Darrick Robles When the temperatures drop and the days get shorter, we like to make ourselves comfortable at home. It’s warm, cozy and safe in your own four walls. For real? If you look closely, you will discover many zones that have an above-average level of pollution. We take a look at hidden household toxins and healthier alternatives.
Poisons lurk everywhere
Modern homes are full of toxins. Many of them are obvious, such as harsh cleaning products, pesticides, solvents, and tobacco and alcohol products. They should always be kept safe (particularly child proof) and, if possible, away from food. But there are also some objects on which no skull and crossbones is printed as a clear danger sign and which are nevertheless detrimental to health. This article is about such hidden poisons .
Tracked down: You should avoid these 5 poisons
You can easily avoid the following 5 sources of poison – if you are aware of them. You should decide based on your personal situation and options whether it is better to eliminate all poisons in one go or to gradually replace poisonous objects.
1. Plastic container
Plasticizers are often found in plastic containers such as storage boxes or microwave dishes . They have a negative effect on the human endocrine system, especially the liver, kidneys and testicles. This can go so far that fertility is impaired or a child is harmed in the womb. This has been proven, for example, for bisphenol A (BPA), which is contained in the plastic polycarbonate (PC).
If food is stored in plastic containers, harmful substances can easily enter the human body, especially when the food is hot. If you want to avoid this danger, you should equip your kitchen with containers made of glass or stainless steel .
2. Cosmetics
We hardly let anything get as close to us as cosmetic products. You can already tell from the smell that some of them are problematic, for example nail polish remover. They often contain solvents which, if inhaled, irritate the bronchi and can cause symptoms such as coughing , headaches or tiredness . Our recommendation: Use nail polish remover without acetone , wear a mask covering your nose and mouth when removing paint, and then wash your hands thoroughly.
Hazardous substances can also lurk in fragrant products. In deodorants these are e.g. B. Aluminum salts, which have long been suspected of increasing the risk of breast cancer and dementia. In cosmetic tissues, it is the preservative Bronopol that can trigger allergies . Even tampons and pads often contain questionable dyes and fragrances. Tip: Check the ingredients of a product while still in the store by scanning a QR code. This is easily possible with appropriate apps.
3. Indoor plants
Most people know that pesticides and pesticides are poisonous. However , many people are not aware that the plants themselves can also pose a danger to people and pets . Critical are e.g. B. such popular houseplants as the ficus, the holly and the poinsettia. Safe alternatives include mimosa, hibiscus and African violets.
Certain plants do not even have to be eaten, but can lead to severe symptoms, such as a skin rash , even when they come into contact with the skin . You can find an overview of all poisonous plant species and what to do in the event of poisoning with a specific plant at the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment .
4. Mattresses
When was the last time you bought a new mattress? Most of us lie on the same mattress for far too long, precisely because they are so good these days that they provide excellent sleeping comfort for many years to come. However, Stiftung Warentest recommends replacing mattresses every 8 years at the latest for reasons of hygiene alone .
If manufactured properly, mattresses do not contain any harmful substances, but over the years a lot accumulates, from sweat to dust and house dust mites . We also lose about 1.5 grams of dander every night – not much, but it adds up to a good half a kilo a year, part of which remains in the mattress. Insufficient ventilation can also cause invisible mold that can trigger allergies . It is therefore best to air the bedroom every day after getting up and turn the mattress every month .
5. Medication
Most people are probably aware that medicines taken by mistake can act like poison. The medicine chest should always be locked when there are children living in the household, because the colorful packaging and candy-like tablets can be very tempting for the little ones. The bathroom cabinet or nightstand drawer are not safe storage locations.
But even in adult-only households, the medicine cabinet can cause problems, keyword: expiration date . Many buy medicines that are needed from time to time in stock, for example cold classics such as cough syrup, fever reducers or cold tea. By the time the next cold is (thankfully) a long time coming, the medication may have expired and be ineffective or even dangerous.
Caution: Medicines that have already been used usually only keep for a few months or weeks. It is best to note the date of first use directly on the packaging. A nasal spray should only be used by one person at a time. Since bacteria collect on the nozzle, you should dispose of it immediately after curing a cold, even if the bottle is still half full.
Quick help in case of poisoning
Hidden toxins in the home can take effect slowly, but (e.g. in the case of plants and medicines) can also cause acute life-threatening poisoning. If this happens, call 112 immediately and provide first aid if necessary . (An animal emergency service should be called or visited for animals suspected of being poisoned.) Advice is usually available by telephone around the clock at the poison control centers . If the situation is not acute, but you still need medical advice, you can of course also talk to a doctor about Med-Healths.
