3 secretly toxic items in your bedroom that toxicologists urge you to replace now to protect your health

Your bedroom is a place of ultimate relaxation and recuperation. For that exact reason, anything that disrupts your health and well-being should be kept as far away as possible.

But, what if you don't even know that some of the items you keep in your bedroom are secretly toxic and bad for your health?

Here, expert toxicologists and Homes & Gardens' resident 'queen' of non-toxic living, Chiana Dickson, advise on which three secretly toxic items you should replace – some of which may surprise you – and share their non-toxic home essentials to shop instead.

What makes an item in the bedroom toxic?

With so much health-related jargon, it can sometimes be difficult to decipher what terms and words even mean. Luckily, Tasha Stoiber, Ph.D., a senior scientist at the Environmental Working Group, is on-hand to explain.

She says, 'The term "toxic" refers to the presence of materials and chemicals than can release hazardous substances into the room and the air we breath.

'These substances, often in the form of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can pose a range of health risks, from short-term respiratory irritation, to long-term effects on the nervous and reproductive systems.'

For this reason, more and more people are turning to non-toxic cookware in the kitchen, and non-toxic ways to clean a home without harming the planet.

What is less well known, though, is that these harmful toxins may also be lurking in your bedroom. Here's where.

1. Your mattress

Your mattress is undoubtedly the most important part of your bedroom, but did you know that your mattress might be a toxic item to get rid of? This is because conventional types often contain synthetic materials, that might emit hazardous chemicals.

Toxicologist Tasha explains, 'Toxic materials commonly found in mattresses include polyurethane foam, chemical flame retardants, and vinyl or PVC covers, which may contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals like phthalates,' which can interfere with the body's hormones and cause health issues.

For example, polyurethane foam, for example, is a common component in traditional mattresses, particularly memory foam mattresses, and a significant source of VOCs. 'These chemicals can cause respiratory irritation and compromise you home's air quality,' continues Tasha.

Additionally, in order to meet fire safety standards, many mattresses are also treated with chemical flame retardants, which can enter the surrounding environment, and have been linked to damage to the nervous and reproductive systems.

Some mattresses even use fiberglass as a flame barrier, highlights Tasha, which, if disturbed, can irritate the skin and lungs. 'In 2023, California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law that bans the use of fiberglass in mattresses, which will take effect in January 2027,' she says, as covered by the Environmental Working Group.

So, how can you create a healthier sleep environment, and sleep better? The key, Tasha says, is considering mattresses made from safer materials.

'When shopping, look for certifications like the Global Organic Latex Standard, the Global Organic Textile Standard, or EWG Verified to ensure the mattress is free from harmful chemicals and meets high safety and environmental standards,' she recommends.

For example, if you've found yourself wondering what a latex mattress is, natural latex, derived from the sap of rubber trees is a good alternative to synthetic foams. 'It produced significantly fewer VOCs, offers durability, and is naturally resistant to mold and dust mites,' says Tasha. 'Many latex mattresses also incorporate wool as a natural flame barrier, eliminating the need for chemical flame retardants.'

But is it good to sleep on latex? Our sleep expert, Emilia Hitching, assures latex mattresses are a great choice, even enough to make her want to purchase one next time she needs an upgrade.

'Organic cotton is another great option for mattress covers, providing breathability and safety, without toxic additives,' adds Tasha.

2. Candles

There's nothing like getting into bed with a good book and lighting your best candle, but did you know they're potentially toxic?

Content editor Chiana Dickson explains, ‘Candles have the potential to be one of the most toxic things in your bedroom. A 2017 study concluded that paraffin wax scented candles are toxic (some of the most readily available candles on store shelves) and can release several dangerous compounds into the air, including “formaldehyde and carcinogenic aromatic hydrocarbons like toluene and benzopyrene [...], especially the less expensive ones”.

'These reduce indoor air quality, which, in turn, can then cause respiratory irritation and poor sleep among other health problems.'

Luckily, if you still want to enjoy that cozy flickering effect, there are plenty of non-toxic candles available on the market.

Chiana says, 'Soy-wax candles with cotton wicks, such as the P.F. Candle Co. candles from Amazon (my personal favorite), burn cleanly to help make a bedroom smell nice.

‘Alternatively, invest in one of the best essential oil diffusers and some quality essential oils to help fragrance the air without burning anything.’

All prices correct at time of publication.

3. Laundry detergent

Another one of the most toxic things in your bedroom isn’t actually visible to the eye – it’s the detergent you may have used to wash your bed sheets.

Chiana explains, 'A 2023 study into traditional cleaning products’ chemical effects on indoor air quality and their implications for human health concluded that “the use of cleaning products indoors may increase occupants’ exposure to a variety of harmful environmental pollutants including volatile organic compounds (VOCs).”'

Like candles, these can then reduce your sleep quality, and even make you sick over time.

Therefore, Chiana advises, 'When choosing cleaning products, opt for detergents that are EPA-certified as non-toxic and safe for your home, such as ECOS Free & Clear Detergent, available at Walmart.’

FAQs

What is the most toxic thing in your home?

Unsurprisingly, the most toxic thing in your home is bleach, followed by drain cleaner. To clean your home without harming the planet, switch to natural alternatives, as you certainly don't need harsh cleaning chemicals to clean well.

Once you've replaced these bedroom items, turn your attention to your potentially toxic bathroom storage, to protect your health and your home.