Some of them are hidden in the far corner of the closet, while others are in the most prominent place. Here are the toxic items you might be having in your home.
1. Air freshener
What can be dangerous
Air fresheners help get rid of unpleasant odors in the apartment. We often spray them in bathrooms and toilets – rooms that are not ventilated. This is not correct. The composition of air fresheners composition includes phthalates, a chemical additive for the aroma’s stability and imparting plasticity to the material.
Phthalates also occur in nail polish, beauty products, toys, and plastics. Often they are not openly indicated but are hidden behind the word “flavoring.” So, harmful substances were found in 12 of 14 air fresheners, in which phthalates were not noted.
Phthalates affect the level of hormones in the body: in men, they cause a decrease in testosterone and are the cause of a malfunction of the reproductive system.
When you spray the air freshener indoors, particles of the product deposit on the skin or get inside with the inhaled air, and together with them, harmful substances enter the body.
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What to do
Coming to terms with unpleasant odors is not the best solution. Try making your own natural air freshener.
For 100 ml of air freshener, you need
- 15–20 drops of essential oil, the smell of which you like (you can mix several);
- 1 teaspoon of rubbing alcohol
- bottle with a spray bottle
- distilled water.
Add oils and rubbing alcohol to the bottle and mix gently in a circular motion. Fill with water, screw on the spray nozzle tightly and shake gently. Done!
2. Balls from moths
What can be dangerous
To prevent the moth from eating clothes, special balls are placed in the closet. The active substance in them is naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene – substances that are destructive not only for the annoying insect but also for humans.
Impact naphthalene, a recognized carcinogen, or paradichlorobenzene, can cause headaches, nausea, diarrhea, and skin irritation. Balloons are also dangerous because small children may mistake them for candy and taste them.
What to do
Pack clothes that you don’t plan to use in the coming month in a sealed bag. Be sure to clean it before storing it. Clean the closet regularly; vacuum every nook and cranny, remove dust, hair, and dirt.
3. Chipboard furniture
What can be dangerous
Cheap furniture made from low-quality materials may contain formaldehyde, a carcinogen dangerous to human health. People who are particularly sensitive to the substance may experience a burning sensation in the eyes, nose, throat, coughing, nausea, and skin irritation.
What to do
Find out the quality standards of the country of origin and carefully study the certificates. Pay attention to the appearance and smell; The acrid, burning nose of a new sofa or table is a signal that cannot be ignored.
4. Cashier’s checks
What can be dangerous
Most of the receipts we pick up from the store after each purchase or from the ATM after a successful transaction are printed on thermal paper. And it contains bisphenol A (BPA).
BisphenolMore than you Bargained For: BPS and BPA in Receipts A is a chemical that negatively affects the endocrine system, the thyroid gland and the reproductive system.
It can penetrate the body upon contact with the skin, and when you pick up a check, it is inevitable.
Although many countries today have put the substance on the banned list, and manufacturers agree with environmentalists and try to minimize its use, bisphenol A can still be found in plastic bottles and dishes.
What to do
Avoid paper receipts and do not pile them up at home to calculate how much you spent on groceries in a month. Today, almost all transactions can be tracked through a smartphone.
Download the store app and keep track of your purchases online. Install your bank’s mobile application to always be aware of the remaining balance.
If you are afraid that the seller will cheat you for 15 rubles, watch the electronic screen price while he breaks through the purchases. If you see that the amount is more than it was on the price tag, tell him about it. It will be easier than looking for a discrepancy in the check after the purchase has been paid.
Also read: Advantages and Disadvantages Of OLED TVs
5. Batteries
What can be dangerous
Good quality new batteries and accumulators, if used correctly, will not harm you. It’s about the long term. Lead and cadmium in batteries or accumulators negatively affect the kidneys, liver, and nervous system. Among other things, cadmium is a recognized carcinogen.
Adapted and translated by Wiki Avenue Staff
Sources: Life hacker
