- Healthy Living
Create a Healthy Haven
The living room is a hub for hidden chemical exposure. From the synthetic fibers in our rugs to the plastic-based finishes on our furniture, our most relaxed spaces often harbor microplastics and flame retardants that accumulate in household dust.
Because we spend so much of our time here, these harmful chemicals — often inhaled or absorbed through skin contact — can contribute to a significant daily chemical load. By shifting toward durable, plastic-free materials, we can transform our living spaces into true sanctuaries for our health and our families.
Synthetic rugs can shed
thousands of plastic fibers
every time it’s walked on
top living room
swaps
- Choose Natural Flooring: Swap synthetic wall-to-wall carpets or polyester rugs for wool, jute, sisal, or organic cotton.
- Prioritize Solid Wood: Replace laminate or plastic-veneered furniture with solid wood, glass, or metal pieces – many of which can be purchased secondhand.
- Opt for Natural Textiles: Transition from polyester and fleece blankets to organic cotton, linen, or wool throws.
- Refresh Your Air Safely: Ditch synthetic air fresheners and scented candles for essential oil diffusers, beeswax candles, or houseplants that act as natural air purifiers.
- Protect Your Pets: Replace plastic pet bowls and synthetic pet beds with stainless steel or ceramic alternatives.
- Tackle Dust: Use a damp cloth to wipe down electronics and surfaces weekly.
Label alert
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Stain-Resistant
Often contains PFAS “forever chemicals” that migrate into household dust and skin.
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Flame Retardant
Added to foam and upholstery; linked to hormone disruption and developmental issues.
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Polyester / Acrylic
Plastic-based fabrics that shed microplastic fibers into your home’s air.
Learn which products are
the worst offenders
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01
Flooring
Synthetic Carpets, Rugs, Soft Furnishings
Made from nylon, polyester, and other plastic fibers, these materials continuously shed microplastics into indoor air.
- Daily friction releases synthetic fibers into household dust.
- Children and pets breathe closer to the floor, increasing exposure.
- Microplastic dust can be inhaled or ingested.
- Flame retardant and stain-resistant treatments add additional chemical exposure.
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02
Furniture & Textiles
Upholstery, Cushions, Pillows, Blankets
Most upholstered furniture and soft furnishings often contain polyurethane foam and synthetic fabrics made from plastic fibers.
- Sofas and cushions commonly use polyurethane foam treated with flame retardants that can off-gas into indoor air and settle into household dust.
- Throw blankets made from fleece or microfiber are typically 100% polyester and can shed thousands of synthetic fibers through everyday friction — especially when warmed by body heat.
- Decorative pillows often contain polyester fiberfill or shredded polyurethane foam, which can break down over time and release both microplastics and residual chemical additives into indoor dust.
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03
Air Fresheners
Scented Plug-Ins, Aerosol Sprays, Candles
Designed to scent the air, these products release synthetic chemicals directly into breathing space.
- Plug-ins and sprays release a cocktail of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and phthalates that compromise indoor air quality and disrupt hormones.
- Many formulations may contain phthalates and other fragrance additives that have been linked to hormone disruption.
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04
Pet Products
Chew Toys, Bowls
Plastic items in close contact with pets can leach endocrine disruptors, which are often found in higher concentrations in pets than in humans.
- Plastic chew toys and food bowls can release endocrine-disrupting chemicals during regular use.
- Pets can accumulate higher levels of household flame retardants and plastic additives than humans due to close floor contact and dust ingestion
- PFAS have been detected in both dogs and cats, sometimes at levels comparable to or higher than humans in the same household.
living room
resources
Breathe easier at home. Find out how to reduce microplastics in your air and dust by choosing safer home furnishings and simple cleaning habits.
EXPLORE MORE
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Laundry
Laundry
Fresh Clothes, Fewer Toxins
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Protect Your Community
Protect Your Community
When communities stand up and take action, real change happens.
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Protect People Over Plastic
Protect People Over Plastic
Help advance policies that improve chemical transparency and regulations.