Five House Hold Items that Are Silent Killers

According to various studies and research, everyday household products such as bleach, tile cleaners, and upholstery refinishing sprays contain chemicals that might put your health at risk. These include health problems ranging from specific cancers to childbirth defects to lead poisoning to everything in between. 

Due to such a reason, the CDC constantly monitors around 298 harmful environmental chemicals, including ones found in household products. As a matter of fact, some of these toxic chemicals can enter the human body and gradually make us sick over time. 

That said, your home is your sanctuary. It should be as safe as possible, guarding you against outside threats and uncertainties. However, the fact remains that there are tons of dangers present inside even the most comfortable homes. 

And while some issues are easily identifiable, some might slip through the cracks. It is especially the case for harmful household items. In the end, some of these items might be impossible to identify. However, there are various ways you can minimize exposure tenfold. 

So, without further ado, let us look at some household items that are silent killers. 

Five House Hold Items that Are Silent Killers

1.  Asbestos-based insulation material

When you breathe in asbestos particles, you put yourself at high risk of developing cancer and asbestosis. Unfortunately, asbestos is still the insulation material of choice for most homes, especially those produced in the 1980s. 

It is a silent killer that might be lurking around your house without you even knowing about it. So, if your home is from around that particular period, there is a high chance that you might have asbestos present inside it. 

Typically, asbestos exists in pipes, ceilings, and other areas of your home that require insulation. So, if you want to avoid peritoneal mesothelioma, a type of cancer that results from asbestos ingestion, get in touch with your local contracting and have it removed altogether. 

2.  Lead-based paint

The 1980s was an excellent time for many people. However, if you purchased a home during that period and never remodeled it, you might have to deal with lead-based paint. In contrast, lead might not be poisonous in low amounts. Still, continued exposure can lead to serious health issues, such as lead poisoning, impaired brain function, amnesia, and congenital disabilities. 

The best thing you can do is give your home a fresh coat of paint. New paint is around 99 percent more lead-free than before. Furthermore, when you paint your house, ensure that you do it from inside and outside. 

That said, if you have doubts about your paint, you can always get it checked by sending a small paint chip to a sampling laboratory. Or, you can hire a contractor with the right x-ray equipment to identify lead-based paint. 

3.  Non-functional smoke detectors

Smoke alarms provide your home with an added level of security and safety. However, on the other hand, non-functional smoke detectors will eventually rob your home of such protection. Furthermore, most homeowners feel frustrated by ringing a smoke detector, disabling them instead of treating them as an early warning system. 

We understand that the smoke alarm going off while you are making dinner is annoying. However, if you turn it off by taking out the batteries, you might not remember replacing them. And we all know what will happen if you leave the stove on and sleep! 

So, to avoid a fire hazard, invest in a photoelectric smoke alarm to prevent it from tripping when you are cooking, for instance. 

4.  Plastic water bottles

It might sound pretty terrifying that something as simple as a water bottle can be disastrous for your health. But is it that bad? The culprit here is BPA (Bisphenol A), a compound used as a starting agent in the manufacturing of plastic items. When this chemical compound leaves the plastic, and into the water, it can cause various health issues such as cancer, high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes, to name a few. 

Furthermore, such a chemical is also harmful to pregnant women. According to researchers, introducing this BPA in the body makes it harder for women to give birth. Moreover, it can also lead to birth abnormalities. That said, many countries have banned BPA usage, especially in childcare products, such as feeding bottles. 

5.  Non-stick pots and pans

Most homeowners want to keep things as green as possible. However, our lives contain items that are both toxic for the environment and our health. For instance, non-stick pots and pans put you at a higher risk of developing cancer and other medical conditions. 

Sure, they might be easy to clean after you are done cooking in them. But, they contain chemicals that are not good for our bodies. The non-stick coating present on top of your non-stick cookware is Teflon. When it reaches a particular temperature, let’s say around 300-degree Celcius, it breaks down and enters your food. 

Not to mention, it also releases polymer vapors in the air. It could lead to poly fume fever, which has flu-like symptoms but can cause poisoning. So, to avoid such a thing from happening, it is wise to ditch your non-stick cookware and go with regular cast iron cookware. 

Sure, cast iron won’t be easy to clean. However, it won’t harm your health and allow you to enjoy your favorite foods.

Conclusion

There were just a handful of household items that are hazardous to your health because these items contain chemicals that, once ingested or inhaled, will leave you helpless inside a hospital’s emergency room. 

In the end, ensure you remain vigilant and always on your feet to rectify the dangers present inside your living space! However, to be on the safe side, you should avoid buying household items labeled as poisonous or dangerous.