Are Home Products Harming Your Health?

Home improvement projects are often seen as a way to create a healthier, more comfortable living space. But what if the very materials used in renovations are silently harming your health? Many common building materials contain harmful chemicals that off-gas into indoor air, contributing to long-term exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs), microplastics, and endocrine disruptors. These toxins don’t just disappear once construction is complete—they can linger for years, affecting respiratory health, neurological function, and even cellular integrity.

The connection between environmental toxins and cellular health is undeniable. The materials we use in our homes contribute to daily toxic loads, impacting mitochondrial function, oxidative stress levels, and detoxification pathways. Exposure to certain chemicals in paint, carpet, and insulation has been linked to inflammation, hormone disruption, respiratory issues, and even neurological decline. If you’re upgrading your home, it’s critical to choose materials that support long-term health rather than degrade it.

Many people focus on food and personal care products when reducing their toxic load, but environmental exposures from home materials can be just as significant. Here’s a closer look at three of the most toxic home improvement materials and how to replace them with healthier, non-toxic alternatives that support cellular function rather than disrupt it.

The Hidden Dangers of Standard Paint: VOCs and Chemical Off-Gassing

Most standard paints contain high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are released into the air as the paint dries. These compounds contribute to poor indoor air quality, respiratory irritation, and systemic inflammation. Even after the paint has dried, off-gassing can continue for months, meaning your home could be filled with low-level chemical exposure long after the renovation is complete.

VOCs are particularly concerning because they can bypass the body’s natural detoxification barriers and accumulate in the bloodstream, affecting neurological function and mitochondrial health. Studies have linked prolonged VOC exposure to cognitive decline, increased oxidative stress, and an elevated risk of chronic diseases.^[1]

The good news is that zero-VOC and non-toxic paints are becoming more widely available. However, not all “low-VOC” paints are truly free from harmful additives. Some still contain biocides, fungicides, and synthetic stabilizers, which can negatively impact cellular detox pathways and hormone balance. If you’re repainting your home, look for brands that fully disclose their ingredients and prioritize naturally pigmented, mineral-based, or clay-based paints that minimize toxic exposure.

Carpets: A Hidden Source of Endocrine Disruptors and Microplastics

Carpeting is one of the largest sources of indoor pollution. Most modern carpets are made from synthetic materials like nylon, polyester, and polypropylene, all of which contain petroleum-based chemicals that off-gas into the air. Many are also treated with flame retardants, stain-resistant coatings, and antimicrobial chemicals, which contain hormone-disrupting compounds such as PFAS.^[2]

PFAS, often called “forever chemicals,” are persistent environmental toxins that don’t break down in the body. They have been linked to immune dysfunction, endocrine disorders, and mitochondrial stress. Additionally, synthetic carpets shed microplastic fibers, which become part of household dust and can be inhaled or ingested, further increasing the toxic load on the body.^[2]

Safer alternatives include 100% organic wool rugs, which are naturally flame-resistant, antimicrobial, and free from synthetic coatings. If you’re planning a major flooring upgrade, consider skipping carpet altogether in favor of hardwood, natural tile, or stone flooring, all of which are free from the off-gassing issues associated with synthetic materials.

Insulation: The Unseen Source of Toxic Off-Gassing

Traditional insulation materials can be a major source of hidden toxins in the home. Many fiberglass insulation products contain formaldehyde, a known carcinogen and respiratory irritant that off-gasses over time. Foam-based insulation can also introduce VOCs and flame retardants, which have been linked to hormonal disruption and immune suppression.^[4]

One of the biggest concerns with traditional insulation is moisture retention. Materials like fiberglass can trap water, creating an environment where mold can grow undetected inside walls. Mold exposure has been linked to neurological dysfunction, chronic inflammation, and impaired mitochondrial energy production.^[5]

A safer alternative is 100% wool insulation, which is naturally antimicrobial, mold-resistant, and free from synthetic binders and adhesives. Other options include cork insulation and Aircrete, both of which offer superior thermal insulation without toxic additives.

Protecting Cellular Health Through Non-Toxic Building Choices

The materials used in home renovations directly impact indoor air quality, toxin accumulation, and long-term cellular health. When planning a home project, it’s important to choose materials that minimize chemical exposure while supporting the body’s natural detox pathways.

By making smarter choices—such as opting for non-toxic paints, avoiding synthetic carpets, and using clean insulation materials—you reduce the toxic load on your cells, lower oxidative stress, and create an environment that supports overall health. If you’re building or remodeling, these swaps are one of the most impactful ways to create a safer, healthier home for years to come.

1. David, Elena, and Violeta-Carolina Niculescu. “Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) as Environmental Pollutants: Occurrence and Mitigation Using Nanomaterials.” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, vol. 18, no. 24, Dec. 2021, p. 13147.
2. Haines, Sarah R., et al. “Ten Questions Concerning the Implications of Carpet on Indoor Chemistry and Microbiology.” Building and Environment, vol. 170, Dec. 2019, pp. 1–16.
3. Salthammer, Tunga. “Microplastics and Their Additives in the Indoor Environment.” Angewandte Chemie (International Ed. in English), vol. 61, no. 32, Aug. 2022, p. E202205713.
4. Safety–4400, EPH-EHS–Environmental Health and. Fiberglass | Washington State Department of Health. https://doh.wa.gov/community-and-environment/air-quality/indoor-air/fiberglass. Accessed 19 Mar. 2025.
5. Van Loo, Jason M., et al. “Growth of Mold on Fiberglass Insulation Building Materials–a Review of the Literature.” Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, vol. 1, no. 6, June 2004, pp. 349–54.