Most people spend plenty of time indoors. Because of this, it’s important to ensure homes are safe and healthy for you and your family to live in.
A health risk can come in various shapes and sizes, found in the air or in household products.
Here are six common household items that could potentially be hazardous in your home in the long run.
Carpet fungus and mold
If there is a lingering musty smell in your home, mold in old rugs could be the culprit.
Fungus may develop beneath rugs exposed to water as well, such as those in the bathroom, and in dry areas that don’t regularly get cleaned.
It isn’t enough to steam-clean the rug to remove mold. If the carpet is still damp, a mold colony can quickly repopulate. In this case, it may be worth hiring a mold remediation provider for ongoing cases.
Otherwise, you can keep a carpet free of fungus by using an alcohol and vinegar solution to steam-clean the area with warm water. Lastly, ensure all rugs are dry underneath.
Contaminated water filter
Savvy consumers use economical water filters instead of water bottles.
However, any kind of pitcher that uses removable filters should be changed regularly according to the manufacturer instructions. If water starts flowing less than usual, you’ve gone well beyond the date.
Most filters should be changed every three months, or more often if you use multiple gallons each day. Be sure to stock up on several filters so you never run out or have to worry about having contaminated water.
Faulty plumbing
Bad plumbing and pipes can cause several issues themselves, such as contaminating the water with toxins.
It can also cause leaks and bursts that can become much more expensive problems in the long run, not the least of which comes from water damage in the home. Even small leaks quickly lead to mold problems in the home.
It’s important to call professionals if you have these types of problems in your home, say the experts at Capital Care Plumbing in Katy, TX. They can help remedy the problem quickly.
Ammonia cleaners
Ammonia isn’t new to household cleaning, but it’s especially important to keep it out of reach of pets and children.
Solutions that use ammonia are some of the strongest and most toxic out there, such that inhaling a little bit can create breathing problems. Extended skin contact can result in further allergic reactions.
If you must regularly use such a product, be sure to keep on a mask and gloves to avoid inhaling fumes or touching chemicals. Do not use any other type of cleaner, either. Mixing with others like bleach creates deadly fumes.
Of course, you might also consider swapping to a green cleaner instead.
Toothpaste toxin
If you don’t use organic toothpastes and instead opt for a major brand, you might be consuming trace toxins that you typically wouldn’t.
Most standard toothpastes use hydrated silica and similar abrasives in order to polish the teeth, as well as artificial sweeteners like sucralose or saccharin. Some may also protest against using sodium fluoride, which is believed to have links to neurotoxicity.
Instead, opt for an all-natural toothpaste if this is a concern.
Poisonous furniture polish
Yet another household cleansing solution that can harm your health, take great care when adding this to your furnishings as prolonged inhalation of fumes can cause problems with health.
When inhaling an excessive amount of poisonous furniture polish, you can experience poisoning and eye irritation, among other symptoms.
Many times, the most dangerous health threats in the home are the ones we don’t think about. Be sure to address problems in your home immediately so you can avoid major health hazards.
Anita Ginsburg
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