Teflon-coated Pans, Artificial Sweeteners, and Air Fresheners
May Have Fatal Long-term Effects on Health
Everyday items such as frying pans, laundry detergents, and artificial sweeteners.
An American gastroenterology specialist has revealed eight toxic substances that could threaten health in daily life and recommended removing them from everyday environments as soon as possible. While these are products commonly found in daily life, he warned that they could have fatal long-term effects on health.
An American gastroenterology specialist revealed eight toxic substances that could threaten health in daily life and recommended removing them from everyday environments as soon as possible. Pixabay
On August 2 (local time), Dr. Saurabh Sethi, a Harvard Medical School graduate and practicing gastroenterologist in California, USA, shared this information through his social media account.
The first item Dr. Sethi pointed out was frying pans with damaged Teflon coating (a method in which fluororesin is sprayed onto the surface like paint and then heated at a certain temperature). Commonly known as "coated pans," these frying pans are widely used at home because they allow cooking without oil. However, if the surface is scratched or peeled and exposed to high temperatures, not only microplastics but also harmful gases can be released. He stated, "If Teflon is damaged, toxic substances may be released," and advised, "If you see scratches, you should stop using that frying pan." As alternatives, he recommended pans made of ceramic, cast iron, or stainless steel.
If the surface of a frying pan is scratched or peeled and exposed to high temperatures, it can release not only microplastics but also harmful gases. Photo by Getty Images
The next item is artificial sweeteners. In particular, aspartame and sucralose are several hundred times sweeter than sugar and contain almost no calories, so they are often used in diet foods and zero-calorie beverages. However, they may be harmful to health. Dr. Sethi explained that these sweeteners "destroy beneficial gut bacteria and can negatively affect blood sugar regulation and appetite signals." He also added that they are associated with glucose intolerance and gut microbiome imbalance. As alternatives, he advised choosing natural sweeteners such as pure monk fruit, pure stevia, or real fruit-derived sweetness.
Water bottles exposed to high temperatures can release hormone-disrupting substances such as bisphenol A (BPA), and products labeled as 'BPA-free' are not completely safe. Photo by Getty Images
Plastic water bottles were also identified as a risk factor. In particular, water bottles exposed to high temperatures can release hormone-disrupting substances such as bisphenol A (BPA), and even products labeled as 'BPA-free' are not completely safe, according to Dr. Sethi. BPA absorbed into the body can act similarly to the female hormone estrogen and disrupt the endocrine system. Therefore, Dr. Sethi advised that it is safer to use stainless steel or glass bottles.
Scented candles and indoor air fresheners used for mood enhancement contain chemical substances such as phthalates and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Photo by Getty Images
Scented candles and indoor air fresheners used for mood enhancement were also included in the list. These products contain chemical substances such as phthalates and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These can adversely affect the hormone system and trigger inflammatory responses. Dr. Sethi explained that it is better to use beeswax candles or essential oil diffusers and that regular ventilation is necessary when using fragrances.
In addition, Dr. Sethi recommended avoiding processed meats containing nitrates or nitrites, antibacterial soaps containing triclosan, laundry detergents and dryer sheets with artificial fragrances, and ultra-processed foods such as ham as much as possible. Dr. Sethi emphasized, "Reducing the accumulation of toxic substances in the body is one of the easiest ways to protect gut, brain, and hormone health."
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