We like to think that the products that we bring into our homes and use every day are safe. After all, they wouldn’t be on the market if they were in any way dangerous. Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case. For example, lead was once considered safe and could be found in paint and canned goods, but now it is understood to be extremely toxic to humans. Even today the market is replete with potentially toxic products. Below are 5 modern-day examples of dangerous products you use every day.
1. Air Fresheners
We use air fresheners to cleanse the air and make a musty room smell more pleasant, but excessive use or spraying in an unventilated room can cause injury. This is because air fresheners contain toxic chemicals called ethylene-based glycol ethers and paradichlorobenzene. If you can’t ditch these products entirely, make sure to only use air fresheners in well-ventilated rooms.
2. Cleaning Products
Much like air fresheners, we use cleaning products like disinfectants and floor cleaners to protect ourselves and our families from illness caused by bacteria and viruses. However, most commercial cleaning products contain harmful chemicals such as phthalates which are especially harmful to children. Instead of risking your health and that of your family, consider using more natural cleaning products such as baking soda and vinegar.
3. Non-Stick Cooking Supplies
Non-stick pans and skillets are convenient and save you time and energy you otherwise would have spent cleaning crusted food off of your cookware, but the non-stick coating has a downside. When exposed to high temperatures, the chemicals that give non-stick cookware their non-stick properties can become toxic to your health, potentially even becoming carcinogenic. Although it can take longer to clean after use, stainless steel may be the way to go.
4. Canned Food
Many containers of canned food contain the chemical BPA, which has connections to male infertility, diabetes, and heart disease. It can be difficult to completely avoid canned goods, but whenever you can, try to go for fresh or frozen in order to minimize your risk.
5. Personal Care Products
Some of these dangerous products we apply directly to our own bodies. Many perfumes and colognes, for example, contain harmful chemicals such as acetone and benzaldehyde which cause irritation to the eyes, skin, and lungs when inhaled. Many makeup products can contain similarly toxic ingredients. To reduce your risk of injury, try to opt for brands that use only natural and organic ingredients.
References:
http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/20-toxic-things-you-probably-use-every-day.html
https://www.dolmanlaw.com/new-port-richey-personal-injury-attorney/
http://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/household-safety/tips/dangerous-home-products.htm