House & Garden

Think You Know Your Everyday Health Hazards? Think Again!

Most people are aware of the common threats that can face them on a day to day basis. They are why we make a point of teaching our children to cross the road safely, and why we wash our fruit and vegetables before we eat them. However, an unnerving amount of everyday products we come into contact with in our homes can pose serious harm to us and our families. We don’t often regard the home as a place that presents any danger to us, but there are more hazards about than you may originally think. Of course, it is impossible to live a life completely free of hazards, and it can even be necessary to keep some typically dangerous products inside the home for various purposes (such as the bleach we clean with). There is a difference, though, between these necessary hazards, and dangers you may not even realise are there. Take a look at these few examples and see if there is anything you can do to create a safer, purer home environment.

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Non-stick pans
Most homeowners, and parents especially, are always looking for ways to make their lives a little bit easier. Many of us run every day on limited time, trying to juggle work, travel, housekeeping and family time all at once. Non-stick pans have removed the need for us to spend ages scrubbing away at a burnt pan – but are they all they’re cracked up to be? Most non-stick pans are coated with a synthetic polymer commonly known as Teflon, which has come under fire in recent years for its toxic effects. When heated at high temperatures, this coating can release toxic fumes that can cause flu-like symptoms in humans and animals alike. If safety is your number one priority, switch to stainless steel kitchenware instead.

Your shower water
Filtering our drinking water is something millions of people all over the country now do without even thinking about it. Why is it, then that so few of us do the same with our shower water? The principle still stands, and shower water can often contain chemicals such as chlorine and hydrogen sulfide. Try something such as a shower filter from the Berkey, which can purify your water, so you know exactly what you are bathing in. Plus, this was you avoid any aversive health issues, as well overly dry skin and hair.

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Air fresheners
When the air in our home becomes stale or unpleasant, one thing plenty of us do is to reach immediately for the air freshener. Don’t move so fast though, as these nice-smelling little gadgets can pose a serious threat to your family. Many air fresheners contain ultra fine particles and formaldehyde which can cause nasal irritation and respiratory issues. If prolonged use is continued, even more, complex issues can arise, such as organ damage and damage to the central nervous system. Ditch the artificial air fresheners for something more organic like a natural candle or incense sticks – you’ll get the same effect but with half the health risks!

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