At Risk in Your Home: 4 Health Dangers Most People Overlook

 

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.

 

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Categories: air fresheners, counter products, health dangers, home smelling, people overlook, pest control, pressed wood, professional pest, wood products

How to Avoid Three Hidden Health Dangers

While everyone wants to stay healthy, it can be easy to overlook some health risks that are less than obvious. Most people are familiar with the dangers of smoking, obesity and lack of exercise, for example (even if they don’t always put that knowledge to good use!) but there are some dangers that people tend to underestimate. Let’s look at three of these health risks.

Dental Issues

Research is showing more and more that dental health is closely related to one’s overall health. Many adults only visit the dentist when they have a serious problem, such as a toothache. It’s important, however, to get regular checkups to find out if you have problems such as cavities or gum disease.

One man, for example, recently went to his dentist for a check-up and found that he had severe gum disease even though he wasn’t experiencing any noticeable discomfort. Research has pointed to a link between gum disease and heart problems. Similarly, according to a dentist in Birmingham, untreated cavities can eventually cause infections that can spread throughout the body. That’s why it’s so important to go to the dentist regularly.

Cold Weather 

Unless you live in a warm climate, you can’t avoid winter weather. Did you know, however, that problems like heart attacks and even high blood pressure tend to get worst in the winter? This is even true in temperate climates. Even a drop of several degrees restricts the arteries. This is a more serious threat for older people, but can affect anyone.

For this reason, you should pay special attention to your health in the winter. Make sure you’re eating right, and get regular exercise. Older people should try to avoid being alone and make sure they have a support network if they need help. Additionally, don’t over exert yourself in winter when shovelling snow or doing any type of physical activity. 

Vitamin D Deficiency

Nutritionists and medical researchers are finding that Vitamin D may be more important than previously thought. While the dangers of sun exposure are well known, if you avoid the sun completely you are more likely to become deficient in this important vitamin.

Low levels of Vitamin D have been linked to heart problems, stroke and dementia. You can get more of this vitamin by spending some time each day outdoors (without overdoing it, of course). You can also take a Vitamin D supplement.

While everyone wants to stay healthy, it can be easy to overlook some health risks that are less than obvious. Most people are familiar with the dangers of smoking, obesity and lack of exercise, for example (even if they don’t always put that knowledge to good use!) but there are some dangers that people tend to underestimate. Let’s look at three of these health risks.

Dental Issues

Research is showing more and more that dental health is closely related to one’s overall health. Many adults only visit the dentist when they have a serious problem, such as a toothache. It’s important, however, to get regular checkups to find out if you have problems such as cavities or gum disease.

One man, for example, recently went to his dentist for a check-up and found that he had severe gum disease even though he wasn’t experiencing any noticeable discomfort. Research has pointed to a link between gum disease and heart problems. Similarly, according to a dentist in Birmingham, untreated cavities can eventually cause infections that can spread throughout the body. That’s why it’s so important to go to the dentist regularly.

Cold Weather 

Unless you live in a warm climate, you can’t avoid winter weather. Did you know, however, that problems like heart attacks and even high blood pressure tend to get worst in the winter? This is even true in temperate climates. Even a drop of several degrees restricts the arteries. This is a more serious threat for older people, but can affect anyone.

For this reason, you should pay special attention to your health in the winter. Make sure you’re eating right, and get regular exercise. Older people should try to avoid being alone and make sure they have a support network if they need help. Additionally, don’t over exert yourself in winter when shovelling snow or doing any type of physical activity. 

Vitamin D Deficiency

Nutritionists and medical researchers are finding that Vitamin D may be more important than previously thought. While the dangers of sun exposure are well known, if you avoid the sun completely you are more likely to become deficient in this important vitamin.

Low levels of Vitamin D have been linked to heart problems, stroke and dementia. You can get more of this vitamin by spending some time each day outdoors (without overdoing it, of course). You can also take a Vitamin D supplement.

Categories: avoid, Dentist, health dangers