Nowadays, most people think that harmful substances and pathogens are only present in the external environment – outside the house. In actuality, several products and household items present in our humble abodes pose a grave threat to our health and well-being. And what’s alarming is that most of us aren’t even aware of the potential risks and side effects of these items. While you might think that these household products aren’t that troublesome, you’re far from the truth. Significant dangers lurk within the boundary of our house, and most of these are found in everyday use items. However, being aware of such products is the first step in making an informed purchase decision. Moreover, it’s crucial to be extra careful about storing these items within the premises of your house. So, to help you distinguish which household goods are hazardous and what dangers they pose to your health, we’ll discuss a list below:
Let’s have a look at it:
1. Electrical appliances
Several electrical appliances found in every household contain asbestos, a known carcinogen. You might get surprised to learn that the insulation in your microwave oven contains asbestos alongside your hairdryer, dishwasher, stove, heaters, bottle warmers, etc. While the asbestos fibers aren’t released into the air or onto the food when using your microwave, the material can break down and release the fibers. But, appliances like hairdryers have been known to release asbestos fibers even when they aren’t damaged or taken apart. So, whenever purchasing electrical appliances, ensure that they don’t contain asbestos.
But why are we stressing about asbestos? Because this fibrous mineral causes various fatal health issues such as mesothelioma cancer. Unfortunately, mesothelioma cancer doesn’t have any cure, and the life expectancy averages 12 to 21 months after diagnosis. However, those who develop this cancer can explore the treatment for mesothelioma available these days.
2. Furniture Polish
Furniture polish is a kind of varnish used to make it look glossy. Tests have shown that the polish can cause skin irritation and breathing difficulties in many people. If you breathe in the particles released by this polish, it can lead to severe respiratory problems. You may also experience eye pain and blurred vision, along with headaches and nausea.
If you get this product on your skin, it can cause itching, rashes, and blisters. The product is potentially harmful to children since the powder present in it can quickly enter their eyes or nose upon contact. Therefore, it’s best to opt for non-toxic furniture polish for your furniture to keep yourself away from these health risks.
3. Air Freshener
Getting air fresheners for your house has become a trend that almost everyone loves to follow, and for good reasons. It cleanses the air while leaving a refreshing and pleasant fragrance behind and ridding the place of any foul odor. However, many people don’t know that air fresheners are dangerous to their health. The chemicals used in air fresheners cause dizziness, migraine headaches, breathing difficulties, asthma attacks, infant diarrhea, and other issues. Therefore, you might want to reevaluate your preferences when buying air fresheners.
4. Gas Heater
These days, gas heaters are among the most advanced and in-demand heaters for house and office use. They have been the preferred source of heating for a long time. These heaters are environmentally friendly, safe, and easy to use. Nonetheless, gas heaters can emit large amounts of carbon monoxide, which is known as a silent killer. And the higher the concentration, the more serious the health risks you expose yourself to, eventually.
Since these fumes are invisible and odorless, you won’t even notice that they are polluting the environment. Carbon monoxide goes directly into your bloodstream through your lungs, leading to several health complications. So, when you use your gas-powered heater, ensure that you have proper ventilation inside your room.
5. Carpet
Carpets may seem like an excellent idea for decorating your home, but they can pose serious health risks. Although they’re soft and plush, the synthetic fibers in carpets are harmful to our health. They can cause allergies and also lead to the development of cancer. Moreover, many published studies are available on the detrimental health effects of rugs and synthetic fibers. What’s more, carpets absorb not only dirt from shoes but also bacteria, germs, and other harmful microorganisms present in the air throughout the day.
While using a vacuum cleaner is reasonable, it will not completely solve the problem. That is why many scientists recommend using covers on the floors instead of carpets, rugs, or mats.
6. Bleach
Bleach, also known as sodium hypochlorite, is the main ingredient in many cleaning products. It’s widely used to clean sinks, tubs, and drains. Most drain cleaners contain bleach and other chemicals to clear clogs and keep drains from getting blocked.
To ensure that you’re utilizing a safe amount of bleach while cleaning your bathroom or kitchen floors, keep an eye on the concentration of the solution. You can do this by measuring the amount of liquid in a cup before adding the disinfectant. This way, you will know if it’s too strong for the purpose at hand or not strong enough to get rid of germs effectively. Also, keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use. If you want to seal it tightly, put the lid back on and wrap the tape around it several times. This simple step will help prevent accidental spills.
Conclusion
While our humble abodes are safe havens for us to unwind and relax away from the perils of life, they also have their fair share of dangers. Various household goods present in every house pose significant threats to our well-being. But since we can’t get rid of these items or altogether avoid using them, we can limit the adverse effects by being vigilant. So, go through the everyday products mentioned above and either decrease their usage or find alternatives.
