18 things in your house that spoil the health of the whole family
'11.05.2021'
Source: Health and Beauty
It's time to do a general cleaning and get rid of toxic objects - you will immediately feel much better, writes Health and Beauty.
Many household items can be dangerous if used improperly. But these are not the only threats, for example, chemical compounds that are found in many objects.
According to scientists, there are more toxic compounds that emit various objects and things in the house than we think. Human health is associated not only with nutrition and activity, but also with the environment.
Different types of perfumes
Researchers have determined that perfumes can contain many volatile chemical compounds that are harmful to their health. They included:
- camphor
- benzyl acetate
- benzaldehydes,
- ethyl acetate
- acetone,
- linalool
- methylene chloride and some others.
Their systematic inhalation can cause nausea and dizziness, irritation of the mucous membranes of the eyes or nasopharynx, drowsiness and irritability, damage to the skin and lung tissue, headache, and some kidney problems. Use perfume or eau de toilette very carefully, in a ventilated area and in a limited volume.
Mattress Fillers
May contain a high level of a potentially hazardous compound - PBDE (or polybrominated diphenyl ethers). These volatile compounds can enter the body through the respiratory tract, leading to potential damage to brain tissue and reproductive organs, reducing the quality of seminal fluid and causing thyroid disorders.
This is especially important because about 1/3 of the time people spend in bed. Due to the danger, materials with PBDE were banned from being used in Canada and the USA, but in other countries they can easily be included in the fillers. Before buying a mattress, ask what materials it is made of.
Cleaners
Volatile and strongly smelling substances with chlorine, phthalates, surfactants and other components can get on the skin or in the respiratory tract. You can replace them with safer natural alternatives.
Air fresheners
They help create pleasant aromas in the house, masking bad smells. However, the researchers determined that excessive use of these substances from unventilated or enclosed spaces can lead to the release of toxic concentrations of chemicals.
The use of air fresheners in the house should not cause you any discomfort, you also need to provide room ventilation to remove toxic chemicals from the air, especially ethylene glycol ethers and paradichlorobenzene, which circulate in the air and adversely affect health.
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Plastic food containers
Some plastic containers are made from unsafe chemicals, such as phthalates. These compounds, penetrating the body, can affect the endocrine system of the body, causing an adverse effect on cell division, reproductive and neurological functions of people.
Over time, plastic breaks down and can provoke the release of these dangerous chemicals into cooked foods. If possible, switch to glass containers.
Plastic bottles for drinks
Not only do they harm the environment, but they can also release toxic chemicals in your drinks. Most bottles today do not contain BPA (bisphenol-A), which is a big plus.
But this is not the only harmful chemical, therefore it is safer and more environmentally friendly to use glass containers.
Cosmetics
An average woman uses six to 12 cosmetics a day. Some products contain hazardous chemicals.
Try to buy cosmetics that do not contain artificial flavors, with a mineral base or made from natural oils.
Antiperspirants
One of the ingredients that block sweating is aluminum. Today it is actively debated whether it provokes the development of tumors in the mammary gland, including cancer. Although research data are inconclusive, many countries require a warning label on all antiperspirants.
Fabric softeners
These compounds work by coating washed clothing with a thin layer of potentially toxic chemicals, such as quaternary ammonium salts. Vapors of these substances that occur as clothes are worn can cause respiratory distress, headache, and constant contact with the skin can cause allergies.
Non-stick cookware
It saves time when washing and cooking, but such convenience is very expensive. When heated to high temperatures, extremely toxic gas is released from polytetrafluoroethylene, which forms a non-stick Teflon coating.
This compound provokes disorders of sexual functions and metabolic disorders, damages the respiratory system. Therefore, it is better to give preference to dishes made of stainless steel or iron, cast iron (but not aluminum).
Baby care products
Surprisingly, flame retardants used in some baby care products, such as high chairs, cribs and strollers, can release toxic chemicals. Volatile substances from flame retardants include bromine and chlorine, which are associated with a number of sexual and neurological disorders.
Shower curtains
Sometimes phthalates are used to soften plastic in shower curtains. Phthalates can affect the development of children by blocking brain function, impairing learning and memory.
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Insect spray
Researchers have linked insecticides to neurological damage in children. Where possible, it is possible to combat the problem of insects indoors by removing crumbs and sealing products in containers.
Canned food
Bisphenol A (BPA), found in most canned food containers, is a hormone-destroying chemical. It can cause male infertility, heart disease, and diabetes. Although some manufacturers are gradually phasing out the use of bisphenol, it is not known whether its substitutes are safe. If possible, choose fresh or frozen foods.
Dry cleaning
Often a chemical called perchlorethylene (known as PCE) is used in the process. It is classified as a probable carcinogen and is associated with damage to the liver, kidneys and central nervous system. Many countries are gradually phasing out PCE, but it is still widely used in our country.
TV and game consoles
Phthalates are found in device power cords and cables for game console controllers, and flame retardants (BFRs), which are associated with impaired brain development, can be found on circuit boards and in equipment enclosures.
Desktop and laptop computers
The presence of the same toxic substances can be found in laptops of well-known brands, but many people are also concerned about the potentially dangerous electromagnetic field (EMF) created by the screen and the system unit, which can seriously harm health.
There is no convincing scientific evidence linking laptops and desktops with disease. But this is another argument in favor of digital detox.
Cell Phones
Radio frequency exposure is associated with cancer, immune dysfunction, neurological diseases and reproductive disorders. Although the WHO found that there is no convincing scientific evidence linking smartphones to these diseases, the phone still contains lead, mercury, arsenic and cadmium, which in high doses are potentially dangerous, so it’s better not to store old devices, but dispose of them in accordance with all the rules.
