Shedding light on toxic items that pollute our homes and put our lives at risk without our explicit knowledge, more and more health experts are sharing the items on their “avoid” list. Recently, digital creator Dr Manan Vora also listed six seemingly harmless everyday products that he has banned from his house altogether. Why? Here’s what he had to say in an Instagram post:❌ High-sugar biscuits – packed with refined maida, not kid-friendly❌ Loofah – hard to clean, abrasive, and a breeding ground for germs❌ Scotch-Brite sponge – most people don’t replace it for months. Change it regularly. That soft sponge becomes a germ hotspot if used too long. (grosser than your bathroom!)❌Scented sanitary pads – irritate skin, disturb vaginal pH, and increase infection risk❌Mosquito coils – toxic fumes, especially harmful for kids and asthma patients❌Open kitchen dustbins – attract flies, bacteria, and nasty smells,” he mentioned in the caption of his Instagram post.Dr. Ganesh Viswanathan, Consultant, Department of Internal Medicine at KIMSHEALTH, Trivandrum, helped us verify these claims and stated that the items listed above can indeed pose significant health risks. He suggested some safer alternatives to try:High-Sugar BiscuitsAccording to him, they are high in refined flour and free sugars, which lead to quick glucose spikes, poor satiety, higher risk of obesity, diabetes, and dental caries.Safer alternative: Nuts, roasted chana, fresh fruits, unsweetened yogurt, homemade snacks (chilla, poha, khakhra).LoofahThey stay damp, harbor bacteria, and cause microtears that increase the risk of infection.Story continues below this adSafer alternative: Hands, soft cotton washcloth (washed daily), or silicone scrubber that dries quickly.Kitchen SpongeThey are known hotspots for bacteria and are extremely difficult to disinfect fully.Safer alternatives include a dish brush (quick-drying), washable dishcloths, or replacing sponges weekly with sanitizing in between.Scented Sanitary PadsFragrances and chemicals may cause irritation, contact dermatitis, and disrupt vulvar health.Story continues below this adSafer alternatives include unscented cotton pads, menstrual cups, and period underwear.Mosquito CoilsThese coils tend to release harmful smoke (fine particles, formaldehyde) → irritates lungs, increases indoor pollution.Safer alternative: Window screens, bed nets, topical repellents (DEET/picaridin), fans, and electric vaporizers with ventilation. Throw your waste in covered bins (Source: Freepik)Open Kitchen DustbinsThese open dustbins tend to attract pests, produce odors, may harbor mosquitoes.Story continues below this adSafer alternative: Covered pedal bins, separate wet/dry waste, empty daily, clean weekly.Dr. Maneendra, Consultant and HOD, Critical Care Department, Gleneagles Hospitals, Lakdi Ka Pul, Hyderabad, said that exposure to toxins, particularly at a young age, often leads individuals to reevaluate their lifestyle choices. “While many environmental and lifestyle factors contribute to overall health, there’s increasing awareness about the potential impact of long-term exposure to toxins in everyday products,” said Dr Maneendra.One of the most concerning classes of these chemicals is phthalates, which act as endocrine disruptors. Research, such as the review by Kelley et al. in Current Problems in Pediatric and Adolescent Health Care (2012), details how phthalates can interfere with androgenic pathways, linking exposure to adverse reproductive and neurodevelopmental outcomes.While scientific evidence linking specific ingredients to health risks varies, the principle of “minimising unnecessary chemical exposure is wise, especially for those with a history of cancer or chronic conditions.” “Adopting non-toxic versions of everyday products represents a proactive approach to health, focusing on prevention and reducing cumulative toxic load,” he said.Story continues below this adIt is time to make “small, meaningful changes” if you want to prioritise your health and feel good in your body again.DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.