There are numerous unknown dangers in our homes in the form of additives and chemicals that we use daily. In a world that’s ‘going green,’ it is difficult to know which household products and items pose a threat to our health. Scientists worldwide have concluded that chemicals found in various household items and products are more toxic than previously thought.
The concept of fitness and health is all about exercise and diet to most people. However, limiting your exposure to hazardous chemicals is something that we don’t pay much attention to. You must ensure that you’re well-acquainted with the household items that contain dangerous chemicals. And if you care about yourself and your family’s health, try to avoid them as much as you can.
Following is a list of the most common household products that are hazardous to our health.
Plastic Containers
Have you ever given a second thought as to why plastic food containers turn cloudy when you wash them in the dishwasher multiple times? Plastic starts to deteriorate over time, and such deterioration causes the release of hazardous and toxic chemicals into your food.
Most plastic containers contain chemicals such as Phthalates and BPA(Bisphenol-A). Phthalates can cause health issues such as reduced fertility, asthma, developmental disorders, and allergic reactions. At the same time, BPA can seep into your food and can lead to a host of problems such as increased blood pressure. Think about switching to glass containers instead!
Asbestos
Asbestos consists of natural minerals and contains flexible fibers resistant to corrosion, heat, and electricity. Such qualities make it extremely useful in household applications, primarily as insulation material. Despite its usefulness, it can cause serious health issues if inhaled for a long time.
Furthermore, excessive asbestos exposure can cause a deadly type of cancer known as mesothelioma, which develops in the lining of your lungs. So, if you’re still using asbestos to insulate your house, it is high time you ditch it altogether and go for a safer alternative such as mica.
Moreover, if you think you’re a victim of unintentional asbestos exposure, a symptom checker can help identify mesothelioma at an early stage.
Non-Stick Cookware
Non-stick cookware contains small traces of a chemical known as PFOA(perfluorooctanoic acid). While it saves a lot of time not having to soak your cookware overnight or scratch off burnt food, it poses a considerable risk to your health.
Your non-stick pans are ‘non-stick’ because they’re coated with Polytetrafluoroethylene to avoid food from sticking. This non-stick coating releases harmful gases when heated, which can cause cancer and other dangerous side effects.
Perfumes
The word ‘perfume’ usually translates to a product that might contain more than 200 chemicals in a single 60ml bottle. That said, perfume companies will never release an exact ingredients list because of the fear of giving away their ‘secret recipe’ to their competitors.
Chemicals present inside perfumes can cause lung and skin irritation, asthma, and other breathing-related issues. Instead of using chemically scented perfumes, opt for one scented with natural oils.
Upholstery And Carpet Cleaners
Household products such as carpet cleaners contain a chemical called naphthalene, which can cause liver damage and cataract formation due to increased exposure. Another chemical, perchloroethylene, is a known carcinogen, and constant exposure to such a hazardous chemical can cause neurological damage, kidney dysfunction, headaches, and dizziness.
Instead of using such chemical-based cleaning products, go for natural solutions such as borax or powdered soap. A combination of lemon, hot water, and vinegar can remove the nastiest of stains. Also, avoid applying any upholstery protection sprays. These sprays create a thin plastic layer over your upholstery and can slowly chip off over time, releasing tiny plastic particles into your home’s environment.
Air Fresheners
No matter how good of a fragrance an air freshener has, it is wise to avoid them. Anything you spray inside your house eventually ends up inside your lungs, then your bloodstream. Synthetically scented candles or plug-in scents might contain phthalates known to cause reproductive issues due to constant exposure.
Instead, go with candles scented with essential oils, or better yet, ditch the artificial stuff, and use fresh flowers inside your homes. After all, air fresheners and scented candles usually try to mimic the actual flowers. Also, instead of using air fresheners to mask odors, try using white vinegar and baking soda as odor absorbers.
Bleach
The age-old solution for whiter clothes can sometimes lead to serious health problems. While ingesting bleach leads to severe scarring or internal burns and might prove to be life-threatening, a study shows that regular usage of bleach for cleaning purposes might also lead to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
So, if you want to keep your abode clean and stay healthy in the process, replace bleach with natural solutions such as powdered soap, baking soda, lemon juice, or vinegar.
Detergents
The American Association of Poison Control states that more than 12,000 people called their poison control department for Tide Pods Consumption in 2017 alone. However, it wasn’t just teenagers taking the Tide Pod challenge!
The AAPCC states that in the first couple of months in 2018, around 1194 reports were children five and below coming in contact with such hazardous formulas, resulting in eye injuries, gastrointestinal problems, or respiratory distress. So, if you want your family, especially your children, to stay away from these chemicals, ditch these detergents and use hot water and powdered soap to clean your clothes.
Furniture Polish
A little dab of furniture polish might make your old, worn-out furniture look new again. However, these quick shine polishes also pose a severe threat to your health. In addition to containing traces of VOC, furniture polish can cause death if ingested and can quickly end up in your mouth through your hands. However, it has to be a considerable amount to poison yourself.
It is something that you should avoid using. A simple damp cloth can do the same job as furniture polish and remove any imperfections. But, if you insist on squeezing every inch of life out of your 30-year-old furniture, apply it only once.
Conclusion
When you’re searching for safer, hazard-free products, always remember that the term ‘natural’ means nothing in the world of cosmetics and the food industry, as the FDA doesn’t regulate both. Instead, look for items that contain ‘organic’ ingredients because the federal government monitors their use closely. Of course, it might be a wise decision to toss all such products in the trash. Instead, swap out one product at a time with a cleaner, more environmentally friendly one.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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