Did you know that some deadly household items can jeopardize your life?
You might already be aware that certain cleaning supplies and gas stoves can be hazardous to our health and homes. What’s even scarier is that until recently, there were several products that people used to keep in their homes without knowing if they were safe or not. Can you guess which ones we’re referring to?
Without further ado, let’s find out together what the main deadly household items are that you most probably have in your house too. Let’s continue the discussion in the comments section at the end of the article.
1. Electric blankets
You probably never thought that a comfy and fuzzy electric blanket could be one of those deadly household items, but unfortunately, according to a report from the National Center for Biotechnology, there were a couple of incidents where people died from heat strokes while they were using their electric blankets.
Some people even claim that they might cause cancer and reproductive issues. But even if there is no specific data to confirm this, it would be a better idea to be cautious and cover-up by adding more layers to your bed when you’re feeling cold.
2. Flea and thick products
A new analysis found that while flea and tick treatments for pets help protect your dog from unwelcome bites, the pesticides can also cause neurological issues, epilepsy, nerve damage, and other health issues.
3. Non-stick cookware (especially pans)
This might come as another surprise for you, as well as it was for me when first read about it. And it’s upsetting because I have used non-stick frying pans constantly since I found them. After all, they are fantastic and I can pretty much cook anything in them. Likely, I’m not the only one in this scenario, as cleaning them is always preferable to others that require an overnight soak to remove any leftover food particles from the bottom.
Unfortunately, this magic tool comes with a price, which happens to be our health. The coating that makes things “non-stick,” polytetrafluoroethylene, releases gases when heated to 600 degrees that have been linked to a higher risk of cancer and other adverse health consequences in humans.
4. Antibacterial soaps
This item sounds a bit counterintuitive to be one of those deadly household items, right? Since 2020, when the pandemic started, antibacterial soaps have likely been the most sought-after product.
Surprisingly, however, there isn’t any concrete evidence that antibacterial soaps work any better than regular soaps at preventing viruses from getting on our hands. So next time you want to buy one, maybe opt for regular soap. In addition to being less expensive, they also include glycerin, which keeps your hands feeling smoother than antibacterial soaps that have alcohol in the ingredients, which can be bad for your skin if you use them regularly.
5. Air fresheners
Everybody loves air fresheners, but we don’t really know how dangerous they can be for our health. I included them on the list of deadly household items because many of them contain ingredients called phthalates that are very easy to inhale during the spraying process.
Besides the fact that they can damage your lungs, kidneys, and nervous system, another horrifying reality has been revealed by recent studies: they may raise your risk of cancer! Who would have thought that using a standard air freshener spray might harm our bodies and health so severely?
6. Extension cords
When you say deadly household items you probably don’t think about extension cords and I don’t blame you because initially I haven’t thought about them either. Now, let’s see what the deal is with them and why they are considered so dangerous.
Unaware that the cables have a voltage capacity, many individuals plug in as many objects as they can, greatly increasing the risk of a fire. According to CPSP estimates, 4,600 residential dwelling fires are caused by extension cords annually, resulting in 230 injuries and 70 fatalities.
Additionally, it projects that 2,200 shock-related injuries resulting from extension cables occur annually.
7. Bleach
Despite the fact that everybody is still using bleach, according to specialists, it is among the most deadly household items. Research indicates that using bleach raises your chance of developing chronic obstructive lung disease in addition to causing internal issues and even death.
Sheesh! It would be best if you stuck to Vanish instead of bleach; it works even better. I have been using it since I discovered a great deal on Amazon.
8. Dryers
Dryers are another danger to the security of your house, even if they don’t contain any toxins. According to FEMA, dryers create 2,900 fires annually, resulting in five fatalities on average. Make sure you regularly service your dryer and empty the lint trap to avoid overheating.
9. Cleaning solutions for the toilet bowl
Another item that’s considered a threat and a deadly household item is the toilet bowl cleaner. The strong acidity of store-bought toilet bowl cleansers aids in their ability to remove stubborn deposits and stains from your toilet bowl. But those same corrosive chemicals that clean your toilet bowl may also burn your skin and eyes and release caustic odors when combined with other cleaners—something you should never, ever do.
Don’t panic now thinking you’re not able to clean your toilet bowl anymore because there are several natural and safe products you may use to maintain a spotlessly clean toilet.
10. Gas-powered space heaters
Over the years, a lot of people started using gas-powered space heaters without thinking how dangerous they are! Old space heaters and other malfunctioning gas-powered equipment can emit carbon monoxide into the atmosphere. The most common cause of poisoning deaths in the United States is carbon monoxide poisoning, which can induce irreversible brain damage even in cases where it is not deadly.
Make sure your home has a functional carbon monoxide detector to prevent this from happening. During the winter, you can also choose to use an electric space heater since they’re safer than gas-powered ones.
11. Laundry pods
Do you remember that hideous challenge that started in 2018 when people, especially teenagers, ate detergent pods for fun and views on social media? Well, besides being extremely unusual, it was also super dangerous.
If they are OK to use for your laundry (yet I am not so sure after a recent study), they are definitely toxic for the human body. The Centers for Disease Control published an article about how bad these are for use, categorizing them as one of the deadliest household items.
12. Plastic containers for foods
Among other deadly household items, we can easily include plastic containers for food. There should be no surprise that food can start to absorb the harmful chemicals within plastic containers, as we have long known. Nevertheless, new research has discovered that toxins may still seep into food from “safe,” BPA-free plastics.
13. Furniture polish
Last but not least, among the deadly household items is furniture polish. It’s true that it may improve the look of your dated furniture, but on the other hand, it can be poisonous for both you and your family.
If you still want to use it, make sure you wash your hands vigorously after using it, or if possible, use it while you’re wearing some protection gloves and avoid touching your mouth or your eyes if you have leftovers on your fingers.
You may also be interested in I Hate Ironing My Clothes – So I Do THESE 8 Wrinkle-Free Hacks Instead.
