Dryer Sheets, Non-Stick Cookware, & Toothpaste: 3 Fatal Conveniences
“I define ‘Fatal Conveniences’ as the things we may be doing every day because the world we live in makes us believe we have to but in reality, these conveniences are actually harming us and the planet. The deeper we dive, the more we realise the system is failing us. It’s up to us to take our health and the planet’s health into our own hands.”
-Darin Olien
Fatal Conveniences: The Toxic Products and Harmful Habits That Are Making You Sick―and the Simple Changes That Will Save Your Health by Darin Olien, is a guidebook on how to minimize or eliminate the toxins in your environment. As described on Amazon,
“Fatal conveniences are the toxic products we routinely use and the unhealthy things we do that our culture and corporations have made us believe are safe and necessary for living well and efficiently. These things—from deodorant, cosmetics, dental floss, and sunscreen to laundry detergent, air fresheners, carpets, and crayons to candles, tea bags, cell phones, and chewing gum—are ubiquitous in daily life . . . and they are wreaking havoc on our health and our planet. The environmental toxins found in these products create a cascade of problems, including chemical sensitivities, auto-immune issues, obesity, chronic health diseases, and more.”
His work has also been turned into the Netflix show, Down To Earth with Zac Efron.
I have a good understanding of the chemicals we encounter daily, as I’ve written about, however, this book offered additional insights into modifying aspects of my home, clothing, and more. The author delves into seemingly innocuous items like beef, eggs, seafood, and dairy, while also addressing artificial dyes, drinking water, and seed oils. He thoroughly explains the health and environmental concerns associated with these factors and offers practical recommendations and solutions for addressing, avoiding, or finding alternatives.
I took so many notes on this book that it started turning into its own book. Widdling it down to three takeaways was tough but I went with toothpaste, non-stick cookware, and dryer sheets. I highly recommend this book if you’re interested in limiting your toxic load and body burden, which is the combo effect of all the chemicals that accumulate over time, living in your tissues, and can potentially impact your health and may even pass on to future generations.
3 Takeaways From Fatal Conveniences
1. Toothpaste
The introduction of fluoride into tap water hailed as a public health triumph in the mid-20th century, was intended to combat tooth decay. Grand Rapids, Michigan, took the lead in 1945, marking the first city to embrace water fluoridation.
Despite early praise, red flags about its use were disregarded, leading to widespread inclusion in products. Subsequent research revealed concerning findings about fluoride, particularly regarding its impact on developing brains. A 2012 report from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that "children in high-fluoride areas had significantly lower IQ scores than those who lived in low-fluoride areas." Meanwhile, The National Research Council (NRC) raised alarms about links to bone fractures and severe dental fluorosis or tooth damage.
The adverse effects of fluoride primarily revolve around ingestion rather than external use, such as with tooth brushing. Since kids have a difficult time spitting the toothpaste out early on, it’s critical to go with a fluoride-free brand in those early years. As Olien writes,
“It's possible to give your kids beautiful, healthy, cavity-free smiles without subtracting from their IQs."
He points out that they’re also less likely to swallow it if doesn’t have a really sweet flavor so opt for boring over cotton candy.
What to do: The main risk is with ingesting fluoride so anyone who is at risk of swallowing fluoride (e.g. kids) should avoid fluoride toothpaste. We avoid fluoride in toothpaste regardless using the below
My recommendation:
Adult toothpaste: Hello Fluoride Free Whitening Toothpaste
Kids toothpaste: Tom's of Maine Fluoride Free Children's Toothpaste
Kids training toothpaste: Tom's of Maine Fluoride-Free Toddler Training Toothpaste
Mouthwash: Hello Fluoride Free Mouthwash
Related:
2. Non-Stick Cookware
The evolution of non-stick cookware, originating in the 1960s for the sake of culinary convenience, took an unforeseen turn with the introduction of PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) in 1938. Initially, its use seemed purposeless, but in 1954, a pivotal moment occurred when a researcher's wife suggested applying PTFE to cookware. By 1960, the FDA approved Teflon, the commercial version of PTFE, launching a widespread trend. All seemed great, however, until the health hazards associated with the chemical PFOS, a component of PTFE, became apparent, linking it to various health issues, including cancer. Even minor scratches on the cookware's surface risk contaminating meals with these harmful substances.
In response to growing concerns, manufacturers phased out PFOS in 2015, replacing it with undisclosed alternatives. Although cookware labels may boast being PTFE and PFOS-free, the broader chemical family's secretive nature raises transparency issues.
What to do: Don't use classic non-stick cookware. When buying cookware, choose products made in the US, where PFOS is no longer permitted, employ gentle cleaning practices, avoid metal utensils, promptly replace chipped or scratched pans, refrain from allowing pans to smoke during use, and consider periodic replacement every few years to ensure cooking safety.
Here are my favorite types of cookware to use instead:
Cast iron: A good old-fashioned 10” Cast iron and pre-seasoned skillet.
Ceramic: The Our Place Always Pan 2.0. (Note that ceramic cookware has limited lifespans and needs to be replaced more often.)
Stainless steel: Any 100% stainless steel cookware will do, such as this set or this frying pan.
Related:
3. Dryer Sheets
Yes, even dryer sheets may be a cause for concern when it comes to toxicity and harming your health.
The unassuming invention of Bounce dryer sheets, stemming from a husband's concern for his wife's convenience, has become a household staple. Comprising woven polyester coated with a heat-melting chemical, these sheets impart a faux softness to garments and combat static electricity, but their seemingly harmless nature raises concerns. Ingredients such as quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs, a.k.a. “Quats”) in dryer sheets can potentially trigger asthma attacks and harm the reproductive system. Labels containing terms like ammonium chloride, cluderol, and cat ionic surfactants should be approached with caution.
Moreover, the undisclosed fragrances in these sheets may conceal phthalates, contributing to potential health risks such as hormone disruption, respiratory issues, and skin irritation. Research from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Steiman discovered over 25 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from dryer vents, including toxic ones like acetone and formaldehyde.
What to do: Add distilled white vinegar during the rinse cycle of the washer. You can also use unscented and organic wool dryer balls. We will put a few drops of organic essential oils on ours to add a nice scent.
Related:
To learn more about toxins, check out The Non-Toxic Living Guidebook: Hacks, Strategies, & Natural Products for Better Health. I wrote this comprehensive guide as a way to break down the complexity of toxins into a simple, easy-to-read format with practical tips and clickable links to the least toxic products I could find. Get your copy today and use the code MBD20 at checkout for a 20% discount. You can also get the Kindle eBook on Amazon.