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Activated Carbon Filter- A filter that traps gases, odors, and VOCs, often paired with HEPA filters
Air Quality- A measure of how clean or polluted the air is; good indoor air quality reduces risks of asthma, allergies, and long-term health issues
Allergen- A substance (like pollen, dust, mold, or chemicals) that can trigger an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals

Artificial dye- Synthetic coloring agent made from chemicals (often petroleum-based) that’s added to products to change or brighten their color

Azo- dyes for textiles and leather, and also in some medical products and battery materials which can potentially causing health issues like cancer or allergic reactions

Biodegradable- Material that breaks down naturally into non-toxic elements without harming the environment
BPA (Bisphenol A)- A chemical found in plastics and food can linings, linked to hormone disruption

Chlorine Bleach- A powerful disinfectant and whitening agent which releases strong fumes that irritate eyes, skin, and lungs, and can form toxic compounds when mixed with other chemicals

Compostable- Items that break down into natural matter and improve soil health when composted properly
Clean Living- A lifestyle focused on minimizing exposure to toxins, eating whole foods, and using natural products

Detox (Detoxification)- The body’s natural process of removing harmful substances; can be supported by reducing toxin exposure
Dust Mites- Microscopic pests that live in bedding and carpets, producing allergens that can trigger asthma and allergies

Eco-Friendly- Products or practices that are safer for people and the planet, with minimal environmental impact
Endocrine Disruptors- Chemicals that interfere with hormones, potentially affecting growth, fertility, and mood

Enzyme- A natural protein that speeds up chemical reactions like breaking down food, grease, or stains without being used up in the process
Essential Oils- Concentrated plant extracts often used in natural cleaning and personal care

Flame Retardants- Chemicals added to furniture, textiles, and electronics to reduce fire risk; many are toxic
Formaldehyde- A chemical used in pressed wood, glues, and fabrics; an irritant and potential carcinogen
Fragrance-Free- Products without added perfumes or masking agents

Green Building Materials- Safer, non-toxic, and sustainable construction materials that improve indoor health
Greenwashing- Misleading marketing that makes products seem more eco-friendly or healthy than they are

Heavy Metals- A dense chemical element which causes severe health problems such as neurological damage, kidney and liver damage, cardiovascular issues, and cancer

HEPA Filter- High-Efficiency Particulate Air filter that captures 99.97% of tiny particles, including mold spores and pollen
Hypoallergenic- Designed to reduce the risk of allergic reactions (though not allergen-free)

Indoor Air Pollution- Pollution inside the home caused by VOCs, dust, mold, and chemicals in furniture and cleaners
Inflammation- The body’s immune response to irritants; chronic inflammation can lead to long-term health issues and pain

Low-Tox Living- A lifestyle aimed at reducing exposure to harmful chemicals in everyday products
Lead- A toxic heavy metal sometimes found in old paint, pipes, and imported goods

Methylisothiazolinone (MIT)- A synthetic preservative used to prevent bacteria and mold growth in liquid products like soaps, shampoos, and cleaners known to cause skin irritation and allergic reactions; restricted or banned in many personal-care products in the EU and labeled as a potential allergen by dermatologists
Microplastics- Tiny plastic fragments found in water, food, and household dust that can accumulate in the body
Mold/Mycotoxins- Fungi and their toxins that thrive in damp environments and can severely harm health

Natural Cleaning- Cleaning practices that use simple, safe ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils
Non-Toxic- Products made without harmful chemicals or pollutants

Off-Gassing- The release of VOCs and other chemicals from new products like furniture, paint, or flooring

Optical Whitener- A synthetic chemical that clings to fabrics added to detergents and cleaners to make fabrics or dishes look “brighter” and “cleaner" by reflecting blue light

Organic- Grown or made without synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, or harmful chemicals

Parabens- Preservatives in personal care products linked to hormone disruption
Pesticides- Chemicals used to kill pests, can linger in food and the home environment
PFAS- “Forever Chemicals,” long-lasting chemicals found in nonstick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, and water supplies

Phosphates- Chemical compounds made from phosphorus, oxygen, and other elements added to detergents to help soften water and break down grease, pollutes rivers and lakes
Phthalates- Chemicals used to soften plastics and in synthetic fragrances; linked to health risks

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)- A common thermoplastic polymer which poses threats from its toxic additives, such as phthalates and heavy metals

Quats (Quaternary Ammonium Compounds)- Chemicals used in disinfectants and cleaners; some are linked to respiratory irritation

Reverse Osmosis (RO)- Water filtration that removes contaminants through a membrane
Radon- A naturally occurring radioactive gas that can seep into homes and increase cancer risk

Safe Swaps- Healthier alternatives for common household products 

Surfactant- A chemical that helps water mix with oil and grease, allowing dirt and residue to be lifted and rinsed away
Sustainable Materials- Renewable or responsibly sourced materials like bamboo, cork, or organic cotton
Synthetic Fragrance- Man-made scent chemicals often containing hidden allergens and endocrine disruptors

Toxic Load- The total amount of harmful chemicals your body is exposed to and must process
Third-Party Tested- Products verified by independent labs for safety and performance
Transparency- Clear labeling and honest disclosure of product ingredients and sourcing

Unscented- A product is made without added fragrance or perfume but doesn’t always mean fragrance-free; some unscented products use masking agents to cover up chemical odors
Upholstery Foam- Cushioning material in furniture, often treated with flame retardants

VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds)- Chemicals that easily become gases, contributing to indoor pollution
Vinyl- A plastic material (PVC) commonly used in flooring and shower curtains, often contains phthalates
Water Filtration- Systems (like RO, carbon, or UV) that remove contaminants from drinking water

Xenoestrogens- Synthetic chemicals that mimic estrogen in the body, found in plastics and some pesticides

Zero-VOC Paint- Paint made without volatile organic compounds thereby reducing indoor air pollution
Zero-Waste Living- A lifestyle that aims to minimize waste by reusing, recycling, and composting