Home Toxicity Score: Free 13-Question Chemical Exposure Quiz

What this quiz asks (full question list)

These are all 13 questions with their answer options and the exposure rationale behind each one. The interactive widget above scores them automatically; this static list is here so search engines, AI assistants, and screen-reader users can read the full assessment without running the JavaScript.

1. 1. What type of cookware do you primarily use?

   PTFE/PFOA-coated nonstick can release particulate fumes when overheated above 500°F [EPA assessment]; cast iron and stainless steel have no comparable exposure pathway.

   • Teflon/nonstick (PTFE) (1/10)
   • Ceramic-coated (6/10)
   • Cast iron / stainless steel (10/10)
   • Mostly safe with some nonstick (5/10)

2. 2. How do you store leftover food?

   BPA, BPS, and ortho-phthalates can migrate from plastic into food, especially when heated [human biomonitoring]. Glass and stainless eliminate this pathway.

   • Plastic containers (2/10)
   • Glass or stainless steel (10/10)
   • Mix of plastic and glass (5/10)
   • Mostly Ziplock / single-use plastic bags (1/10)

3. 3. Do you filter your drinking water?

   EPA and EWG tap-water testing has detected PFAS, lead, chlorine byproducts, and arsenic in many US municipal supplies [regulatory monitoring]. Filter quality varies dramatically.

   • No filter (0/10)
   • Brita / basic carbon pitcher (4/10)
   • Reverse osmosis or NSF/ANSI 53+58 certified (10/10)
   • Don't know what I have (2/10)

4. 4. What cleaning products do you use?

   Conventional cleaners can emit VOCs and contain quaternary ammonium compounds linked to respiratory effects [occupational epidemiology]. EPA Safer Choice and MADE SAFE products use vetted ingredient lists.

   • Conventional brands (Lysol, Clorox) (1/10)
   • "Green" brands (Method, Seventh Generation) (5/10)
   • Certified non-toxic (Branch Basics, MADE SAFE) (9/10)
   • DIY / vinegar-based (8/10)

5. 5. What's your mattress situation?

   Polyurethane foam mattresses can off-gas VOCs (formaldehyde, toluene) for months; flame retardants are now mostly halogen-free but disclosure varies [chamber emissions testing]. Off-gassing typically declines after the first year.

   • Conventional, under 5 years old (3/10)
   • Conventional, over 5 years old (mostly off-gassed) (6/10)
   • GOTS or GOLS certified organic (10/10)
   • Memory foam (CertiPUR-US or similar) (4/10)

6. 6. Do you use air fresheners or scented candles?

   Plug-ins and paraffin candles can emit phthalates and combustion byproducts in poorly ventilated rooms [chamber studies]. Essential oils are not risk-free but emit less; opening windows is the biggest single intervention.

   • Plug-in air fresheners (0/10)
   • Scented candles regularly (paraffin) (2/10)
   • Essential oil diffuser only (6/10)
   • None / open windows (10/10)

7. 7. What personal care products do you use?

   Shampoo, lotion, and deodorant can contain parabens, phthalates, and PFAS that absorb dermally; biomonitoring shows daily users carry detectable levels [human biomonitoring]. EWG VERIFIED and MADE SAFE programs screen these out.

   • Conventional drugstore brands (1/10)
   • "Clean" brands but not certified (5/10)
   • EWG VERIFIED or MADE SAFE certified (10/10)
   • Minimal / fragrance-free (8/10)

8. 8. Do you have children under 12?

   Children have higher exposure per body weight and developing endocrine systems [Landrigan, NIEHS]. Choices that matter most: bottles, pacifiers, sleep environment, and floor-level products.

   • Yes - using conventional baby/kids products (1/10)
   • Yes - using certified non-toxic baby/kids products (8/10)
   • No children at home (10/10)

9. 9. How old is your home?

   Homes built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint or asbestos in older flooring/insulation [HUD/EPA]. Pre-2010 homes are more likely to have legacy formaldehyde in pressed-wood cabinets.

   • Built before 1980 (2/10)
   • Built 1980-2000 (5/10)
   • Built 2000-2015 (7/10)
   • Built after 2015 (9/10)

10. 10. Do you cook on a gas stove?

    Gas stoves emit nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and benzene during use; childhood asthma risk is elevated in homes with gas cooking [Gruenwald 2023, IJERPH meta-analysis]. Hood ventilation reduces exposure substantially.

    • Yes, gas stove without range hood ventilation (1/10)
    • Yes, gas stove with range hood vented outside (5/10)
    • Electric or induction (10/10)
    • I rarely cook at home (7/10)

11. 11. How often do you change your HVAC / air filter?

    A clogged or low-MERV filter lets PM2.5, allergens, and VOCs recirculate. EPA recommends MERV 13+ for indoor air quality and changes every 1-3 months in normal homes.

    • Never / I forget (1/10)
    • Once a year or less (3/10)
    • Every 3 months with MERV 11+ (8/10)
    • Monthly / MERV 13+ or HEPA (10/10)

12. 12. Do you use synthetic lawn or garden pesticides?

    Glyphosate, 2,4-D, and pyrethroid residues can track indoors on shoes and pets [EPA dust monitoring]. Removing shoes at the door and switching to OMRI-listed products reduces residue meaningfully.

    • Yes, regularly (Roundup, Scotts, etc.) (1/10)
    • Occasionally / spot treatments (4/10)
    • Organic or OMRI-listed only (9/10)
    • No yard / no use (10/10)

13. 13. Have you replaced any of these recently with non-toxic versions?

    Select all that apply.

    • PVC-free shower curtain (2/10)
    • Removed dryer sheets / fabric softener (2/10)
    • Switched laundry detergent (fragrance-free or certified) (2/10)
    • Removed shoes at the door (reduces tracked-in pesticides) (2/10)
    • Added a HEPA air purifier in bedroom (2/10)
    • None of these (0/10)

How the score is calculated

Each question is scored 0-10 (higher = lower exposure). Per-question scores are weighted by category importance, then scaled to a 0-100 final score and an A-F grade. Weights sum to exactly 1.00 and were calibrated by approximate daily exposure magnitude per category. Water and indoor air carry the heaviest weights because they are the largest daily exposure routes for most US households.

Full methodology, study citations, and grade thresholds: methodology page.