Air fresheners don't "freshen" so much as they coat nasal passages with a film or block the olfactory nerve. Some "fresheners" also contain polluting chemicals. use house plants, herbs, flowers, potpourri and essential oils instead.

Plastic film contains PVC, a suspected carcinogen. Warm food (especially fatty food) absorbs the plasticizers, so don't wrap anything in plastic and heat it in the microwave oven. Keep plastic wrap away from food.

Nonstick pans give off harmful fumes when hot—not just overheated—and particles from nonstick plastic coating flake off into food as the coating is worn down.

Perklone, or perc, is the solvent used in dry cleaning. it creates toxic fumes that can cause dizziness and nausea.

Easy care, no-iron, and permanent press fabrics contain a formaldehyde finish that doesn't wash out. Formaldehyde is a powerful irritant.

Bleach and bleach-based cleaners contain chlorine-derived compounds that give off toxic fumes.

Flea powder contains insecticides that may pose a risk to young children and birds.