An American gastroenterologist has revealed eight toxic substances that can threaten health in daily life, urging people to eliminate them from their routines as quickly as possible. Although these products are commonly found in everyday life, he warned that they can have fatal effects on health in the long term.

On August 2 (local time), Dr. Saurabh Sethi, a Harvard Medical School-trained gastroenterologist practicing in California, shared this information through his social networking service (SNS) accounts.

The first item Dr. Sethi pointed out was frying pans with Teflon coating (a method where fluororesin is sprayed onto the surface like paint and then heated at a certain temperature) that has started to peel. Commonly referred to as "coated pans," these frying pans are widely used at home because they allow cooking without oil. However, if the surface is scratched or peeling and exposed to high heat, not only microplastics but also toxic gases can be released. He stated, "If the Teflon is damaged, toxic substances can be emitted," and added, "If you see scratches, you should stop using that frying pan." As alternatives, he recommended ceramic, cast iron, or stainless steel pans.

Water bottles exposed to high temperatures can release hormone-disrupting substances such as bisphenol A (BPA), and products labeled as 'BPA-free' are not completely safe. Getty Images

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The next item is artificial sweeteners. In particular, aspartame and sucralose are hundreds of times sweeter than sugar and contain almost no calories, so they are often used in diet foods and zero-calorie drinks. However, they can be harmful to health. Dr. Sethi explained that these sweeteners "destroy beneficial gut bacteria and can negatively affect blood sugar regulation and appetite signals." He also added that they are associated with glucose intolerance and gut microbiome imbalance. As alternatives, he advised choosing pure monk fruit, pure stevia, or natural sweeteners derived from real fruit.

Plastic water bottles were also identified as a risk factor. In particular, water bottles exposed to high temperatures can release hormone-disrupting substances such as bisphenol A (BPA), and even products labeled "BPA-free" are not completely safe, according to Dr. Sethi. Once absorbed by the body, BPA acts similarly to the female hormone estrogen and can disrupt the endocrine system. Therefore, Dr. Sethi advised that using stainless steel or glass bottles is safer.

Scented candles and indoor air fresheners used for mood enhancement contain chemical substances such as phthalates and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Photo by Getty Images

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Scented candles and indoor air fresheners used for mood enhancement were also included in the list. These products contain chemicals such as phthalates and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These substances can negatively affect the hormone system and trigger inflammatory responses. Dr. Sethi explained that it is better to use beeswax candles or essential oil diffusers, and that proper ventilation is necessary when using fragrances.

It is also recommended to avoid processed meats and ultra-processed foods containing nitrates or nitrites as much as possible. Pixabay

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In addition, Dr. Sethi recommended avoiding processed meats containing nitrates or nitrites, antibacterial soaps with triclosan, laundry detergents and dryer sheets with artificial fragrances, and ultra-processed foods such as ham as much as possible. Dr. Sethi emphasized, "Reducing the accumulation of toxic substances in the body is one of the easiest ways to protect gut, brain, and hormonal health."