Certain substances are surprisingly found in many homes despite being extremely harmful to our health. It’s estimated that 40% of Americans live in houses with high-level pollution. In other words, more than 130 million people are breathing unhealthy air and residing close to unhealthy substances. Studies have shown that US citizens spend 90% of their time inside their dwellings where pollutants are concentrated 2-5 times more than outside. So, it’s become important to learn about different harmful substances you may encounter and avoid them no matter what. This article discusses twelve of these risky things. Read our below-mentioned suggestions carefully and avoid being close to these substances:
1. Mold and mildew
It doesn’t matter if you can’t differentiate between these two harmful growths. But know that both are dangerous and should be detected for quick removal. Both of them are fungi and thrive on water and oxygen. That’s why homeowners should regulate the humidity levels in their houses to prevent fungus growth. These growths may lead to wheezing, red eye, or a stuffy nose if exposed for a long time. It’s because touching mold spores can stimulate allergic reactions among people.
2. Asbestos
Asbestos was normally used in construction and can still be found in some beauty products. It’s crucial to avoid this mineral because it leads to several dangerous ailments among those who are exposed to it. For instance, it causes pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma cancer, which may become apparent decades after initial exposure. Symptoms of this disease include pain, fluid buildup, and inflammation. But treatment options can help patients live longer in comfort.
3. Carbon monoxide
Carbon monoxide poisoning attacks people silently by displacing oxygen in their blood. That’s how it damages their hearts, brains, and other major body organs. Every year, some 50,000 people are admitted to the emergency department because of carbon monoxide poisoning. However, having an okay-working CO detector in your home can prevent your family members from this harmful gas. So, protect your well-being and ensure your family’s health by timely detecting the presence of CO.
4. Formaldehyde
We don’t know exactly how it does that, but formaldehyde interferes with cellular functions. So, this substance is dangerous while being a known carcinogen. Even small doses may cause eye, skin, and nose irritation. Unfortunately, the industry uses it in several household products, e.g., adhesives. Moreover, pressed-wood products such as MDF furniture also make use of formaldehyde. It’s better to avoid MDF furniture and watch out for risky adhesives being used in the house.
5. Arsenic
Differentiate between organic and inorganic arsenic because the former, i.e., the one you normally find in seafood, isn’t known to harm humans. However, inorganic arsenicals are extremely harmful and should be avoided at all costs. Now, things such as apples may contain both types of arsenic. It’s believed that the inorganic type comes from polluted groundwater leaching into your fruits. Using a lot of arsenic-containing pesticides can also make your groundwater harmful and harvest toxic.
6. Mercury
Mercury can harm one’s neurological development. In children, mercury leads to different ailments, such as ADHD. Unfortunately, many Americans get exposed to mercury by consuming stuff like shellfish that has been exposed to mercury dumped into the oceans as industrial waste. So, stay careful when consuming seafood. Refrain from eating large marine animals such as swordfish since they may contain higher levels of mercury. That’s how your family can remain safe from it now.
7. Radon
We know that smoking’s the leading cause of lung cancer in the USA. Radon comes next! Studies show how every 15th American residence has dangerous levels of radon. So, you must purchase a reliable radon detector for your house to protect your family. Test your home for radon and reduce it to prevent dangerous ailments. Remember that, just like asbestos, radon-caused issues may also take decades to appear. Check your cellars, attics, and basements for this dangerous substance.
8. Artificial trans fats
Manufacturers pumped hydrogen into stuff like corn oils to make them solid fats. This process was common for preparing edibles such as margarine. However, now we know how consuming trans fats can endanger your well-being. In 2018, FDA effectively banned artificial trans fats. However, they’re still in distribution. If a product contains less than 0.5 grams of these trans fats, the manufacturer can label them as 0 grams. So, you must research your food before reading just the label.
9. Pesticides
Pesticides have become a major health concern for people around the globe today. They have been observed to adversely affect children’s neurological development and cause diseases such as leukemia. So, parents should stay cautious about children being exposed to pesticides. Stop them from playing in an area where pesticides have been sprinkled recently, for example. Wash the fruit before eating it because it may have some condiments of pesticides resting on the surface.
10. Added sugars
Today, we know that added sugars are just empty calories and have no nutritional value. However, a person shouldn’t underestimate the negative influence of sugary products on our health. High amounts of fructose may lead to problems such as obesity, diabetes, and fatty liver disease. So, you should replace sugary drinks with milkshakes and smoothies. Rely less on soft drinks and reduce the consumption of alcohol. You must also stay hydrated, so drink plenty of water to hone your health.
11. BPA
Plastic containers (the ones used to store canned tomatoes) contain a substance called Bisphenol A (BPA). Experts have discovered that BPA can contaminate the food stored inside. This dangerous substance disrupts hormone function and may cause several other ailments, such as obesity and diabetes. Even though most cans today are BPA-free, you should watch out for them while shopping. Its replacement BPS isn’t completely healthy, either.
12. Lead
Who put lead in gasoline? While searching this question on Google, you will come across a person named Thomas Midgley Junior as the man who “accidentally” killed the most people in history. Lead has become one of the most dangerous pollutants in the USA. Research estimates that approximately 50% of Americans were exposed to lead in childhood. After asbestos, it’s probably the most harmful substance on this list. So, you should have your home checked for lead and remove it quickly.
Conclusion
In this article, we’ve discussed how different substances are harmful to your well-being. However, people come into contact with these substances quite often. Avoid the above-mentioned substances at all costs and inform your family members too about the dangers of these elements. They may have grown inside your house without your knowledge so have your home checked for mold, mildew, and asbestos. Radon and CO are dangerous to your family’s well-being. Moreover, substances such as lead, arsenic, mercury, pesticides, and added sugars can also contribute to a decline in one’s health. Avoid consuming artificial trans fats, too, and that’s how you can stay healthy and away from all sorts of dangerous diseases.
