6 Neurotoxic Chemicals in Everyday Products People with Epilepsy Should Avoid
1️⃣Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
EXAMPLES:
Formaldehyde -
✅ Banned in cosmetics since 2019 with labelling.
❌ Still used in disinfectants, resins, furniture adhesivesBenzene -
✅ Banned in cosmetics and tightly restricted & generally not intentionally used in consumer productsToluene -
❌ Restricted but allowed in some cosmetics (e.g. nail polish, solvents, adhesives)Xylene -
❌ Allowed with restrictions.
❌ Used in paints, varnish, markers, some cleanersEthylbenzene -
❌ Allowed with restrictions.
❌ Used in paints, varnishes, solvents
NEUROLOGICAL CONCERNS:
Research links high or chronic exposure to:
headaches and dizziness
neuroinflammation
altered neurotransmitter signalling
developmental neurotoxicity
Some VOCs can cross the blood–brain barrier and affect neuronal excitability. Long-term exposure may lead to neurological and psychological effects, most commonly toxic encephalopathy. The link between VOC exposure and epileptic seizures remains debated.
In one case, a man experienced his first seizure at home seven years after exposure to occupational solvents (OS). MRI and post-seizure EEG were normal. Although complete removal from OS exposure was recommended, the company did not comply. Six months later, he had a second generalized seizure at work. He was then reassigned to a job without OS exposure, and six months after the transfer, his seizures ceased, though irritability and fatigue persisted.
🔬 Epileptic seizures and occupational exposure to solvents: a cases series - PMC
HEALTHY ALTERNATIVES:
Antibacterial –
Sweet Clementine Anti-Bac Hand Soap – 400mlOr
Cosmetics –
ZAO Eyeliner Felt Tip: Black Intense 066, Refillable, Vegan Friendly
Pink Grapefruit & Aloe Vera Balancing Shampoo – 400ml
Nail polish -
ZAO Nail Polish | Certified Vegan, Cruelty-Free & Non-Toxic
Paints -
VOC-free paint
2️⃣Glycol Ethers
EXAMPLES:
2-butoxyethanol –
❌ Legal and used in glass cleaners and degreasersEthylene glycol monobutyl ether -
❌ Legal and use in industrial and household cleanersPropylene glycol ethers –
❌ Legal and used in cosmetics, cleaners, and paints
NEUROLOGICAL CONCERNS:
Animal studies show:
neuronal damage at high exposures
developmental neurotoxicity
potential cognitive effects
Glycol ethers, commonly used as solvents in cleaning products, paints, and cosmetics, have raised concerns for their potential effects on the brain. Older types, called ethylene glycol ethers, are already restricted in many countries due to safety risks. They are increasingly replaced by propylene glycol ethers, which are considered less toxic, but their neurological effects are not always fully tested.
A recent lab study found that some propylene glycol ethers can damage human nerve cells at exposure levels similar to what some workers may encounter. While the research was done in cells rather than humans, it highlights a potential neurotoxic risk.
Importantly, exposure isn’t limited to workplaces. Glycol ethers have been detected in children’s urine, likely from everyday household products, suggesting that everyday exposure could be more widespread than expected.
HEALTHY ALTERNATIVES:
Household cleaner -
French Lavender Anti-Bac Surface Cleaner – 750ml | Eco Refillable
sodasan Glass & Surface Cleaner - 500ml
Paints -
Natural Wall Paint - Colours - Auro 555 Natural Wall Paint Emulsion - The Organic & Natural Paint Co
Cosmetics –
ZAO Cocoon Balm Lipstick | Natural, Refillable & Vegan Friendly
Shampoo Bar - Rosemary & Lavender - Wild Sage & Co
3️⃣Pyrethroid Insecticides
EXAMPLES:
Permethrin - ❌ Legal pesticide used in insect sprays, flea treatments
Cypermethrin - ❌ Legal pesticide used in household insecticides
Deltamethrin - ❌ Legal pesticide sed in ant/bug sprays, treated fabrics
NEUROLOGICAL CONCERNS:
High exposure can cause:
tremors
seizures
neuronal hyperexcitation
Toxicology studies have shown that permethrin, a common insecticide, can have significant effects on the brain. Researchers exposed zebrafish and mice to environmental-level doses and observed seizure-like behaviours and brain activity changes. Key findings included overactive nerve signaling and inflammation in the hippocampus, a brain region critical for memory and seizure regulation. Even short-term exposure caused these changes, even when visible seizures did not occur.
Importantly, animals previously exposed to permethrin became more sensitive to seizure triggers: they experienced seizures faster, more frequently, and with greater intensity.
Permethrin is widely used in mosquito repellents, household insect sprays, and agriculture, and humans can be exposed through inhalation, skin contact, or ingestion of small amounts. These findings suggest that permethrin may increase seizure risk by making the brain more excitable and susceptible to seizures.
HEALTHY ALTERNATIVES:
Insect repellent –
Flawless Khakibos Insect Repellent Gel
Neem Insect Repellent | A herbal insect repellent with extracts of Neem oil
4️⃣Phthalates
EXAMPLES:
DEP (diethyl phthalate) - ❌ Allowed in cosmetics and fragrances
DBP (dibutyl phthalate) - ✅ Banned in cosmetics and restricted in products
DEHP (Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate) - ❌ Restricted in many consumer products. But used in plastics and older vinyl materials
NEUROLOGICAL CONCERNS:
Research links prenatal exposure to:
altered brain development
behavioural changes
possible neuroendocrine disruption
A recent lab study examined how several phthalates, including DEP, DBP, and DEHP impact brain cells. Rat brain-cell networks exposed to these chemicals showed that short-term exposure dampened normal activity, while longer exposure sometimes triggered overactivity. Some phthalates also disrupted how brain cells develop and form connections.
Crucially, these effects occurred at exposure levels comparable to what humans might encounter. Overactive neurons are particularly concerning because seizures occur when brain cells fire excessively and uncontrollably.
HEALTHY ALTERNATIVES:
Cosmetics –
Love The Planet Mineral Foundation Powder - Fair - Peace With The Wild
Natural Hand & Body Soap Bar Rosemary & Eucalyptus - 100g - Peace With The Wild
Perfumes –
Flaura Eau De Parfum - 50ml - Peace With The Wild
After Dark No.26 Organic Perfume | Fragrance | WiDEYE
No 1 Organic Eau de Parfum | Award Winner Organic & Vegan Perfume | Haoma Skincare
5️⃣Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (quats)
EXAMPLES:
Benzalkonium chloride - ❌ Allowed with concentration limits, but used in disinfectant wipes and cleaners
Didecyldimethylammonium chloride – ❌ Allowed in disinfectants, surface sprays
NEUROLOGICAL CONCERNS:
Research suggests:
neuroinflammation
mitochondrial dysfunction
potential effects on neurotransmission
Most evidence comes from cell and animal studies.
Quats are commonly found in personal care products and disinfectants. The study’s lead author highlighted that oligodendrocytes (key cells that support and insulate neurons) are particularly vulnerable to these chemicals, even more so than other brain cells. This suggests that everyday exposure to these compounds could have specific effects on brain health.
🔬Common Household Chemicals Pose New Threat to Brain Health - - Global Neurology Academy
HEALTHY ALTERNATIVES:
Disinfectant –
Surface Disinfectant Wipes Quat Free | IG Group UK
All-Purpose Sanitiser Spray Refill – Grapefruit 1L | Bower Collective
6️⃣ Triclosan
❌ Restricted but not fully banned. Still used in some toothpastes, antibacterial soaps, and cosmetics
NEUROLOGICAL CONCERNS:
Studies suggest it may:
disrupt calcium signalling in neurons
affect thyroid hormones involved in brain development
Triclosan, a chemical commonly found in toothpaste, cosmetics, kitchenware, and toys, is also detectable in human tissues and the environment. Studies in rats show that even low-level exposure can damage the hippocampus, the brain’s center for learning and memory. Triclosan disrupts normal neuron activity, blocks healthy brain-cell connections, and interferes with calcium signaling. Exposed rats also struggled with spatial memory tasks, highlighting its potential to impair memory and brain function.
🔬Triclosan Impairs Hippocampal Synaptic Plasticity and Spatial Memory in Male Rats - PubMed
HEALTHY ALTERNATIVES:
Toothpaste –
Natural Toothpaste - English Peppermint - Georganics
Brightening Antioxidant Toothpaste - 75g - Peace With The Wild
Cleaning –
Bio D Concentrated Non-Bio Washing Powder - 1kg
method Mint Glass Cleaning Spray - 828ml