Some dangers found in the home are well-known, such as frayed electric wires or chemicals stored for cleaning. However, there are some items found in the home that pose a danger that many people overlook. These dangers account for over $800 billion in expenses due to death, injury or property damage according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. These four common household items can pose a severe risk to you and your family if not used properly.
Pressed Wood Products
If you have furnishings made of pressed wood, which is common among furniture purchased from big box outlets such as Ikea, you may have inadvertently added a danger to your home. Pressed wood is created from bits and pieces of logs which are pressed together to form a board. They may be known as particle board and fiberboard. In older homes, paneling may be made of pressed wood as well. In the past, manufacturers have used a glue that contains urea-formaldehyde, which can cause watery, itchy eyes. It can also cause difficulty breathing and an increased risk of asthma attacks. Hot, humid weather may promote the release of formaldehyde, although, as the wood ages, less of the substance is released. Although newer pressed wood products do not contain the dangerous substance, older pre-fabricated and mobile homes or furnishings that are older may still have traces of formaldehyde.
Air Fresheners
Although air fresheners keep our home smelling clean and fresh, when used in small, unventilated areas or when they are used excessively, air fresheners can release toxic pollutants. Some air fresheners can contain nitrogen dioxide, which has been found to cause cancer in laboratory mice. In addition, some contain paradichlorobenzene and may be hazardous to humans. Although using air fresheners to keep a home smelling clean is not dangerous in itself, over-use or failure to ventilate when using them can pose a danger to those living in the home.
Pesticides
Although most people are aware that pesticides can be dangerous, more than 46,000 calls come in to the poison control centers each year. Most of the time, exposure to pesticides occurs indoors as people use over-the-counter products to eliminate pests in the home. Although some over-the-counter products may be effective, it is recommended that homeowners use professional pest control companies to treat household pests. Professional pest control in Woburn, MA, or your particular area can provide you with information on the chemicals they use and will inform you when pets or children should be protected.
Cosmetics
Many cosmetics use a product known as plasticizers as the substance increases the durability and flexibility of fragrances while also binding the color of cosmetics. Plasticizers are hormone-like chemicals that have recently been linked to reproductive and developmental problems in animals. Some states have banned the use of them in toys for children, pacifiers, rattles or teething rings. According to studies, the chemicals have shown to lower sperm count in boys and cause premature breast development in girls.
These are only a few hidden dangers in the home that people may not be aware of. In order to keep your family safe from harm, it is important to recognize that even items that are considered safe, such as furniture or air freshener, can have hidden dangers.
