The truth is, there can be several unknown dangers that you might just be overlooking. Without being aware, there might be some toxic household items that can cause a threat to your health. And not only to humans, but it can also be equally harmful to your pets if you own any. So, it’s time you found out about the dangerous objects and items that are comfortably lying in your house.
Nonstick Pans
This kitchen utensil doesn’t seem like it can cause any threat, but the truth is, there is. It might be convenient to own a nonstick pan that you don’t have to soak overnight. But the problem is that most nonstick pans contain polytetrafluoroethylene, also known as Teflon. When heated, it releases toxic chemicals, which have been linked to causing severe health problems like cancer.
Air Fresheners
Although it may seem like a fancy or handy item to quickly ward off unpleasant odors, it can cause more damage than you think. The chemicals present in air fresheners are dangerous and, when inhaled, can even cause lung damage. As a better alternative, you can opt for essential oils or candles to eliminate strong odors. Or you can also try using vinegar or baking soda as they work great in absorbing odors.
House Plants
Indoor house plants are easy to care for as they don’t require much attention and can pretty much grow on their own. But the problem is some house plants are toxic and can primarily be dangerous for pets or infants. So here are some common poisonous house plants that you should keep away from.
- Philodendron
- Ivy
- Peace lily
- Poinsettia
- Jade plant
- Snake plant
- Azalea
- Rubber plant
- Chinese evergreen
- Hydrangea
Window Cleaners
Keeping the windows clean and shiny is what everyone loves. But the ingredients present in these products can cause a threat. Some might have fewer chemicals with fewer dangers, but some of these products can contain ammonia which can cause eye and skin irritation. Not only that, but it can also cause respiratory problems and trigger asthma in infants.
Flame Retardants
A flame retardant is primarily found in furniture like couches or mattresses, and the chemical that is present has been linked to causing infertility.
Mothballs
You might be keeping mothballs inside your closet to protect your favorite outfits, but if you’re unaware of the dangers, they contain harmful chemicals that can ruin your health. When exposed to air, it turns to gas and produces a pungent smell that can be toxic to you and your pets. And prolonged exposure to its smell can cause liver and kidney damage or anemia.
Perfumes
It might be something you’ve rarely heard of (because of billion-dollar industry), but perfumes are highly toxic. They contain tons of chemicals, and most are not even mentioned in the packaging. And exposure to these chemicals can trigger allergies like dizziness, nausea, migraine, or elevated heart rate. It might feel good to smell good, but it can also cause adverse health effects without knowing.
Fabric Softeners
Fabric softeners can keep your clothes soft, and it might feel good to be covered in garments smelling fresh. But the toxic chemicals that it produces can cause headache, fatigue, nervous system damage, or even cause cancer. Fabric softeners contain quite a list of harmful substances that, when released, can cause lifelong illness.
Carpet Cleaners
Most carpet cleaners contain toxic chemicals, and when inhaled, they can cause diarrhea, fatigue, or dizziness and damage your liver or kidney. It might feel like a necessity to use carpet cleaners, but harmful chemicals can cause more damage.
Conclusion
In conclusion, you can never be too careful when it comes to your health. While it is impossible to monitor every single object in your home on a daily basis, these toxins should be considered and looked out for. While keeping these items away from children, you should also be cautious while using them. The fact is, if you’re not careful, they could cause harm to you or even your pets. Just remember that there are toxic household items that you should always look out for so it doesn’t endanger the health of everyone living under the same roof as you.
