No one wants to encounter danger in the house. We may assume some basics things like gas-burning stoves and some cleaning products are the only items that can cause uncertainty in our homes. There are plenty of questionable products we use in our homes that can cause hidden dangers. Most of the products are made of harmful components that deteriorate our health or are capable of bringing risks like fire. Below are some household items that can bring harm to your house;

According to the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), in 2015, 501,500 structure fires occurred. These fires resulted in deaths, injuries, and damages to property. The cause of these fires is electrical appliances. Electric appliances are right for your home if you properly handle them. Electronics with faulty outlets can cause fires. Examples of house electrical that can cause fires when mishandled include;

Dishwashers. If you have ever opened your dishwasher immediately after it finished its cycle, there is an overwhelming heat that comes out. When your dishwasher gets old or is faulted, it can start fires. When you are leaving the house, do not leave the dishwasher on.

Microwaves. This is a fire hazard in your kitchen. Most microwaves start fires unknowingly.

Refrigerators. When the fridge's compressor gets overheated or experiences electrical short, it can start the fire. Also, a light that stands on throughout can cause an explosion if it explodes.

Toasters. They have electric elements inside that are used to brown your bread. If it fails to turn off, it can cause a fire. You should clean you're toasted regularly and inspect the electric elements.\

Dryers. When they overheat, dryers can cause fires.

With the above causes of house fires, it is advisable to take house insurance against the damages caused by fires.

Plastics are made up of a group of chemicals called Phthalates to make them flexible. These chemicals, when ingested, mimic hormones in the body that will interfere with reproductive health and breathing system. Diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), the commonly used phthalates, is a linked body. Most plastic wrap and plastic containers are made from these chemical components; you should avoid using it; instead, you can help our glass jars, ceramic vessels, tin foil or polyethylene containers that do not have estrogenic chemicals. Do not microwave your food in a plastic container. If it is a must to use plastic wrap to microwave your food, do not place it directly touching your food.

 

Many cleaning products can irritate the throat or eyes, or cause mild headaches and some health problems like cancer. Some cleaning products are made up of chemicals, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), ammonia, and bleach. When released into the air, these cleaning products can cause chronic respiratory problems like asthma and allergic reactions.

Cleaning household products containing volatile organic compounds (VOCs), ammonia, bleach, and other toxic substances include;

● Chlorine bleach

● Rug and upholstery cleaners

● Aerosol spray products

● Detergent and dish-washing liquid

● Furniture and floor polish

Do not mix bleach or any product containing chlorine bleach with any cleaning product containing ammonia. The gasses emitted from the combination can cause breathing problems or even death. According to Good Housekeeping, these household cleaning supplies lose their effectiveness over time. The plastic containers store in them may also affect its contents. To avoid harm from these cleaning products, you should read all labels before buying them. You should choose products that do not contain or reduced amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), irritants, fragrance, and flammable ingredients.

Fire extinguishers, when properly used, do not cause any damage. Mishandling it can risk you getting some mild respiratory problems, skin and eye irritation. You should not use a fire extinguisher if the house does not have a free flow of air. Fire extinguishers should be regularly monitored and replaced because it expires.

From dentist advice of changing toothbrush after three months, you should also exchange other cosmetics. Do not let them overstay because they expire. If these toiletries and cosmetics go bad, they collect bacteria that might pose a health risk to your home. Some of the cosmetics and their duration period include;

● Bar soap -three years

● Lipstick- two to three years

● Mascara- three months

● Shampoo/conditioner- three years unopened

● Deodorant- three years

● Cleanser- two years

● Oil-free foundation- one year

Before buying the above toiletries and cosmetics, you should read the expiry dates and buy products that have a long duration to expiry.

There are some beautiful stain-resistant carpets. But they are made from several industrial chemicals. These chemicals are the ones rebelling the stains, and they are linked to causing health problems. Chemicals that are used to treat these carpets include PFOA and PFASs, the Teflon chemical. They are linked to cancer and thyroid disease.

It is advisable to buy untreated carpet or carpet made from natural materials like sisal and wool

According to the Ackerman Cancer Centre, air fresheners contain phthalates and other hazardous toxins that can easily be inhaled and absorbed by the skin. Long term usage of air fresheners can cause damage to kidneys, lungs, central nervous system and can alter body hormones.

Anything to do with gas releases toxins to the air. Gas space heaters release carbon monoxide, which can be harmful to your respiratory health. Gas space heaters can cause fires.

There is nothing is more important than keeping your family protected and creating a safe environment for them. Learning to apply precautions or measures to take to curb dangers from happening will make your task of protecting your family simple.