Meet my incredibly smart little brother, Dan.
Growing up I was always labeled “the creative one,” which in our family translated to “not the prodigy,” because my brother owned that role. It wasn’t that I wasn’t bright — I often made the honor roll and was accepted early into a competitive art program in New York City, graduating in a very small class. But Dan was in a different league intellectually. In high school he took nine AP exams and scored fives on all of them (I took one and got a four). He went to Cornell and graduated with the highest GPA in his class — a 4.21 — becoming valedictorian of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. In short: he’s brainy.
Today Dan is a graduate student at Columbia, working toward his doctorate in chemistry after earning a master’s degree and receiving a full National Science Foundation fellowship. That fellowship covers tuition and provides a stipend for living expenses in exchange for long hours in the lab studying molecules and polymers. It’s a great setup for someone who loves serious science.
When he recently visited, our conversation naturally turned to household chemicals. John and I try to minimize harmful exposures at home, so it was enlightening to have Dan help separate myths from facts. Below are his practical, chemistry-based takes on common household materials and habits — what’s generally safe, what to avoid, and simple swaps you can make to reduce risk.
What’s your take on BPA in plastic water bottles and other household plastics? Most research suggests avoiding BPA when possible, both for personal health and environmental reasons. Switching to stainless steel or glass drinking containers is an easy, reliable alternative. Glass and stainless steel are inert, won’t leach chemicals, and are safe choices for the long term.
The takeaway: Stainless steel bottles are a great everyday option — durable, safe, and convenient to keep at home, work, and in the car.
How about fire retardant chemicals in mattresses and pillows? These can be problematic. Many flame-retardant chemicals accumulate in household dust as they break down, and are sometimes detected in people’s bodies and even in breast milk. Choosing mattresses and pillows made from organic wool or cotton that don’t rely on chemical flame retardants reduces exposure to these persistent compounds.
The takeaway: Look for organic, chemical-free bedding and pillows to minimize exposure to flame retardant chemicals.
Are soaps and shampoos containing sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) harmful? SLS is probably not as dangerous as some claims suggest. Chemically, it’s related to compounds produced during fat digestion and is metabolized by the body. While it can be an irritant for people with very sensitive skin, it’s generally safe for most users. If you prefer to avoid it, there are many SLS-free options available.
The takeaway: SLS is not inherently toxic for most people, but if you have sensitivity or prefer milder formulations, choose sulfate-free shampoos and soaps.
Teflon — use it or avoid it? It’s prudent to avoid Teflon and similar nonstick coatings when possible. Under extreme heat, these polymers can thermally degrade and release toxic compounds. Normal cooking temperatures are unlikely to cause this, but high-heat cooking or overheating an empty pan can. To be safe, consider non-Teflon cookware or ceramic-based nonstick surfaces, and avoid heating plastics in the microwave, which can also degrade polymers and potentially release harmful compounds.
The takeaway: Opt for Teflon-free cookware and use glass containers for microwaving to reduce risk from heated plastics.
Does barbecuing meat create carcinogens? Grilling that chars meat can produce polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), compounds formed when meat is charred to blackness. PAHs are not well metabolized and have the potential to damage DNA, so reducing charring makes sense from a chemical standpoint. Evidence tying charred meat directly to cancer in humans is still evolving, but practical precautions — like marinating meat and keeping it moist while cooking to limit charring — are simple ways to reduce exposure.
The takeaway: Marinate meats and avoid excessive charring. Treat grilled foods as an occasional indulgence rather than a daily habit.
What about phthalates? Are they a concern? Phthalates are commonly used as plasticizers and, like BPA, raise environmental and health concerns. Studies have shown effects in wildlife and suggest potential impacts on human health. Choosing products labeled phthalate-free and favoring brands that avoid these additives can reduce your exposure.
The takeaway: Look for phthalate-free products and preferred brands that commit to avoiding these chemicals.
Are there any household items you’d call especially risky? Many of the most toxic ingredients are found in glues and solvents. For example, model-building glue often contains toluene, a possible carcinogen, and some super glues release volatile organic compounds until they fully cure. Use these products outdoors or in very well-ventilated areas and minimize direct inhalation during use.
The takeaway: Do glue-related projects in open air or a ventilated space until adhesives are fully dry.
Any final practical tips from Almost-Dr. Dan? A general rule: many harmful organic compounds have strong chemical odors. If something smells strongly chemical, use it sparingly and ensure good ventilation. When in doubt, choose less odorous, less volatile alternatives.
The takeaway: Trust your nose — if a product smells strongly chemical, seek a milder option and ventilate when you use it.
So there you have practical, chemistry-informed advice from my brother, who lives and breathes lab work. These small swaps and mindful habits can lower household chemical exposures and help you make safer choices for daily life. If you’re curious about other clean-home swaps or have questions about specific products, ask away — Dan’s always happy to nerd out about chemistry.
*Yes, Daniel is my real brother — same parents. He inherited our mother’s dark, brooding Italian features while I took after our Austrian father with fair skin and light eyes.