Summer Toxins 101: Smart Tips for a Healthier Season
- Viv
- Jun 30
- 6 min read
Summer means sunshine, adventure, and endless days—but it also sneaks in hidden toxins that can seep through your skin and linger in the air. Here’s a breakdown of common summer toxins, their health effects, and tips to keep your exposure in check.
Toxins Absorbed Through the Skin
1. Sunscreen Chemicals
Many traditional sunscreens include chemical filters and enhancers that research associates with hormone disruption and cellular damage. These substances can penetrate the skin, enter the bloodstream, and negatively impact health. To safeguard your skin and health, choose a non-toxic sunscreen:
Opt for mineral-based sunscreens with non-nano zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These ingredients remain on the skin's surface, physically blocking harmful UV rays without penetrating the skin or harming coral reefs.
Consult the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) database for reef-safe, non-toxic options.
Avoid combining sunscreen with bug repellent—sunscreen increases skin absorption, which may allow harmful bug repellent chemicals to penetrate the skin (EWG).
Learn more about selecting non-toxic sunscreens here.
2. PFAS (“Forever Chemicals”)
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are valued for their water- and stain-resistant qualities in waterproof clothing, cookware, and personal care products. A June 2024 study using 3D human skin models confirmed that many PFAS easily permeate the skin barrier and enter the bloodstream, leading to liver toxicity, immune suppression, and developmental issues (University of Birmingham, 2024).
Avoid PFAS: Look for labels indicating PFAS-free or zero fluorinated compounds.
Wash new garments before wearing to minimize surface residue.
Choose natural fiber outdoor wear (cotton, linen, wool) over performance synthetics.
Many companies now use PFA alternatives; check their website before purchasing to verify.
3. Phthalates
Phthalates, used to stabilize fragrances and soften plastics commonly used in moisturizers, nail polish, perfumes, candles, and many other products, readily absorb through the skin and have been linked to endocrine disruption and reproductive harm. Research suggests that phthalates may contribute to asthma, allergies, and reproductive problems. Phthalates have also been associated with social impairment in children, similar to BPA (PMC, 2021).
Select “phthalate-free” labels, especially for children’s products.
Avoid vague terms like "fragrance" or "parfum", as they may contain phthalates. Choose fragrance-free or naturally scented items (e.g., essential-oil–based if not sensitive to it).
Avoid plastics containing phthalates, particularly in hot environments (e.g., leaving a plastic bottle in a hot car) to prevent toxins from leaching into your water.
Avoid plastics labelled 3 (PVC), 6 (PS), and 7 (Other), as they may contain phthalates.
Use glass, stainless steel, or food-grade silicone instead of plastic.
Read more about phthalates here.
4. Chemical Residues in Clothing
Newly manufactured clothes often contain finishing chemicals—formaldehyde releasers, azo dyes, and flame retardants—that can irritate the skin and act as allergens.
Pre-wash all new garments with fragrance-free laundry detergent.
Use unscented and non-toxic laundry detergent on your clothes to reduce exposure to phthalates and other harsh chemicals.
Choose OEKO-TEX®–certified textiles, which screen for harmful residual chemicals. Read more about OEKO-TEX Standard here.
Toxins Inhaled in Summer
1. Airborne Pollutants: Smog, VOCs, and Fine Particles
Hot, stagnant air intensifies ground-level ozone (smog) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), while wildfires or increased traffic add fine particulate matter. These pollutants penetrate deep into the lungs, trigger inflammation, and exacerbate asthma or cardiovascular disease.
Check daily air quality (e.g., AirNow.gov for the US and Check Air Quality for the UK) and limit outdoor activity when AQI is higher than 100.
Use a HEPA-grade air purifier indoors to remove particulate matter and VOCs.
2. Phthalates in Indoor Air
Beyond direct skin absorption, phthalates off-gas from household cleaners, vinyl flooring, and synthetic air fresheners into indoor air. Inhalation contributes to the same endocrine-disrupting effects seen dermally.
Swap synthetic fragrances for essential-oil diffusers.
Choose green-certified cleaners or make your own using vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils.
3. Pesticide Sprays
Public parks, lawns, and fruit trees often receive pesticide treatments in summer. Drift and off-gassing can expose you during picnics or outdoor workouts.
Avoid recently treated areas for at least 48 hours.
Rinse produce thoroughly under running water and peel when possible. For better results, wash or soak produce in water with baking soda or vinegar to remove germs, pesticides, and soil from produce. (Health, 2025)
4. Scented Candles & Synthetic Fragrances
Paraffin-wax candles and artificial scented air fresheners release benzene, formaldehyde, phthalates, and other air pollutants when burned, contributing to indoor air pollution.
Burn beeswax or soy candles scented only with pure essential oils.
Ensure proper ventilation while burning or use an air purifier to capture combustion byproducts.
Read more about natural air fresheners here.
5. Chlorine & Pool Chemicals
Chlorine keeps pool water safe but forms byproducts like chloramines that irritate eyes, skin, and the respiratory tract—especially in poorly ventilated indoor pools.
Rinse off immediately after swimming to remove residual chemicals.
Prefer saltwater pools or ozone-sanitized facilities when available.
Chill perishable foods promptly and use insulated coolers with ice packs for picnics and barbecues.
Toxins Ingested in Summer
Bacterial Toxins
Although these microbes lurk year-round, warmer temperatures accelerate bacterial growth on improperly stored or handled foods—raising your risk of ingesting toxins from Salmonella, E. coli and Campylobacter.
Chill perishable foods promptly and use insulated coolers with ice packs for picnics and barbecues.
Practice good hygiene. Wash hands for 20 seconds before handling food, after touching raw proteins, and after using the bathroom.
Separate raw meats, seafood and eggs from produce. Sanitize cutting boards, counters and utensils between uses.
Pesticide Residues
Summer’s bounty of fruits and vegetables can carry residues from sprays used on farms, lawns and orchards. Chronic exposure has been linked to neurotoxicity, hormone disruption and developmental issues in children.
Wash and scrub. Soak produce in a solution of 1 teaspoon baking soda per 2 cups water for 12 minutes, then rinse under running water.
Peel or trim. Removing skins, peels or outer leaves can cut residue levels dramatically—especially on items like apples, cucumbers and lettuce.
Prioritize organic. For the “Dirty Dozen” (e.g., strawberries, spinach, bell peppers), opt for certified organic when possible.
Microplastics in Bottled Water
Plastic water bottles can shed tiny particles—and heat speeds up chemical leaching—introducing microplastics that may carry endocrine disruptors and heavy metals.
Skip the single-use. Switch to a reusable glass or stainless-steel bottle.
Avoid heat exposure. Never leave plastic bottles in hot cars, direct sunlight or near heat sources.
Filter at home. Install a certified water filter (activated carbon, reverse osmosis) to reduce microplastic and chemical contaminants.
Recycle mindfully. If you must use plastic, choose bottles marked #1 (PET) and recycle them promptly to minimize degradation.
Final Tips for a Non-Toxic Summer
Hydrate with filtered water in glass or stainless-steel bottles.
Choose natural, breathable fabrics (cotton, linen) to reduce chemical off-gassing and skin irritation.
Eat antioxidant-rich foods (berries, leafy greens) to counteract oxidative stress from pollutants.
Sweat safely—exercise during cooler morning or evening hours to limit ozone and UV exposure.
Use safe SPF, but remember that a higher SPF rating does not necessarily mean greater protection.
Armed with these insights and easy-to-follow strategies you can reclaim summer as a season of pure enjoyment and peace of mind. Small, mindful swaps add up to a healthier you, a cleaner environment, and a truly toxin-free summer.
Toxins Mentioned
Benzene - Benzene is a widely used chemical found in plastics, foams, dyes, detergents, solvents, and insecticides, and it quickly evaporates into the environment. It is a known carcinogen, with short-term exposure potentially causing eye, nose, and throat irritation, while higher exposure can lead to cancer, airway swelling and fluid buildup in the lungs.
Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) and Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS): Found in non-stick cookware and waterproof fabrics, these chemicals are associated with thyroid disorders, immune dysfunction, and an increased risk of cancer.
Formaldehyde: Used in household products, furniture, and building materials, formaldehyde is a known carcinogen. It can trigger allergic reactions and respiratory problems, even in small amounts.
Phthalates: Often hidden under "fragrance" or "parfum"in cosmetics and personal care items. They disrupt hormones and may lead to reproductive and developmental issues, especially in children.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Released from paints, candles, and air fresheners, VOCs can contribute to respiratory problems, headaches, and long-term health issues with regular exposure.
References
University of Birmingham. (2024). New study confirms forever chemicals are absorbed through human skin.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2024). Dermal exposure potential and PFAS: Recent research.
Health.com. (2025). How to clean fruit and vegetables safely at home.
National Library of Medicine. (2021). Phthalates and their impacts on human health.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (n.d.). Preventing mosquito bites.
Environmental Working Group (EWG). (n.d.). EWG’s shopper’s guide to The Dirty Dozen
