TOP 5 DANGEROUS THINGS THAT WE USE IN OUR EVERYDAY LIFE

We can point out several invisible hazardous products inside our house that we buy without even thinking about their dangerous side. Scientists have found that these chemicals present in various goods in our daily lives are more toxic than expected. The U.S Environmental Protection Agency recently said that indoor air is much more polluted compared to outdoor air. Since we have spent most of the time inside, our sweet home truly may not be safe at all. So this article gives some information about such harmful items that we use inside our house without thinking about its bad side.

1. Chemicals in carpet

The dyes and glues used in carpets are known to emit Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) that are found to be harmful to the health in their higher concentration. Scientists are still researching what specific chemicals do new carpets release and whether they are dangerous for an average person. As we should be conscious about our health first, you can request the retailer to unroll the new carpet to get air for a couple of days before bringing it home.

2. Lead paint

U.S government in 1991 declared that lead was the greatest threat to the health of children. Even low concentrations of lead can cause serious problems to blood cells, the brain, the central nervous system, and kidneys. The intact paint on the surface is not dangerous. Only after peel away, the paint release harmful lead particles. So do not try to remove lead-based paint by burning, sanding, or scraping because it will liberate toxic metal. Regulated painted products and commercial paints in the U.S do not contain lead nowadays.

3. Cleansing solutions and Air fresheners

Cleansing solutions and air fresheners sanitize and fresheners our indoor areas. But when used in small amounts or excessively, these products release toxic levels of pollutants. These come from two chemicals, namely terpenes and ethylene-based glycol ethers. Air fresheners contain many Volatile Organic Compounds such as nitrogen dioxide. Their concentration is five times higher indoors that can cause cancer in some animals. The only thing to remember is that simply spraying these fresheners will not seriously affect you, but you should keep air circulating so that its dangerous level will go off.

4. Cosmetic phthalates

Phthalates are included in many products in your bathroom and vanity, including shampoos, fragrances, hair spray, and deodorants. Phthalates increase the flexibility and durability of plastics and also bind color and fragrance in cosmetic products. These chemicals are linked to reproductive and developmental problems in living organisms. Due to these findings, California and Washington have banned the use of phthalates in toys. For cosmetic items, food and drug administration maintain levels in products that are safe for adults.

5. Pesticides and Mothballs

Pesticides are used to kill tiny microorganisms upto rodents, whereas mothball kills moths that eat dresses and all. Active ingredients in mothball are paradichlorobenzene or naphthalene that can cause cancer in animals or otherwise can damage Red Blood Cells. These chemicals can also cause vomiting, diarrhea, etc. Since most people’s exposure happens indoors, be always sure to ventilate enclosed spaces after applying pesticides.

Even though all these things are important for our house, before using them indoor, be aware of their demerits or the harmful side that can save us from serious health issues.