Health

Doctor Warns These Three Everyday Items Could Be Harming Your Health Without You Even Realizing

Published on June 15, 2025

A leading doctor has sparked a wave of concern after revealing the three common household items he believes you should throw out straight away. Dr Saurabh Sethi, a gastroenterologist, has warned that some of the things we use every day could be quietly harming our health, and it’s not the stuff you’d usually expect.

Top of his list? Scented candles. Dr Sethi says these popular home staples can actually do more harm than good. “These contain phthalates, which are known to disrupt hormone levels and cause respiratory issues,” he explained. His advice is to ditch the fragranced ones and instead go for natural options like soy or beeswax if you still want that cosy candlelit vibe without the health risk, reported the Mirror.

Next up are plastic chopping boards, something found in most kitchens. Over time, they can degrade and release microplastics into the food you prepare on them — and those tiny particles can make their way into your body. “These can degrade over time, releasing microplastics into your food, which can accumulate in the body,” said Dr Sethi. His simple fix? Swap plastic for wooden alternatives to reduce the risk.

And finally, scratched or chipped non-stick pans. If you’ve got a Teflon pan that’s seen better days, now might be the time to let it go. Dr Sethi warns they can release PFAS — also known as ‘forever chemicals’ — into your food. “These contain PFAs, which have been linked to high blood pressure, cholesterol and reproductive issues,” he explained.

“Damaged pans can release these particles into your food. So make sure to either replace these pans as soon as they are scratched or chipped. Or replace those with safer alternatives, such as stainless steel or cast iron.” So what makes these three things so worrying?

Phthalates, the chemicals in those scented candles, are widely used in plastics and household items. But they’re known endocrine disruptors, meaning they can mess with your hormone systems. Studies suggest they’re linked to everything from reduced sperm quality and early puberty in girls, to possible risks of hormone-related cancers and developmental issues in children. Breathing them in — especially through scented products — might even trigger asthma and immune system problems in kids.

Then there’s the issue of microplastics, which are tiny pieces of plastic that often can’t even be seen. These particles can carry toxic chemicals such as BPA, heavy metals, and pollutants, which can affect everything from hormone balance to the immune system. And yes, some of them are phthalates too — it’s a double whammy.

As for PFAS, the ‘forever chemicals’ in old non-stick pans and fast food wrappers, they’ve been used since the 1940s to make things waterproof, stain-resistant, or heatproof. But the downside is they build up in our bodies and don’t break down easily. Studies have linked PFAS exposure to kidney and testicular cancer, high cholesterol, thyroid issues, fertility problems, liver damage, and even a weakened response to vaccines in children.

It’s easy to overlook things we use every day, but Dr Sethi’s warning is a reminder that some household staples aren’t as harmless as they seem. A few small swaps — like choosing safer cookware or going natural with candles — could end up making a big difference.

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