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Many people believe that their home is the safest place for them in the world. It is the place where they are most relaxed and want to be after a long day outside.
So how would you feel if you are told that your home may not be as safe as you think it is?
Hidden Dangers in Your Home You Shouldn’t Ignore
The truth is that there are some hidden dangers in your home that you may not be aware of. These dangers may not be obvious but can be toxic for you and those you live with.
These threats include the following:
1. Mold
Mold is a type of fungus that can be easily found in your home and outdoors. Similar to most fungi, molds are important for the environment as they help in decomposing dead and decaying living matter. (1) They break down the remains of dead animals and plants.
So, if they’re growing outside your home, they can be friendly little pets of nature. However, when mold grows inside your walls, it can lead to serious health issues such as allergies and infections.
Many people believe that mold is a microorganism that grows on food that goes bad or rotten vegetables and fruits. They also think that mold growth is limited to places with high moisture content such as unclean washrooms and kitchens, (2) but the truth is it can be found anywhere. (3)
You can find mold growing on:
- Fabric
- Pipes
- Tiles
- Carpets
- Ceilings
Molds are known to emit toxins that occur naturally in them. These are known as mycotoxins, where the word “myco” refers to fungus. When exposed to mold, a person may suffer from an infection or immunological response that leads to mold toxicity.
Remedy
Spraying a mixture of tea tree oil and water is a good remedy for house molds. A paste of baking soda and water will also do the trick.
2. Lead
Lead is a very toxic substance because it can cause a lot of health issues, which mainly include:
- Hypertension
- Reproductive health issues
- Nervous system problems
- Miscarriage in pregnant women
- Reduced muscle coordination
- Hampered growth in children
- Poor development in children
Paints still contain lead in a lot of countries, and this can cause a lot of issues because paint dust and particles can go onto the floor, furniture, clothing, and other decorative materials. (4) Exposure to these substances can lead to the health issues mentioned above. Thus, it is best to avoid using paint that has lead in it.
Also, there are water pipes that contain lead so such things should be protected and should be out of reach of your children because they tend to touch and explore things.
Exposure to lead can cause lead poisoning, which is the buildup of lead in the body over months. If not treated, this condition can be fatal. (5)
Remedy
Cover lead paint with a coat of encapsulants to ensure that the paint is sealed behind a membrane.
3. Carpets
You must be wondering how carpets can be toxic to health. Carpets contain chemicals that can be hazardous to the health after long-term exposure. These chemicals can include polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB), benzene, and formaldehyde. (6)
These toxins are associated with health issues such as:
- Rashes on the skin
- Respiratory disorders
- Liver problems
- Thyroid issues
- Poor reproductive health
- Miscarriage in women
- Loss of hearing
- Nerve damage
- Mental disorders
The chemicals in such carpets may spread via shoes are pet paws and can be carried all throughout the house.
Remedy
Make sure that your carpets do not contain harmful chemicals before purchasing them.
4. Air fresheners
Air fresheners are full of organic volatile compounds, which include glycol ethers and terpenes. These act as air pollutants inside your home and are very harmful to your health.
One secondary pollutant is formaldehyde, which is known to cause health issues such as: (7)
- Reproductive health issues in women
- Birth disorders
- Cancer
- Bronchitis
- Ulcers in the gastrointestinal tract
- Asthma attacks
- Infant illness
- Mucosal symptoms
Air fresheners may also contain phthalates, which can mimic hormones in the body and cause conditions such as: (8)
- Breast cancer
- Reproductive problems
- Nervous system disorders
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Autism
Remedy
Planting aloe vera, spider plant, snake plant, and other such plants is a great way of maintaining the freshness and purifying the air in your home without having to spray chemical-filled air fresheners.
5. House cleaners
Everybody uses cleaning supplies daily, which can include hygiene products and toiletries such as soap, detergents, and bleach. These are used for cleaning furniture, devices, household decor, washroom amenities, and other items. The problem with these cleaning agents is they can also contain a lot of toxic substances that are harmful to your health. (9)
They can contain phenols, which can damage organs when inhaled. They also contain ethylene glycols, which have a negative impact on health.
These cleaners can cause problems such as: (10)
- Thyroid disorders
- Metabolic disorders
- Uncontrolled blood sugar levels
- Neurological or nerve damage
- Reproductive health issues
- Infertility
- Cancer
- Developmental issues in unborn babies during pregnancy
Remedy
Natural disinfectants such as vinegar, baking soda, and borax can be used over chemically made cleaners. Natural cleansers can clean and disinfect just as effectively.
6. Baby bottles
Many parents use plastic bottles to feed their child. What they don’t know is that these feeding bottles or baby bottles can be extremely harmful.
Baby bottles are made of chemicals, and one such chemical is bisphenol-A (BPA), which is added to harden the plastic, avoid rusting, and kill bacteria. If the bottle is used for a long time and repeatedly heated, the BPA ultimately breaks down and mixes with the milk. It can then be consumed by children and cause: (11)
- Prostate cancer
- Reproductive health issues
- Early onset of puberty in females
- Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Obesity
Remedy
Placing all the components of your baby bottle in boiling water only for a few minutes is a good way of disinfecting before giving them to your younger one.
Most-Asked Questions About Hidden Dangers in Your Home
Who are more susceptible to problems caused by mold?
Mold usually appears as fluffs of green, white, or red. If not treated on time, they can grow rapidly and be hazardous to health. Individuals who are more prone to mold issues include:
- People living in areas with high humidity
- People living with a poor ventilation system
- People working with wood or on a farm, mill, etc.
- People allergic to mold
- People who have asthma
What are the symptoms of mold toxicity?
Around 5% of the population is expected to suffer from allergic symptoms from molds over their lifetime.
Mold toxicity symptoms depend on the type of reaction a person may have to the mold. (12) An immunological response to mold contact can cause allergy symptoms such as: (13)
- Runny nose
- Shortness of breath
- Redness of the eyes
- Itchy skin
- Difficulty breathing
- Ear discomfort
Other than an allergic reaction, a person may have an inflammatory response, which leads to symptoms that include:
- Swelling
- Redness of the skin
- Pain
- Itching
How can mold toxicity be prevented?
The best way to avoid mold toxicity is to reduce exposure to mold by ensuring there is no mold growth in your home.
To get ridding of mold growth or prevent one from ever happening: (2)
- Ensure proper ventilation at home, especially in the washroom.
- Fix all pipe leaks or water seepage issues.
- Clean all carpets and fabricated floors.
- Try to keep humidity levels low by using a dehumidifier.
- Ensure a proper drainage system.
- Use air conditioners that come with a HEPA filter as these filters trap mold spores.
What are the symptoms of lead toxicity?
Symptoms of lead toxicity include: (5)
- Delayed development in children
- Irritability
- Appetite loss
- Weight loss
- Pain in the abdomen
- Constipation
- Vomiting and nausea
- Seizures
- Loss of hearing
- Headache
- Memory problems
- Joint pain
- Miscarriage in pregnant women
- Reproductive health issues
Final Word
Some of the things that you touch, eat, or inhale daily can harm your health and overall well-being. These things can often lead to chronic illnesses or other infections. Hence, you should be aware of them to prevent all these complications.
These substances are more harmful to young children, infants, and the elderly.
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