way as buying paints, make sure you get to know the ingredients of an epoxy item before you buy.
Chaiyaporn Baokaew/Shutterstock.com
Methanol
10. Air fresheners
The stuff you use to make your home smell fresh and clean might be harming your body. Choose air fresheners that are made of natural ingredients. Now, let’s see what else we have on our list of household products that contain cadmium, methanol, or benzene.
Copyright: jackf / 123RF Stock Photo
9. Household pesticides
While we can’t fully avoid using these, it could be wiser to spray this when no one will be home in a while. You can spray before you leave home, especially when you know you’ll get back late when the smell has worn off.
Copyright: andreypopov / 123RF Stock Photo
8. Animal medicines
The medicines you give to your pets could put your family at high risk. Make sure you place them far from where you usually hang out, so even when you have them, you will not be as exposed.
Lucky Business/Shutterstock.com
7. Furniture polish and cleaners
Again, avoid them as much as you can. Go for more organic alternatives that do not pose much risk to your family. Its high amount of methanol made it part of the 15 household products that contain cadmium, methanol, or benzene.
vvoe/Shutterstock.com
6. Liquid laundry detergents
Fabric conditioners and liquid detergents have been known to have methanol, which is usually attributed to their smell. Luckily, there are now detergents that are made from natural ingredients and work just as well.
Copyright: serezniy / 123RF Stock Photo
Benzene
5. Gasoline
We sometimes use gasoline at home for our lawn mowers and power generators. There might be no way to stop using them, but try to wear mask and gloves when handling them so the exposure won’t be as bad.
Copyright: welcomia / 123RF Stock Photo
4. Plastic
Plastic bags and utensils are also known to be produced with benzene. For this one on our list of household products that contain cadmium, methanol, or benzene, you can switch to reusable bags made of cloth and use stainless utensils instead.
Copyright: art9858 / 123RF Stock Photo
3. Glues and adhesives
Read the label before buying. You have to be more careful with this one since kids also use them and we do not want them being exposed to Benzene.
2. Paint strippers
Most paint strippers, if not all, are produced with Benzene. Because of that, you should always use them with extra care by using masks and gloves.
Copyright: stockasso / 123RF Stock Photo
1. Household cleaning products
Most commercial household cleaning products are full of chemicals, which explains their smell and how potent they are for getting rid of dirt.
Yuganov Konstantin/Shutterstock.com
Most of the products we use every day have been produced with chemicals that could be harmful, especially if we are always exposed to it. To make sure it does not affect our health, make it a habit to read the label and do some research of your own before buying a product, especially if that product is part of this list of the 15 household products that contain cadmium, methanol, or benzene.
