Overview

• Scented candles often contain phthalates that can mimic hormones and trigger asthma and allergy symptoms, prompting a switch to unscented or natural wax options.
• Plastic cutting boards can shed microplastics into food as they wear, allowing particles to accumulate in the body over time.
• Scratched or chipped non-stick pans may release PFAS compounds tied to high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol and reproductive issues.
• Phthalates and PFAS resist breakdown in the environment and human body and have been associated with developmental delays and certain cancers.
• Dr Sethi recommends replacing these items with wooden cutting boards, stainless steel or cast-iron cookware and unscented soy or beeswax candles.