When you buy products for your home, it is reasonable to assume that the products are safe and harmless.
Actually, though, there are many toxic chemicals and regular household products that have been linked to a number of serious diseases and conditions.
In this type of situation, knowledge is power. The more you know, the better decisions you can make about how to keep your home safe.
Let’s take a look at 10 common chemicals found in most houses and why they’re dangerous.
1. Formaldehyde
You might be familiar with the chemical formaldehyde in terms of its use in embalming. However, you might not be familiar with the reality that many new furniture pieces used by might have formaldehyde in them.
Formaldehyde is used in particleboard, plywood, and urea-formaldehyde glues. It is used in some building materials and products such as furniture, fabric, and flooring.
While low levels of formaldehyde exposure are not believed to hurt people, this chemical can cause nose, throat, and I irritation. Being exposed to high levels of formaldehyde over a long period of time has been linked to throat and nose cancers.
2. Butoxyethanol
You might be familiar with the reality that many household cleaners and cleaning chemicals contain unhealthy chemicals in them.
Most people have likely been exposed to butoxyethanol, as it is present in almost all all-purpose household cleaners. This unhealthy chemical has been known to cause irritation in the sinuses and, with prolonged exposure, vomiting.
At this point, it is unknown whether this chemical can cause birth defects or affect fertility.
3. Pesticides
Most people are aware of the fact that many food products have been grown using pesticides. You might not realize that you might be tracking them into your home on your own feet.
Even if you don’t use pesticides on your own lawn, there is a high likelihood that your carrying pesticides into your house on your shoes every time you walk in the door. This is one reason why it’s a good idea to take your shoes off at the door.
Difficulty breathing, muscle twitching, and headaches are all side effects of pesticide poisoning.
4. Calcium Chloride
Calcium chloride is found in a number of different household products. These include dishwashing detergent, toilet bowl cleaners, ice melt, fabric softener, laundry detergent, stain removers, deodorants, pool cleaners, facial serums, mineral supplements for fish tanks, and more.
Exposure to calcium chloride can cause eye irritation. If this chemical is inhaled, they can cause irritation to your mouth, throat, nose, and stomach. If someone is exposed over a long-term period via their bare skin, skin irritation can result.
You can learn more about calcium chloride hazards here.
5. Benzene
Another dangerous chemical compound can find in your home is known as benzene. This is often found in powdered cleansers that are used for heavy-duty cleaning of showers, sinks, and other surfaces.
Long-term exposure to this chemical has been linked to a decrease in red blood cell counts and harmful effects on bone marrow. Even in the short term, exposure to benzene can produce side effects of tremors, confusion, and an irregular heartbeat.
6. Volatile Organic Compounds
Volatile organic compounds are present in a number of household items. They are present in mothballs, pressboard furniture, nail polish remover, paint, dry cleaning, carpeting, aerosol spray paints, scented candles, household cleaners and disinfectants, and cigarettes.
It is known that volatile organic compounds can cause side effects such as throat, nose, and I irritation, dizziness, and headaches.
7. Lead
The dangerous effects of lead exposure have become more and more well-known among the general public over the last several decades. However, there is still a risk that there is lead in some of your children’s toys. An older house can also have lead paint on the walls.
The dangers of lead being present in children’s toys is particularly pronounced if the plastic toys has been made in China. It is known that children who play with toys that contain lead are at a higher risk of blood poisoning, which can lead learning difficulties, developmental delays, weight loss, nausea, and behavioral problems.
8. Bisphenol A (BPA)
Many people have become aware of the dangers of BPA in plastics over the recent years. However, there is still a good chance that BPA is present in your home.
BPA is a chemical that might have an effect on the brain of children, infants, and fetuses. It also might cause an increase in blood pressure in adults.
9. Polyvinyl Chloride
A lot of shower curtains contain a chemical that is called polyvinyl chloride. In small amounts, this chemical is not known to be particularly hazardous. However, when exposed to highly concentrated amounts of this chemical it can be irritating to a person’s respiratory system and cause drowsiness and dizziness.
10. Toxic Phthalates
It is common to use vinyl flooring in homes as it is a cheaper alternative to stone or hardwood. The manufacturing of this material has become incredibly sophisticated over the decades and it can look nearly identical to more expensive materials.
Vinyl flooring, however, contains phthalates. Some of these chemicals are known as endocrine disruptors and carcinogens. They are also known to be particularly harmful to the reproductive organs of males.
Knowledge Is Power: Understanding Common Chemicals in Your Home Can Put You in Control
At first, when you’re learning about common chemicals in your household, it can feel overwhelming. However, it is much better to be educated about this reality so you can make informed decisions about which products you bring into your home and to remain ignorant of these issues.
Did you find this article on household chemicals interesting. If so, be sure to check out the rest of our blog for more fascinating and informative content!