How we are being poisoned right inside our homes! (These are real things that happen!)

We think that home is the safest place in the world, but in fact, the very air we breathe contains harmful substances that can cause diseases and illnesses. Surprisingly, sometimes the air inside our homes can be more harmful to our health than the dusty air outside. Let's see how that happens.

Hidden dangers in commonly used items

Are they fragrant balls? Or poisonous balls? - The story of the camphor balls

When you open the cupboard, the camphor balls left by the wash basin in the bathroom... That smell comes from chemicals called Naphthalene and Paradichlorobenzene. When these evaporate and enter our breath, it directly affects our nervous system, causing headaches and dizziness . If we are exposed to this smell continuously, it can damage not only the lungs, but also the red blood cells in our blood (risk of hemolytic anemia ). It can cause breathing difficulties for some people.

The most dangerous thing is that if a small child swallows it, the poison can go directly into the body and cause hemolysis, liver and kidney damage, which can be life-threatening. If symptoms such as stomach pain, vomiting , or diarrhea occur, they should be taken to a hospital without delay. Therefore, the use of camphor balls should be done with great caution.

Air fresheners that make your home smell good - is it a scent? Is it a health hazard?

Sprays and plugs that are used to make your home smell good... they really only cover up the bad smell with another chemical scent, they don't eliminate the harmful substances in the air. What's more dangerous is that the chemical vapors in them, such as formaldehyde, benzene, and paradichlorobenzene, irritate the delicate membranes of our respiratory system, aggravate existing asthma conditions, and cause new allergies. Some chemicals have also been identified as things that increase the risk of cancer in the long term. Incense sticks and scented candles also release particles into the air that are harmful to the respiratory system.

Types of smoke - silent killers inside the house!

Cigarette smoke: the main enemy

There is no need to explain this. Smoking cigarettes indoors means releasing over 7,000 toxic chemicals into the air, including more than 70 carcinogens , that directly affect health. These damage the lungs, cause heart disease, and cause cancer. These toxins affect not only the smoker, but also everyone else in the house (secondhand smoke), especially children. The chemicals that settle on walls and clothes (thirdhand smoke) are also harmful.

Effects of mosquito coil smoke

Pyrethroids, an insecticide found in the plant, can cause respiratory problems, skin irritation, and eye irritation in some people. They can also have minor effects on the nervous system, causing headaches and tingling. Therefore, good ventilation is essential when using them.

Beware of smoke in the kitchen!

When cooking on a wood stove or gas stove, if the smoke is not properly vented, a very dangerous gas called carbon monoxide (CO) is produced. This CO accumulates in our blood and stops it from carrying oxygen throughout the body. That's what causes headaches, dizziness, and vomiting. If the CO concentration increases, unconsciousness and even death can occur. At the same time, harmful gases such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2) are released into the lungs.

Chemical effects of new goods and fabrics

The dangers of dry-cleaned clothes

That 'chemical' smell comes from a chemical called 'Perchloroethylene' (PERC). When inhaled, it directly affects the nervous system and can cause dizziness and headaches. It is also linked to a long-term risk of cancer. Therefore, it is safe to wear it after it has been thoroughly aired out and the smell has dissipated.

What's hidden in new clothes and furniture

New bedding, towels, sofas, and carpets release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde into the air. These can irritate the delicate membranes of the eyes, nose, and throat, cause breathing difficulties, and cause allergies. When you bring new items, it's important to keep them in a well-ventilated area for a few days, and to wash the fabrics before using them.

So what does all this do to the body? (Health effects)

Look, all of this affects each of our body's systems:

• Skin allergies: rash, eczema, itching, redness.
• Respiratory system: development or worsening of asthma, chronic cough, wheezing, lung infections.
• Nervous system: Frequent headaches, memory loss, fatigue, dizziness.
• Cardiovascular system: Some pollutants also affect the heart.
• Cancer risk: Long-term exposure to some chemicals increases the risk of developing serious diseases such as cancer.

Okay, don't worry! This can be controlled! (Solutions)

There are some simple, but very important things we can do to reduce this risk:

• Air, air, more air!: This is the number one solution. Always keep the doors and windows of your house wide open and let natural air circulate inside the house. Use an exhaust fan in the kitchen and bathroom.
• Quit smoking: Stop smoking indoors completely. It's the greatest service you can do for everyone's health.
• Reduce or stop: Eliminate the use of peppermint balls, strong-smelling air fresheners, and scented candles as much as possible.
• Natural things: Use things like vinegar, lime, and baking soda to clean. If you want a scent, add a drop or two of pure essential oil (but be careful) or some dried flower petals.
• Be careful with new things: Wash new clothes. Air out other new items before bringing them indoors.
• Vacuum regularly: Dust is a major allergen. So vacuum thoroughly. It's best to wipe it down with a damp cloth or use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter.

Finally

Our home is our safety, our comfort. So, if we pay a little attention to these invisible enemies and follow these simple steps, we can create an environment where everyone in the family can be healthy and happy, without any illness or suffering. There is no wealth like health!