chemicals that pollute indoor air.What to Do InsteadChoose beeswax or soy candles with cotton wicks.Use natural essential oils for fragrance.6. Shampoos and Personal Care Products 
What’s the Risk?Your shampoo, lotion, or deodorant may contain parabens, phthalates, and sulfates. These chemicals disrupt hormone regulation and, according to long-term studies, may increase cancer risk.Since personal care products are absorbed through the skin, repeated exposure matters.What to Do InsteadRead labels carefully—avoid parabens and phthalates.Switch to organic or paraben-free alternatives.Support brands with transparent ingredient lists.7. Pressed Wood Furniture 
What’s the Risk?Budget-friendly furniture made from plywood, particleboard, and fiberboard often contains formaldehyde-based resins. The National Cancer Institute has classified formaldehyde as a known human carcinogen.The greatest risk occurs in poorly ventilated homes, especially with new furniture.What to Do InsteadChoose solid wood furniture when possible.Improve ventilation—open windows regularly.Use air purifiers with activated carbon filters.8. Microwave Popcorn Bags 
What’s the Risk?That quick bag of microwave popcorn may be coated with perfluorinated compounds (PFCs). These break down into PFOA—the same chemical of concern in non-stick pans—linked to cancer risks.The buttery flavorings sometimes added to popcorn have also raised health concerns.What to Do InsteadMake popcorn the old-fashioned way: stovetop kernels with a bit of coconut oil.Or invest in an air popper for a healthier option.9. Pesticides and Herbicides 
What’s the Risk?Lawn care products, especially those containing glyphosate (found in Roundup), have been labeled by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as a “probable human carcinogen.”Regular exposure—whether in the garden or through
