Chemicals in Everyday Life

Evidence-based profiles of chemicals found in personal care, food, home, and work environments — what they are, where they hide, what the science says, and what you can do.

Or browse the A–Z index of all chemicals.

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Children's Products Nappies, wet wipes, baby bottles, pyjamas, car seats and toys — with an honest look at what "baby-safe" labelling actually means. 55 chemicals Clothing & Textiles Bamboo viscose, spandex dyes, PFAS waterproofing, azo dyes and the chemistry of your wardrobe. 31 chemicals DIY & Home Renovation Asbestos, lead paint dust, expanding foam isocyanates, paint strippers and cement sensitisers. 24 chemicals Electronics & Technology Flame retardants in devices, mobile phone contact, screen blue light, fitness trackers and e-waste. 15 chemicals Garden Herbicides, pesticides, artificial grass infill, and lawn treatments. 21 chemicals Holidays & Travel Hotel room chemistry, resort pool trichloramine, holiday sunscreen, aircraft fume events and tourist souvenirs. 15 chemicals Household Cleaning Surface disinfectants, fabric softeners, air fresheners and the dangers of mixing common products. 26 chemicals Indoor Air & Furniture Flame retardants, formaldehyde from flat-pack furniture, VOCs from paints, radon, and household dust. 53 chemicals Kitchen Cookware, food packaging, canned goods, and chemical reactions created during cooking. 37 chemicals Medical & Dental Amalgam fillings, dental composites, mouthwash, medical tubing, contrast agents and pharmaceutical side effects. 14 chemicals Personal Care — General Shampoos, moisturisers, cosmetics, sunscreen and everyday body products. 46 chemicals Personal Care — Men & Teens Aftershave, body spray, hair gel, tattoo ink and gym-culture products. 19 chemicals Pets Flea treatments, cat litter dust, pet food packaging, rawhide chews and outdoor contaminant transfer. 18 chemicals Processed Food & Restaurants Preservatives, food dyes, packaging migrants, carcinogens formed during cooking and restaurant food preparation. 37 chemicals School Environment Art room solvents, asbestos in pre-2000 buildings, school furniture off-gassing and commercial cleaning residues. 14 chemicals Sports & Leisure Swimming pool chemistry, artificial turf, yoga mats, sports nutrition and rubber gym flooring. 23 chemicals Transport & Vehicles New car smell, diesel exhaust, tyre wear particles, brake dust and aircraft cabin air. 15 chemicals Water Supply Chlorination byproducts, PFAS in tap water, lead pipes, pharmaceutical residues and filtration options. 38 chemicals Workplace Office printers, nail bars, hairdressing salons, construction sites and healthcare environments. 47 chemicals

About This Database

Every chemical profile follows a consistent evidence-based structure: what the chemical is, where it is found, how people are exposed, what the science says about health risks, how strong that evidence is, who is most vulnerable, what the regulatory position is, and what practical steps reduce exposure.

We use a four-level evidence rating: established (confirmed in humans with strong mechanistic support), emerging (consistent animal or in vitro evidence, growing human data), mixed (genuine scientific disagreement), and preclinical (early-stage animal or cell studies only).

Where relevant, each profile includes a Nutriofia angle — the specific connection between the chemical and nutritional or dietary choices that may reduce exposure or support the body's resilience.