There are certain products people can't live without in their homes, but some may not know that many of them are extremely toxic. Household items such as bleach, air fresheners, and mattresses contain dangerous chemicals that can harm your health. Continue reading to learn about the household items people should reconsider owning.
Don't Buy Sunscreen With This Ingredient
While most skin experts advise people to use sunscreen when spending time outside, there are certain sunscreens to avoid. It's important for people to look out for sunscreens that contain oxybenzone.
When oxybenzone comes in contact with the skin, it can lead to several health problems such as allergies and disrupting hormones.
Non-Stick Pots And Pans Contain PFOA
Non-stick pots and pans were made to help speed up the cleaning process in the kitchen, but these cooking tools aren't the healthiest.
Most of these non-stick pots and pans are made with PFOA. According to Environmental Health Perspectives, PFOA is linked to weight gain, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and ovarian, kidney, and prostate cancers.
Look Out For The Chemicals In Perfume
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, perfumes will likely contain hazardous chemicals due to the highly potent fragrances.
These toxic chemicals can include benzaldehyde, camphor, ethyl acetate, benzyl acetate, and more. When these toxins are inhaled, they can lead to headaches, lung and kidney damage, and cause irritation in the skin, eyes, and throat.
Flea And Tick Medicine Has Pesticides
Dog owners know that they need to take important precautions to protect their furry companions from fleas and ticks. While these medicines stop the biting, they do contain harmful chemicals.
Some flea and tick medicines are known for using pesticides. Unfortunately, the pesticides in these medicines can lead to nerve damage and other illnesses.
Avoid These Toxins In Deodorant
There are several things to look out for when purchasing deodorants or other antiperspirants. Avoid buying deodorants with aluminum-based compounds, parabens, or chemicals such as PEG-8 and PEG-40.
These harmful toxins get absorbed in the sweat glands and can lead to allergies, kidney disease, breast cancer, and other serious conditions.
Carpets Can Damage Your Health
While wall-to-wall carpeting may make the room have a more colorful and fun appearance, it can wreak havoc on your health.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, new carpets contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These have been linked to serious health issues including eye irritation, headache, nausea, and much more.
Why You Should Check Your Mattresses
Mattresses may be one of the comfiest spots in the house, but that doesn't mean they can't harm your health.
Unfortunately, mattresses are known to carry the toxin called PBDE. PBDE leads to several health problems such as brain and reproductive damage, decreased sperm quality, and thyroid problems. Luckily, mattresses with PBDE are banned in Canada and some U.S. states.
Time To Toss Out The Mothballs
Mothballs are usually kept in closets and dressers to keep moths from damaging clothes. However, mothballs are made with a chemical called naphthalene.
Naphthalene is known for damaging red blood cells, respiratory diseases, headaches, nausea, and more. The chemical has also been linked to cancer in animals and it still isn't clear if the same can happen to humans.
Don't Breathe In Air Fresheners
Artificial air fresheners and other man-made things people use to add scent to their homes aren't typically the best for your health.
These usually contain phthalates, which can cause reproductive problems. Everyday Health states that anything you breathe in will eventually end up in your bloodstream. Instead, try using essential oils, fresh flowers, baking soda, or white vinegar.
Plastic Food Containers Are Dangerous
According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, most plastic containers are made from various chemicals including phthalates.
Phthalates can interfere with the body's endocrine system, which in turn damages the developmental, reproductive, and neurological systems. Since plastic breaks down over time, these chemicals can leak into your food.
Look Again At Oven Cleaner Warnings
Ovens tend to be one of the messiest places in the kitchen because all kinds of food will spill out. While oven cleaners usually have warnings on their bottles, some buyers may need to take another look.
Most oven cleaners contain corrosive alkalis. When this chemical is inhaled or ingested, it can cause damage to your respiratory system and gastrointestinal tract.
Why Experts Are Concerned By Printers
Since many people around the world have started working from home, it's likely that there's a large percentage who own printers.
According to the American Chemical Society, laser printers are actually harmful to your health. They emit a lot of particulate matter into the air, which is similar to the matter released by cigarettes.
Skip The Furniture Polish
Furniture polish and stain may give your house that extra sparkle, but they are extremely unsafe. Most of them contain chemicals such as phenol and nitrobenzene.
If ingested or inhaled, furniture polish can cause skin cancer and even be fatal. It's very easy for the polish to transfer from the furniture to your hands or mouth.
Check To See If Your Paint Is Chipping
Homes built during the late 1970s or earlier are likely to have interiors covered with lead-based paint. When this paint starts to chip, it becomes dangerous.
If lead-based paint is ingested or inhaled, it can cause weight loss, headaches, brain damage, and lead poisoning. Also, some newer paints contain VOCs, which are also toxic.
Shower Curtains Can Lead To Decreased Brain Function
It's really important to look into all of your household items because even some of the most common contain harmful ingredients.
Even objects as prevalent as shower curtains can be dangerous. Some of them are known to have phthalates. These hurt children the worst and can damage their brain function by hindering their learning and memory.
Bug Spray Harms More Than Just Pests
Those who deal with pesky bugs around their home will want to do anything to get them out of sight. While bug sprays are a quick fix, they are pretty toxic.
These insecticides have been linked to skin blisters, seizures, memory loss, headaches, joint stiffness, shortness of breath, and neurotoxicity.
Bleach Inhalation Can Be Fatal
Bleach is typically used to brighten clothes, but there are many possible side effects for those who inhale this toxic chemical.
Bleach inhalation can lead to internal burns, scarring, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and even cause fatalities. Instead, it's best to look for laundry and cleaning agents made with natural ingredients.
Plastic Water Bottles May Have BPA And More
Those who are environmentally conscious tend to prefer reusable water bottles because plastic ones are bad for the planet.
Not only are plastic water bottles toxic for the environment, but they may contain dangerous chemicals. While most plastic water bottles are finally BPA-free, that doesn't mean they aren't made with other toxins.
Laundry Detergents Have Extremely Toxic Chemicals
Laundry detergent is one of the most dangerous household items and it's crucial that shoppers check the ingredients. There are dozens of detergents that received failing ratings from the Environmental Working Group for their toxic ingredients.
Since the formulas for these detergents are so highly-concentrated, they can lead to respiratory distress, eye injuries, gastrointestinal issues, and much more.
Extension cords can become dangerous when used improperly. It's common for people to utilize every plug offered, not realizing that there is a voltage capacity. Plugging in too many electronics might overwhelm the product and potentially cause a fire.
In fact, the leading cause of housefires in the U.S. involve extension cords!