Around 57 million people were diagnosed with dementia worldwide in 2021, and every year, there are nearly 10 million new cases, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Alzheimer’s disease, which is the most common form of dementia, is on the rise, and neuroscientist Robert Love is sounding the alarm on everyday household items that may pose risks to brain health.
Love, who specializes in helping people prevent Alzheimer’s disease, warned about the three most common toxins found in our homes that can damage the brain. “One of the biggest reasons that Alzheimer’s disease is on the rise is that we live in a very toxic environment. Our food, our air, and our water are very toxic compared to what they were a hundred years ago,” he said in a video shared on Instagram. Let’s take a look. Air fresheners
First on Love’s list is air fresheners. Though they make your home smell delightful, it may come at the expense of your health. These products, often used to mask odors, release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. When inhaled, these chemicals may irritate the respiratory system and, in some cases, affect brain function, particularly in individuals with allergies or sensitivities. “These can negatively affect the brain, certainly those who are allergic to them. So you want to avoid those chemical air fresheners,” the scientists said. Scented candles
Scented candles, which are commonly used in houses, however, have hidden health hazards. Love emphasized that, due to their paraffin wax and synthetic fragrances, scented candles are not great for health. Burning paraffin releases potentially harmful compounds like toluene, which can affect the nervous system. The artificial scents added to these candles may also contribute to indoor air pollution.He also suggested an alternative for scented candles: “If you’re going to do candles, try beeswax candles.” Instead of buying scented candles from the market, you can opt for beeswax candles and add essential oils for the smell. Non-stick skillets
The third on the list is quite shocking. Skillets, the non-stick ones. We all love non-stick skillets for their convenience. It is easy to clean and requires less oil. But all that convenience might be costing you your health. Non-stick cookware, particularly Teflon-coated pans, is hazardous to health, according to Love. Teflon, a fluoropolymer, can release harmful substances when scratched or overheated, which allows fluoride compounds to leach into food. Ingesting these compounds may pose risks to the brain and overall health. “Instead try stainless steel or ceramic or titanium,” he suggests.
