Health
Have you ever noticed that for some unknown reason you have become ill too often or for a long time? Surely, each of us has faced such a problem at least once. Why is this happening and how can we deal with it?
Spring is coming, which means it's time to clean not only your thoughts, but also your house. After all, cleanliness in the house is a guarantee of health, and now you will find out why.
In this article, we'll tell you about 10 common things in your home that can cause health problems when contaminated.
See also: 17 things in your home that make you sick – Video
Factors that affect health
Dirty sheets
Agree, there is something unearthly about lying down in a cozy bed after a busy day at work, but some intruders — dust mites living in dirty sheets — can leave an unpleasant imprint on your evening.
According to some studies, a person loses about 15 grams of dead skin every week, this skin lingers in sheets and becomes an excellent food for dust mites. Their waste products, such as feces, can become a source of human health problems.
They can provoke eczema, seasonal allergies, skin irritations and much more. In order to protect yourself from such consequences, it is better to wash the sheets every 1-2 weeks in 60-degree water.
Air vents
If you suddenly experience an allergy or illness for no apparent reason, a dirty vent may be the culprit for your poor health. The Environmental Protection Agency explains that, in principle, a small amount of dust in the vent does not affect humans, but mold and large accumulations of dust can significantly harm your health.
Scientists are still arguing about whether dust can cause serious health problems, but many will agree that cleaning ventilation and pipes from mold and other toxic substances is a wise step to ways to a healthy and happy life.
Read also: How do you find time to clean your house when you're busy?
How to stay healthy
Old vacuum cleaner
You may think that your vacuum cleaner helps you keep your home clean, but sometimes it does more harm than it helps you. According to research published in the Journal of Environment and Technology, out of 21 vacuum cleaners of different brands, characteristics and sizes, absolutely each one released some clots of dust into the air, allergens and bacteria.
Much more pollution was due to the old age of the vacuum cleaner or the lack of a special filter on it.
Both increased the risk of air pollution by harmful particles. The best way to combat the release of dust and bacteria is to buy a new vacuum cleaner with a special filter of air particles and constantly clean the equipment.
If you live near a source of air pollution, such as a train station, airport or factory, you should install an air purifier in your home that will protect you from substances and chemicals that cause asthma and allergies are better than any vacuum cleaner.
Animal wool and dander
For many, fluffy four-legged pets are full members of the family, but they have one feature that can cause a lot of trouble if not properly cared for: their coat and dandruff, which sometimes accumulates on it. This dandruff consists of small particles of dead skin, which causes allergies and makes people sneeze.
The best way to prevent or alleviate allergies is to keep animals away from thick fabrics and upholstered furniture. In addition, to reduce the amount of dandruff in the house, you should vacuum more often and wipe off the accumulated dust from shelves and furniture.
How dust affects health
Cleansers
Most cleaning products that millions of people use every day for cleaning contain chemicals that can easily cause serious health problems. Many of them contain carcinogens, such as formaldehyde laundry detergents. Some jewelry cleaners contain perchloroethylene, which is harmful to health.
Fortunately, these days, there are many ways to keep your home clean without harm to health using harmless products based on natural ingredients. In addition, if you are a fan of all-natural cleaning products, vinegar, lemon, butter and baking soda will be your helpers.
Hidden mold
Invisible mold clots can lurk for a long time in any part of your home without you even knowing them. They can hide in your bathroom, in the basement, under the wallpaper, every day unnoticed harming your health.
Most often, mold appears in humid rooms with low air circulation or where liquid accumulates and stagnates.
The possible harm from mold is scary, because it can cause serious health problems. Among these problems are nausea, headaches, reduced immunity and a stuffy nose – all these symptoms, if left unchecked, can lead to a serious illness such as asthma, for example.
To protect yourself and your loved ones from this scourge, you can use a detergent mixed with water. In this solution, it is necessary to soak a brush or rag, after which it is necessary to scrape off the mold from all available hard surfaces. However, this is not always enough, and for a better effect, the room should be properly ventilated.
Cigarette smoke
It's no secret that you don't have to smoke for your health to suffer from tobacco smoke. It's enough just to stay near a smoker for a long time, or in a room where you recently smoked. That's why smoking in the house is not a good idea, because the consequences can be sad not only for you, but also for your loved ones.
As you know, cigarettes contain several thousand different chemicals, more than 70 of which are carcinogens. In addition, according to sad statistics, since 1964, more than 2.5 million people have died due to passive smoking. The best way to save yourself and your loved ones from health problems is to stop smoking in the house, especially if doors and windows are tightly closed.
Read also: 10 essential cleaning tips from clean-up expert Marie Kondo
The benefits of cleaning
Old paint
If you notice that the paint on the walls in your house has already peeled off, and the last time you renovated it was in the last century, be careful. Much more hazardous substances used to be added to paints than they are now, and in some countries even heavy metals were added. Peeling paint on its own looks unpresentable and, when crumbling, can affect your health and that of your children.
If you find that peeling paint is inconvenient for you, it is best to invite professionals to help you with this problem. It is better, of course, to make repairs, if possible. When choosing paint for walls and furniture in the house, pay attention to the composition and take care of your health.
Dirty shelves and drawers in the refrigerator
Even if at first glance, the shelves and drawers in your refrigerator seem sterile, they can hide bacteria that are harmful to your health, such as E. coli, salmonella, and much more. The diseases caused by these bacteria can be quite serious and show symptoms of poisoning.
To avoid these unpleasant consequences and protect loved ones from problems, wash fruits, vegetables, chicken and quail eggs thoroughly before putting them in the refrigerator. In addition, clean shelves and drawers in the refrigerator from accumulated dirt at least 1-2 times a month.
Bath mat
We don't often pay due attention to everyday things like a bath mat, but they can carry hidden dangers — pathogens, mold, dust mites, and much more something else.
When you get out of the shower and get your feet wet on the mat, the liquid is immediately absorbed, creating a favorable environment for the development and reproduction of dangerous microorganisms. To protect yourself and your bathroom as much as possible from parasites, try to dry your feet before you stand on the mat. Also, wash the mat in hot water at least a few times a month.
17 things in your home that make you sick