In optimal circumstances, our home is the place where we spend most of our time. Home is the place where we feel safe and comfortable, and where we enjoy the harmony we need to recharge our batteries. The problem is that the newest research shows that modern households are stuffed with objects and compounds that may be harmful to health. These represent a risk for every member of the family, and their long time usage may even cause cancer.
The most notorious of these are household cleaners, which contain formaldehydes and methylene chloride. Besides cleaners, some everyday objects made of plastic or rubber can also represent health hazards. In this article we will present six of these dangerous objects that you should get rid of and avoid their use from now on.
1. Air fresheners
Many air fresheners are full of dangerous carcinogenic substances. In a study, it has been shown that 13 popular air fresheners contain substances that may cause asthma or make existing respiratory diseases more severe. These substances also hinder growth and development in children.
In 2008, Anne Steinemann, a researcher at the University of Washington, came to the conclusion as a result of a study that air fresheners are full of poisonous and harmful chemicals that may cause cancer. Most of these chemicals are not mentioned on the labels of the products.
2. Candles
A study performed by the Consumer Product Safety Commission in the US shows that 40 percent of candle wicks contain lead, especially the wicks of scented candles. In many cases, more than five times of the allowed quantity of lead was found in wicks; this amount may cause cognitive and hormonal disturbances in children.
3. Art supplies
Harmful chemicals in art supplies pose a danger especially to the health of painters. Solvents may cause allergic reactions, damage to the organs and even cancer. Children are especially sensitive to such chemicals, so these should always be kept locked up, and children mustn’t be in the room where solvents are used.
4. Shampoos
This may come as a surprise, but the majority of traditional shampoos are full of toxic substances. However, it hasn’t been decided yet whether these substances may cause cancer. Just to stay on the safe side, though, shampoos should be prepared at home from natural ingredients.
5. Antiperspirants
Just like in the case of shampoos, traditional, cheap antiperspirants represent a significant health hazard; some of them even contain carcinogenic substances. These products were designed in a way that chemicals are absorbed into the skin to prevent sweating. We should use natural alternatives instead.
6. Shower curtains
Plastic shower curtains are made from toxic chemical substances and they emit harmful fumes; the best choice is not to buy them at all. It is a better choice to have a wet floor after taking a shower than to become ill.