Things In Your Home That Are Slowly Killing You
You might think your home is a safe haven, but lurking in every corner are items that could be compromising your health. Are you aware of the hidden dangers in your living space?
#1. Air Fresheners and Essential Oil Diffusers
![](https://mamasaywhat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/pexels-laarkstudio-7436112.jpg)
Many air fresheners and essential oil diffusers contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can irritate the respiratory system and trigger allergies.
#2. Non-Stick Cookware
![](https://mamasaywhat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/shutterstock_1368901445.jpg)
When overheated, non-stick cookware releases toxic fumes that can cause flu-like symptoms and long-term health issues.
#3. Plastic Food Containers
![](https://mamasaywhat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/shutterstock_695936533.jpg)
Certain plastics leach chemicals like BPA and phthalates into food and drinks, disrupting hormonal balance and increasing cancer risk.
#4. Household Cleaners
![](https://mamasaywhat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/shutterstock_1936575991.jpg)
Many common cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that can cause skin burns, respiratory problems, and other health issues when used without proper ventilation.
#5. Lead-Based Paint
![](https://mamasaywhat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/pexels-anete-lusina-4792527.jpg)
In older homes, lead-based paint can chip and create dust that is highly toxic, particularly harmful to children’s developing brains.
#6. Mold and Mildew
![](https://mamasaywhat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/pexels-laarkstudio-7434331.jpg)
Excess moisture can lead to mold and mildew growth, which causes respiratory issues, allergies, and immune system problems.
#7. Carpeting
![](https://mamasaywhat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/pexels-atulm0han-18266460.jpg)
Carpets can trap dust mites, pet dander, and other allergens, as well as off-gas chemicals that are harmful over time.
#8. Synthetic Fragrances
![](https://mamasaywhat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/pexels-didsss-1190829.jpg)
Perfumes, colognes, and scented candles often contain synthetic fragrances that emit VOCs, causing headaches and allergic reactions.
#9. Radon Gas
![](https://mamasaywhat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/pexels-cottonbro-5537793.jpg)
This colorless, odorless gas can seep into homes from the ground and is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
#10. Tap Water Contaminants
![](https://mamasaywhat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/shutterstock_2327903125-1.jpg)
Unfiltered tap water may contain heavy metals, pesticides, and other contaminants that pose health risks when consumed over time.
#11. Pesticides on Indoor Plants
![](https://mamasaywhat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/pexels-huy-phan-316220-3076899.jpg)
Using pesticides on indoor plants can leave residue that is harmful if touched or inhaled, especially for children and pets.
#12. Electromagnetic Fields from Electronics
![](https://mamasaywhat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/pexels-pixabay-358627.jpg)
Long-term exposure to electromagnetic fields from electronics like phones and computers can lead to sleep disturbances and increased stress levels.
#13. Flame Retardants in Furniture
![](https://mamasaywhat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/shutterstock_1097696003.jpg)
Many types of furniture are treated with flame retardant chemicals that can accumulate in the body, affecting the nervous and endocrine systems.
#14. Asbestos in Insulation
![](https://mamasaywhat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/shutterstock_1054414061.jpg)
Older homes may still have asbestos in their insulation, which, if disturbed, can release fibers that cause lung disease and cancer.
#15. Antimicrobial Hand Soaps
![](https://mamasaywhat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/shutterstock_1715011987.jpg)
Triclosan and other antimicrobials in hand soaps can disrupt the endocrine system and contribute to antibiotic resistance.
#16. Formaldehyde in Pressed Wood Products
![](https://mamasaywhat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/shutterstock_1886769220.jpg)
Furniture made from pressed wood releases formaldehyde gas, which irritates the respiratory system and is a known carcinogen.
#17. Teflon in Kitchen Appliances
![](https://mamasaywhat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/pexels-kelly-1179532-2868977.jpg)
Teflon coatings in appliances can release toxic compounds when overheated, similar to non-stick cookware.
#18. Chlorine in Cleaning Products
![](https://mamasaywhat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/shutterstock_1621565518.jpg)
Chlorine-based cleaners can release fumes that irritate the eyes, throat, and lungs, especially in poorly ventilated spaces.
#19. Toxic Houseplants
![](https://mamasaywhat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/pexels-cottonbro-5607881.jpg)
Some popular houseplants, like philodendrons and peace lilies, are toxic when ingested by pets or small children.
#20. Mercury in Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs)
![](https://mamasaywhat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/pexels-pixabay-247782.jpg)
Broken CFLs release mercury vapor, which is toxic to the nervous system and kidneys.
#21. Secondhand Smoke
![](https://mamasaywhat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/pexels-vlada-karpovich-5790807.jpg)
If smoking occurs inside, secondhand smoke can linger and cause respiratory issues, heart disease, and cancer in non-smokers.
Stay Aware
![](https://mamasaywhat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/shutterstock_1838656510.jpg)
Your home should be a sanctuary, not a source of health risks. By being aware of these hidden dangers and taking appropriate measures, you can create a safer and healthier living environment for you and your loved ones.
Not All Tea Is Good for You: List of Teas to Avoid and to Stick To
![](https://mamasaywhat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/shutterstock_679836535-1.jpg)
Not all teas are healthy and some might actually harm your health with poor ingredients. But how can you tell the good from the bad? This guide aims to help you make informed choices without turning you into a tea expert overnight. Not All Tea Is Good for You: List of Teas to Avoid and to Stick To
America’s Spiritual Revolution: Turning Away from Christianity to Embrace Alternatives
![](https://mamasaywhat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/pexels-leonardo-pavao-861414-19804848-1.jpg)
As church attendance declines, Americans are exploring diverse spiritual paths, from stargazing druids to unconventional deities like Wi-Fi gods and extraterrestrials. Explore the quirky and sometimes controversial new religions capturing attention as people seek meaning beyond traditional Christianity. America’s Spiritual Revolution: Turning Away from Christianity to Embrace Alternatives
25 Must-Try Global Delicacies
![](https://mamasaywhat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/shutterstock_279495818-1.jpg)
From Bangkok’s bustling streets to Parisian cafes, every corner of the world offers something special for your taste buds. And you don’t have to travel far; even in the USA, you can find a world of flavors. Here are 25 global delicacies every foodie should try, including some local favorites! 25 Must-Try Global Delicacies
16 Affectionate Gestures to Keep the Romance Alive
![](https://mamasaywhat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/shutterstock_781781674.jpg)
Sustaining romance in a relationship needs deliberate actions and research-backed gestures to foster intimacy. Here are 16 evidence-based romantic gestures, with steps to integrate them into your relationship and revive the spark. 16 Affectionate Gestures to Keep the Romance Alive
21 Top Christian Attractions to Explore in the U.S.
![](https://mamasaywhat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/shutterstock_1533420395-1.jpg)
The U.S. is rich in spiritual destinations, offering awe-inspiring sites for both believers and curious travelers. Explore the 21 most popular Christian attractions across the country, where architecture, history, and faith converge. 21 Top Christian Attractions to Explore in the U.S.
The post Things In Your Home That Are Slowly Killing You first appeared on Hello Positive Mindset.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Stokkete.
For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.