5 Household Items You Didn’t Know Were Deadly
Some say that there’s danger lurking around every corner, and they aren’t only talking about the outdoors. In your own home, there are a lot of things that aren’t only dangerous, but can also be deadly. Some are deadly in the sense that they can cause a tragic accident instantaneously, while others are dangerous because they cause chronic illnesses.
At some point, you’ve probably thought about the potential dangers that some of the items in your house can bring. We don’t want to cause any alarm as all of these items have their purpose, but you have to be careful when using them. On the other hand, you may want to consider alternatives for a few of these items. Without further adieu, here are five household items that you probably didn’t know could be deadly.
Space Heater
Often used in the dead of winter to warm up a small area inside your home, space heaters are extremely convenient and come in handy on those especially frigid winter days. Well, like any corded appliance, there’s always a risk of an electrical fire when using a space heater.
That risk is increased when the appliance is producing a lot of heat. Annually, about 45,000 house fires are caused by electrical problems. Always keep your space heater plugged into a functioning wall outlet, with no extension cords. Keep flammable items far from the space heater. Educate yourself on space heater etiquette to keep your home safe.
Chemical Cleaners
Odds are you’ll find at least a few harsh chemical-based cleaners in any household. Bleach, window cleaner, ammonia, drain cleaner, and toilet bowl cleaner all contain harsh ingredients that can irritate your eyes, skin, and lungs, and possibly damage items they come into contact with.
As if that’s not reason enough to ditch the harsh chemicals, if mixed together the chemicals can create noxious gasses that are dangerous and possibly deliver fatal consequences. Opt for more natural cleansers that are gentle, but still tough on stains and filth. Only use these harsh chemicals when absolutely necessary and never mix them together.
Nonstick Pots and Pans
The ease of cooking with nonstick pots and pans almost makes you forget that the nonstick surface itself contains Polytetrafluoroethylene. Not only a mouthful, but a fluoropolymer that has been linked to inferiority, obesity, and certain cancers.
A rather unappetizing danger most people don’t factor into their meal plans. Do as much research as you can to find pots and pans that are safely nonstick, so you’re not ingesting a deadly surprise with your meals.
Air Fresheners and Plug-ins
Air fresheners come in all different kinds of vessels. Aerosol cans, aroma beads, wax melts, diffusers, potpourri, candles, incense, and plug-ins, just to name a few. Some hidden dangers to using powerful air fresheners are the asthma and lung issues that can develop, or become irritated by the release of scents and mists.
It’s best to stick to natural and less irritating scent enhancers that freshen up the room without harming your air quality. One more thing to be aware of is the danger of plug-in air fresheners. Plugging the scented packs into your outlets can cause fires and it’s best to stay away from them completely.
Extension cords
A seemingly harmless household helper, the extension cord. They’re convenient as ever but can threaten your safety at home. Most house fires are caused by electrical issues, including poor extension cord usage. Never plug space heaters, or other powerful appliances into extension cords and keep them plugged directly into outlets instead.
Ensure your extension cords are not overcrowded and only have a small number of items plugged in temporarily. Typically they’re not safe to be used as long-term fixtures for your devices. Keep extension cords in sight and never run them underneath rugs or other flammable objects.