In her 1997 book Living Downstream, biologist, mother, and cancer survivor Sandra Steingraber compares the idea that as individuals, we can protect ourselves from environmental toxins to buying blueprints for bomb shelters. Steingraber writes that “few lifestyle sacrifices actually offer much real protection…. The sooner we quit trying to turn our bodies and homes into fortresses against toxic invasions, the sooner we’ll realize we have no choice but to rise up and demand an end to the invasion.”

Enter one of the most recent examples of everyday products leaving us vulnerable to toxic invasion: a study published last month in Reproductive Toxicology found that many name-brand diapers and sanitary pads contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and phthalates that are likely being absorbed via the genitals over time.

Exposure to VOCs increases risk of asthma, certain cancers, and reproductive functioning. Phthalates, which are commonly found in cosmetics, toys, and other plastics, have been linked to endocrine disruption, cancer, and birth defects.