New At-Home Test Reveals Exposure to Everyday Chemicals

How Everyday Chemicals Could Be Affecting Your Health

From food packaging and household cleaning products to vehicle exhaust fumes and agricultural pesticides, modern life exposes us to thousands of chemicals every day. With more than 200,000 chemicals used globally in consumer products and industrial processes, understanding what we are exposed to has become an increasingly important aspect of personal wellbeing.

A new at-home screening service from lastinghealth aims to help people gain insight into their recent exposure to common environmental chemicals. The Everyday Chemicals Test is a simple urine-based screening test designed to identify markers associated with exposure to a range of chemicals commonly encountered in daily life.

By understanding where these chemicals may be coming from, individuals can make informed lifestyle choices that may help reduce future exposure and support long-term wellbeing.

Why Are Everyday Chemicals a Growing Health Concern?

A growing body of research points to a link between exposure to everyday chemicals and increased risk of developing some health conditions including cancer and low fertility rates. lastinghealth screens 27 metabolite markers to indicate exposure to chemicals including phthalates, parabens, pesticides, herbicides, VOCs and other chemicals we encounter every day, including glyphosate and BPA.

The simple testing process involves a first-morning urine test, which is frozen overnight, returned free of charge, and analysed by an accredited laboratory using LC-MS/MS (Liquid Chromatography + Advanced Mass Spectrometry) technology. The results are available via a secure online portal, which explains the likely sources of any detected chemicals, and includes a full results report, as well as helpful lifestyle guidance to help reduce exposure.

Many of these substances are present in products we use every day, including:

• Food packaging
• Plastic containers and bottles
• Personal care products
• Household cleaning products
• Pesticides and herbicides
• Air pollution and vehicle emissions
• Building materials and furnishings

While exposure levels vary from person to person, growing awareness has led many people to seek ways to better understand and reduce their personal chemical burden.

What Does the Everyday Chemicals Test Screen For?

The lastinghealth Everyday Chemicals Test screens for 27 metabolite markers that may indicate exposure to several categories of environmental chemicals, including:

• Phthalates
• Parabens
• Pesticides
• Herbicides
• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
• Bisphenol A (BPA)
• Glyphosate

These substances can enter the body through food, water, air, skin contact and everyday consumer products.

How Does the At-Home Chemical Exposure Test Work?

The testing process is designed to be completed entirely from home.

Step 1: Collect a Sample

Users provide a first-morning urine sample using the testing kit provided.

Step 2: Freeze Overnight

The sample is frozen overnight to preserve its integrity before shipping.

Step 3: Return the Sample

The kit includes free return postage for laboratory analysis.

Step 4: Laboratory Testing

Samples are analysed using accredited laboratory methods and advanced LC-MS/MS (Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry) technology.

Step 5: Receive Your Results

Results are delivered through a secure online portal and include:

• A detailed results report
• Information about likely sources of exposure
• Guidance on reducing future exposure
• Lifestyle recommendations to support wellbeing

Five Simple Ways to Reduce Exposure to Everyday Chemicals

While it is impossible to avoid all environmental chemicals, there are practical steps that may help reduce exposure.

1. Switch from Plastic Water Bottles

Research suggests that plastic bottles can release microscopic plastic particles into drinking water. Using stainless steel or glass bottles may help reduce exposure to microplastics.

2. Remove Shoes at the Door

Outdoor pollutants such as pesticide residues, tyre particles and fuel contaminants can accumulate on footwear. Leaving shoes by the door can help prevent these substances being spread throughout the home.

3. Review Your Chopping Board

Plastic chopping boards can shed tiny particles over time. Choosing natural alternatives such as wood or bamboo may help reduce the transfer of microplastics into food.

4. Regularly Clean Electronic Devices

Televisions, computers and other electronic equipment can attract dust particles. Regular cleaning may help minimise the accumulation of dust containing environmental contaminants.

5. Reduce Ultra-Processed Foods

Ultra-processed foods often contain additives, emulsifiers and preservatives. Preparing meals from fresh ingredients and choosing organic options where possible may help reduce exposure to some chemical residues.

Can Testing Help You Make Healthier Choices?

Testing cannot diagnose disease or predict future health outcomes. However, understanding your exposure profile may help you identify areas where simple lifestyle changes could reduce contact with certain environmental chemicals.

For many people, greater awareness is the first step towards making informed decisions about the products they use, the food they eat and the environments they spend time in.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chemicals does the Everyday Chemicals Test measure?

The test screens for 27 metabolite markers associated with exposure to phthalates, parabens, pesticides, herbicides, BPA, glyphosate, VOCs and other common environmental chemicals.

How is the sample collected?

The test uses a simple first-morning urine sample collected at home.

Are the results confidential?

Yes. Results are delivered through a secure online portal accessible only to the individual being tested.

How much does the test cost?

The lastinghealth Everyday Chemicals Test is priced at £399.

Where can I order the test?

The test is available directly from lastinghealth via their website.

The Bottom Line

Chemical exposure is an unavoidable part of modern life, but awareness can empower healthier choices. Understanding your exposure to everyday chemicals may provide useful insights into your environment and habits, helping you make informed decisions that support your long-term wellbeing.