Home and Garden 

Unfortunately, toxics can be found throughout the house, from your kitchen to your car keys and the hose out back. The greatest offenders we have found so far are lead and perchloroethylene. 

Brass alloys used in coffee makers, faucets and even door knobs contain hazardous levels of lead. PVC cords such as those used for Christmas lights contain lead stabilizers. Even the crystal bowls and decanters you may have received as a wedding gift could be leaching lead into your food and drink. To minimize exposure to lead, get a home lead test kit, choose alternative products and wash your hands regularly. 

Lead is not the only toxin in the home. Your dry-cleaning likely contains perchloroethylene which is hazardous to your health. Luckily there are alternatives and you can mitigate the effects by airing out your dry-cleaning before bringing it in the house. 

For more information on specific toxic products in your home click on the product names below.

Asbestos
Brass Coffee Makers 
Brass Garden and Irrigation Equipment
Brass Keys
Brass Locks and Hardware
Dietary Supplements
Dry Cleaning
Galvanized Buckets and Watering Cans
Lead Paint
Leaded Crystal Decanters and Stemware
Light Bulbs
Paper Products
PVC Christmas and other String Lights
PVC Wires and Cords on Electronics
Raincoats

Links to Related Resources

ERF Chemical Fact Sheet for Lead
ERF Chemical Fact Sheet for Perchloroethylene