Your home is meant to be your safe space. It’s where you unwind after a long day at work and where you make ever-lasting memories with your family. It’s the place where you can get away from the problems of the outside world. But there can be hidden dangers in your home. There are many common household items that can cause serious health problems if left unnoticed.
Kitchen Sponges
If you don’t have a dishwasher then odds are you rely heavily on your kitchen sponge to clean your dishes. What many people don’t realize is most kitchen sponges accumulate massive amounts of microscopic debris and germs. Most kitchen sponges are made out of toxins including triclosan. Triclosan has been linked to cancer, skin irritation, and developmental problems.
They also generate a ton of waste as you continually throw out old ones and buy new ones. The best solution is to find a sustainable sponge replacement. You could use a rag for simplicity’s sake. Or you can search online to find eco-friendly sponges. Shops like Etsy sell knitted sponges that you can wash and reuse. Sea sponges can also make a more environmentally friendly option. These will eliminate the waste problem and protect your health.
Mattresses
Mattresses are another danger hiding in many homes. They can contain harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde, flame retardants, and benzene. If your mattress contains these chemicals then you may be breathing them in throughout the night in a process called off-gassing. When this happens, the chemicals in your mattress are released into the air and can cause serious health problems when breathed in.
These toxins build in our system over time which exponentially increases health risks. These chemicals have been linked to respiratory problems, cancer, and other life-altering illnesses.
It is possible to purchase mattresses that are non-toxic. Finding a mattress free of chemical toxins and emissions will help you rest easier knowing that your health isn’t at risk. The safest mattresses don’t use certain dangerous chemicals and foam. They’re made with natural ingredients like organic certified latex, wool, and cotton.
Carpets
Certain carpets can contain PFAS chemicals. These chemicals include poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances which are also found in non-stain cookware. Exposure to these chemicals builds up in a person’s body over time and can result in serious health problems. They have been linked to an increased risk of cancer, reproductive issues, hormonal problems, and even liver damage.
Finding carpets without these chemicals isn’t easy as they usually aren’t listed with the product and there is no comprehensive certification for carpets that exclude them. It’s recommended to limit the amount of carpeting in your home and to purchase carpets made out of natural fibers such as wool, seagrass, sisal, or jute.
It’s also recommended to use certain types of vacuums to remove hair and dust from your carpet. Using vacuums with a HEPA filter will ensure that you’re not releasing those harmful chemicals into the air while cleaning your carpet.
Curtains
Just like mattresses, synthetic curtains can off-gas toxic chemicals into the air and put your health at risk. Blackout curtains in particular contain extra chemicals that bind dust to them and can be extremely difficult to clean. This can create an unhealthy quality of air in your home which can cause respiratory problems, among other issues.
Find curtains that are made from natural materials inorder to safeguard your health. You can find curtains made out of silk, linen, and cotton that are free of toxins. They come in a variety of colors and functionalities which allows them to still look nice, and you won’t have to worry about polluting the air quality in your home. Many online retailers offer curtains made from natural materials including Amazon and Etsy.
Air Fresheners
Most people use air fresheners in their homes without realizing the danger they are unintentionally putting themselves in. Air fresheners can be extremely irritating to the eyes, skin, and throat when breathed in, or when you come into contact with them.
Oftentimes these products contain dangerous chemicals such asethel/isopropyl alcohol, formaldehyde, and limonene. These chemicals can cause severe reactions in some people and are unhealthy for humans to inhale in general.
There are plenty of safe alternatives to air fresheners. You can use organic essential oils, sage, incense, and other plant-based fragrances to keep your house smelling pleasant without risking your health. These alternatives can be found in just about any supermarket and are abundant online.
Speak Your Mind