Meet my über-intelligent little brother, Dan.

Growing up I was always labeled “the creative one,” which in our family meant “not the prodigy” — that title belonged to my brother. It wasn’t that I wasn’t bright; I consistently made the honor roll and earned early admission to a prestigious art program in New York City, graduating among just 13 students in my major. But Dan was a tough act to follow academically. In high school he took nine AP exams and scored fives on all of them (I took one and got a 4). He went on to Cornell and graduated with the highest GPA in his class — a 4.21 — and was the valedictorian of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. In short: very brainy.

Now he’s a graduate student at Columbia, has a master’s degree, and is pursuing a PhD in chemistry with a full National Science Foundation fellowship. The fellowship covers tuition and provides a stipend for living expenses in exchange for long hours in the lab, studying molecules and polymers. It’s rigorous, high-level science — and he loves it.

When Dan visited recently, our conversation naturally drifted to household chemicals. John and I try to live as cleanly as we can and avoid unnecessary toxins, so getting a quick chemistry lesson from my sibling was eye-opening. What’s truly dangerous and what’s harmless? Below are Dan’s almost-doctor insights on common household materials and habits, and practical takeaways for everyday life.

What’s your take on BPA in plastic water bottles and other household plastics? Most evidence suggests avoiding BPA when possible. Beyond potential human health concerns, BPA and related compounds can harm the environment. A simple way to reduce exposure is to use stainless steel or glass drinking containers. These materials are stable and safe under normal use, making them a reliable alternative to many plastics.

The takeaway: Stainless steel or glass water bottles are a smart, low-risk choice for daily use.

How about fire-retardant chemicals used in many standard mattresses and pillows? These can be problematic. Many mattresses and pillows contain fire-retardant treatments that break down over time and contribute to household dust. Those particles can be inhaled and have been detected in human tissues, including breast milk, which is concerning. Choosing natural, untreated materials like organic cotton or wool for pillows and mattresses reduces exposure to these chemicals.

The takeaway: Opt for organic or chemical-free bedding when possible to reduce exposure to fire-retardant chemicals.

What about sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) in soaps and shampoos? Should we avoid it? SLS is widely used as a cleansing and foaming agent. From a chemical standpoint, it’s a metabolite related to fats and oils and is generally considered low risk for most people. Many people tolerate it without issue. That said, if you prefer gentler formulas or have sensitive skin, there are plenty of SLS-free products available.

The takeaway: SLS is not an automatic hazard for most people, but choosing milder, sulfate-free products can be beneficial for sensitive skin.

Teflon: yay or nay? It’s sensible to be cautious with nonstick coatings like Teflon. Under extreme heat, some nonstick polymers can degrade and release harmful compounds. Normal cooking temperatures are typically safe, but avoid overheating nonstick pans or preheating them empty for long periods. Also avoid heating plastics in the microwave, as some plastics can degrade when overheated and transfer substances to food. When possible, choose Teflon-free cookware and use glass containers for microwaving.

The takeaway: Use nonstick pans carefully, avoid overheating, and switch to glass storage for microwave use when you can.

Is barbecuing meat dangerous because it releases carcinogens? High-heat charring produces polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and other compounds that can be poorly metabolized by the body and potentially damaging to DNA. While direct links to cancer in humans can be complex to establish, chemistry suggests limiting exposure is prudent. Marinating meat and preventing excessive charring by keeping it moist while cooking can reduce the formation of these compounds.

The takeaway: Marinate before grilling and avoid over-charring. Treat barbecue as an occasional indulgence rather than a daily practice.

What about phthalates found in many products? Phthalates are used as plasticizers and have raised environmental and health concerns. Studies in wildlife have shown effects on development and reproduction, and human exposure is best minimized when possible. Choosing products labeled phthalate-free is a straightforward way to reduce exposure.

The takeaway: Look for phthalate-free personal care and household products to minimize potential risks.

Any household items that alarm you the most? From reading labels, some of the most toxic compounds I encounter are in strong adhesives and solvents. For example, model-glue solvents often include toluene, which is linked to health risks, and other glues can release volatile organic compounds until they fully cure. Using these products outdoors or in well-ventilated areas is important.

The takeaway: Use glues and solvents in ventilated spaces or outdoors and allow them to fully dry before bringing projects inside.

Any final general advice? Many harmful organic compounds have strong chemical odors. If a product smells strongly chemical, use it sparingly and with good ventilation. Trust your nose as a cue to reduce exposure, and when in doubt, choose less pungent alternatives.

The takeaway: Follow your nose: pick less odorous products and ventilate when using chemical products. And if you ever wonder about a specific compound name, ask a chemistry-minded friend — they’ll usually be happy to explain.

There you have it: practical household-chemical tips from my brother, who spends much of his time in the lab. Small changes—swapping bottles, choosing untreated bedding, avoiding overheated nonstick cookware, and ventilating when using solvents—can help reduce everyday exposures and make your home healthier. If you have other household concerns, share them and we’ll dig into the chemistry together.

*Yes, Daniel is my real brother. He inherited our mother’s dark hair and features, while I take after our father’s lighter coloring.