12 Things in Your Kitchen That Might Be Harming Your Health

Some of the products we take for granted -- such as the things we use every day to prepare, cook, and store our food -- raise complicated questions. Here are some common-sense answers to help you make smart decisions and maintain a healthy home.

Aluminum -- found in kitchen utensils, drinking water, beverage cans, antacids, antiperspirants, and even food -- is hard to avoid altogether. But mindful usage can minimize your exposure to potentially harmful compounds.

Soaps, tissues, sponges, cutting boards, and even countertops and toilet seats are laced with germs. And certain antibacterial sprays and lotions are touted as key to keeping your family and home healthy. But are they necessary?

Although the FDA maintains that these products are safe, some scientists believe they could pose health risks equal to -- or worse than -- real sugar.

Many food and beverage cans are lined with a thin coating that keeps the metal from eroding into the food. Unfortunately, that epoxy also contains bisphenol A (BPA), which has been linked to diseases like obesity, diabetes, and breast cancer.

Microwave ovens do leak radiation, but at very low levels that the FDA and most scientists believe are harmless. Follow a few simple guidelines to make microwave use safer.

Heating a coated pan to high temperatures can cause them to emit a likely carcinogen. Pay attention while cooking -- a forgotten empty skillet can reach the needed temperature in a few minutes.

The production of paper towels and napkins leads to erosion and loss of animal habitats, and also uses chemicals that release carcinogens and toxins into the water. Limit your usage -- if you must use them at all.

Plastic bottles and tubs contain potentially carcinogenic chemicals and endocrine disrupters that may leach into food and drink, especially when heated.

The right answer to the question "Paper or plastic?" may in fact be "neither." Massive amounts of energy and waste go into the production of both -- bring reusable bags whenever possible.

Tap water is just as safe as water from bottles, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council. But you should find out just what's coming out of your faucet so you can protect yourself and your family.