(WellnessPursuits.com) – There are a number of dangers lurking inside your home that might be putting your health at risk. While some of these household items should be used with caution, you might consider finding alternative options for some and tossing others completely. Here are 10 household items that are threatening your health.
- Air fresheners – Masking odors might not be worth the risks. Research has linked the toxins in air fresheners to birth defects, hormonal abnormalities, reproductive issues and even lung damage. Consider using natural air fresheners instead.
- Non-stick cookware – Non-stick pots and pans are coated in a chemical called polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) — otherwise known as Teflon. Until 2013, Teflon contained perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), which has been linked to testicular cancer, kidney disease, liver disease and thyroid problems. You might consider replacing old non-stick cookware.
- Mothballs – The toxins in mothballs are dangerous to both humans and animals. The gases they release have been linked to respiratory problems, as well as liver and kidney damage. Any time you can smell mothballs, you’re breathing those chemicals in.
- Plastic containers – The BPA in plastic containers has been linked to several health conditions, including asthma, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and cancer. If you can’t ditch your plastic containers altogether, opt for BPA-free whenever possible and avoid microwaving food inside the container.
- Heated blankets – Nothing is cozier than curling up with a heated blanket during the winter months, but they’re actually pretty dangerous. Heated blankets have caused heat stroke-related deaths, so be careful not to use yours too high — if you decide to use it at all.
- Furniture polish – Furniture polish poisoning happens when someone swallows the liquid or inhales the fumes. If you breathe it in, you could experience lung damage. Consider opting for a “green” furniture polish brand instead.
- Extension cords – You might want to consider reducing or limiting the number of extension cords you use. According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, extension cords account for more than 4,500 home fires and cause approximately 70 deaths a year. Opt to use them temporarily and prevent them from overheating.
- Printers – Your laser printer might seem harmless, but it could be emitting dangerous particles into the air. The particles may increase your risk of cancer or respiratory or cardiovascular conditions. Avoid continuously using your printer, and make sure it’s in a well-ventilated room.
- Toilet bowl cleaner – The chemicals in toilet bowl cleaners can cause eye and skin irritation. It’s also important to never mix them with other household cleaners because doing so can cause poisonous gases that can lead to serious breathing problems.
- Oven cleaner – Lye, which is the active ingredient in most oven cleaners, can cause eye and skin burns. If swallowed, it can be deadly. Consider opting for a lye-free oven cleaner instead.
These are just 10 household items that are threatening your health, but there might be many more. Always be sure to read labels for warnings, especially when it comes to products containing chemicals. You could avoid a scary or even potentially life-threatening situation.
~Here’s to Your Healthy Pursuits!
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