Our Methodology
Transparency is core to what we do. Here’s exactly how we research, evaluate, and present information about the materials in your home.
Sources We Use
Every factual claim in our guides is supported by at least one of the following:
- Peer-reviewed journals — Published in indexed scientific journals (e.g., Environmental Science & Technology, JAMA, Water Research)
- Government agencies — EPA, FDA, EFSA, WHO, CDC, IARC, and their official publications
- National academies — National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine consensus reports
- Standards bodies — EU REACH, Stockholm Convention, and other regulatory frameworks
We do not cite blogs, press releases, or manufacturer-funded studies without independent corroboration. Every source is linked directly in the article so you can verify it yourself.
Our Verdict System
Each guide includes a “30-Second Verdict” with one of three ratings:
- Safe (green) — The scientific evidence supports that this material is safe under normal use conditions. We still note edge cases where applicable.
- Use with Caution (amber) — The material has documented risks under specific conditions (e.g., high heat, acidic food contact). We explain exactly when it’s safe and when it isn’t.
- Avoid (red) — The weight of evidence indicates significant risk even under normal conditions. We recommend specific alternatives.
How We Select “Better Alternatives”
When we recommend an alternative product, it must meet all of the following criteria:
- It must genuinely solve the safety concern identified in the article
- It must be readily available and reasonably priced
- It must have strong user reviews and a track record of quality
- We must be comfortable recommending it to our own families
We include honest pros and cons for every recommendation. If a product has drawbacks, we say so.
Corrections & Updates
Science evolves, and so do our guides. When new research changes the picture, we update the relevant article and note the modification date. If you spot an error or outdated claim, please contact us at hello@myeverydaymaterials.com and we’ll investigate promptly.