Buzz
We often view our homes as safe retreats, places to escape danger and find comfort. However, the truth is, our very own living spaces can harbor hidden hazards.
Every year, countless injuries and fatalities are caused by common household products. Despite our efforts to babyproof and maintain a safe environment, the places we call home contain countless accidents waiting to happen.
Many of us overlook warning labels and safety tips on products we think are harmless. Taking a moment to carefully assess and address potential risks could be life-saving. You likely own many of these deadly items, and may have even used them today.
But are you aware that these items could be fatal? We all make sure to extinguish candles before leaving the house and turn off the stove, but other seemingly harmless objects can be just as dangerous. Here's a list of common household items that surprisingly pose a deadly risk.
10. Bleach
Bleach, commonly used for cleaning even the toughest stains, can be highly dangerous. Ingesting or even inhaling bleach can prove fatal. Furthermore, when combined with other cleaning agents like ammonia or acids, it can lead to deadly reactions.
The main component of bleach is sodium hypochlorite. When it combines with ammonia, it releases toxic chloramine gases. When mixed with acids, bleach produces chlorine gas, which can damage mucous membranes even with minimal exposure. It can even be absorbed through the skin!
While the risks of mixing bleach might be shocking, people are familiar with the deadly nature of bleach on its own. For instance, a Chicago woman was charged with first-degree murder in early 2017 after forcing her boyfriend to drink bleach. An autopsy confirmed the death was a direct result of 'complications from forcible administration of a caustic substance,' and it was thus ruled a homicide.
9. Toothpaste
You might have never noticed the poison warning required by the FDA on each toothpaste tube. This is mainly because a surprising 95% of toothpaste sold in the United States contains fluoride.
The severity of the effects depends on how much is ingested, and the FDA recommends contacting a poison control center if you swallow even a little more than what is used for brushing. The Fluoride Action Network points out that the dental industry has 'failed to educate the public about the dangers of swallowing too much fluoride toothpaste.'
Shockingly, most toothpaste brands suggest using only a pea-sized amount. However, ads often show much larger amounts, which can be hazardous. This is particularly dangerous for children who may not properly gauge the amount of toothpaste to use or may overconsume due to appealing artificial flavors.
The FDA originally imposed the poison warning because overconsumption of fluoride toothpaste by children can lead to acute fluoride poisoning and even death. Another significant risk associated with toothpaste is dental fluorosis, a condition that damages tooth enamel and can cause severe reactions.
Toothpaste, which is designed to promote hygiene and health, can ironically become deadly.
8. Acetaminophen
Got a headache? Back pain? Toothache? Reach for a Tylenol! But you might want to be cautious when popping these pills. Acetaminophen (APAP), the pain-relieving ingredient in Tylenol, can sometimes be lethal if you take too many. And it’s not just Tylenol to worry about. Acetaminophen is also found in Midol, Excedrin, Pamprin, Mucinex, Robitussin, and Vicks. Every year, around 500 deaths are linked to APAP overdoses, according to the American Council on Science and Health. Too much of it can overload the liver, leading to severe liver damage. To avoid an overdose, you shouldn’t exceed 3,000 mg a day. Despite its risks, Tylenol remains one of the most commonly used over-the-counter pain relievers.
You might remember the 1982 Chicago Tylenol Murders, where seven people died after taking pills laced with cyanide-potassium. This tragedy led to a change in how over-the-counter medications are packaged and prompted the government to enact anti-tampering laws. Although the case remains unsolved, Tylenol and other acetaminophen-based products are safe as long as you don’t exceed the recommended dose—just be sure to check the safety seal.
7. Mothballs
Composed of either naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene (chemicals as harmful as their names are long), mothballs present a serious hazard to household safety. For years, they've been used to ward off moths, but they are especially dangerous in homes, particularly to young children.
According to the Department of Public Health, both chemicals turn into gases when exposed to oxygen, producing a distinct odor. This gas is not only irritating to the eyes and lungs, but is also suspected to have cancer-causing properties.
Babies have a harder time clearing these toxic by-products from their systems. As a result, out of the roughly 4,000 children who are exposed to mothballs annually, 600 require immediate medical attention. Jaundice, the yellowing of the skin, is a major symptom that can lead to organ failure and even death.
Since mothball toxins can affect the body through ingestion, inhalation, and skin absorption, it's recommended to find alternative methods for moth prevention. Specifically, mothballs should no longer be used to deter pests in places like attics and gardens.
6. Dryer Lint
According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, over 15,000 fires occur each year due to clothes dryers. Debris like lint can build up in the vent, restricting airflow. This blockage prevents the proper expulsion of dryer exhaust gases, which can trigger a fire.
Angie Hicks, founder of Angie’s List, states, “Clothes dryers are an appliance we often overlook. We need to keep them well-maintained and, most importantly, ensure their vents are cleaned.”
Have you ever noticed your clothes still damp after a full cycle in the dryer? Dryer technician Glen Mayfield warns that this is the first indicator that your dryer vent may be clogged, a dangerous situation that could lead to a fire.
Interestingly, modern homes often position washing and drying machines closer to the center of the house, which leads to much longer vents. This setup makes it harder to remove lint and increases the risk of fire.
5. Lead Paint
In 1978, the U.S. government made the decision to prohibit the use of lead-based paints. Homes and buildings constructed before this law now pose the risk of lead poisoning for their inhabitants.
Lead-containing paints are still found in millions of homes throughout the U.S., and the dangers they pose are often underestimated. The Environmental Protection Agency highlights that the primary danger occurs when lead paint starts to deteriorate.
Lead paint also becomes a serious hazard when it is found on surfaces that children frequently interact with, such as windows, doors, and stairs. Although lead is a naturally occurring substance, prolonged exposure to it can be fatal. It's strongly recommended that any lead-based paint be promptly removed.
4. Extension Cords
While highly practical, extension cords are far more hazardous than most people realize, beyond the obvious risk of tripping. Widely used in homes and workplaces to provide power in various locations, extension cords are also highly flammable.
It might surprise you to know that approximately 3,300 home fires are caused by extension cords each year, resulting in about 50 fatalities and around 270 injuries. Additionally, approximately 4,000 emergency room visits are made annually due to injuries related to extension cords.
Even more startling, about half of these injuries are fractures, sprains, or cuts. The Electrical Safety Foundation recommends using extension cords solely for temporary purposes and ensuring that they do not overheat.
3. Pressure Washers
Highly regarded for their power and effectiveness, pressure washers are rapidly replacing traditional garden hoses. These machines, powered by either a gas engine or an electric motor, can increase the pressure of a regular hose by a factor of 30 to 80.
According to Consumer Reports, a typical garden hose delivers water pressure of around 50 pounds per square inch. By comparison, pressure washers generate up to 80 times that power, producing between 1,500 and 4,000 pounds per square inch.
If the powerful water stream is misdirected, it can cause instant skin damage. Dr. Howard Mell, MD, states, “The real danger of pressure washers lies in the fact that even a minor break in the skin can allow the water to penetrate deeper into the tissue, spreading and potentially causing a bacterial infection.”
This can be fatal. Furthermore, prolonged exposure to the high-pressure stream can lead to serious organ damage or even death. In 2014, it’s estimated that over 6,000 people sought emergency treatment due to pressure washer-related injuries.
It is advised to use wider-angle attachments for outdoor cleaning. These take longer but achieve the same results with far less danger. Next time you use a power washer to clean your yard, remember that it could land you in the operating room rather than the garden.
2. Nonstick Cookware
Nonstick pans are essential in the kitchens of both professional chefs and home cooks alike. In 2006, 90% of all aluminum cookware sold was coated with a nonstick substance, typically Teflon.
While this trend has continued, experts have raised concerns about the dangerous chemicals that can be emitted. Robert L. Wolke, Ph.D., from the University of Pittsburgh, assures that nonstick pans are safe as long as they are not subjected to excessive heat.
When these pans are overheated, the coating begins to break down on a molecular level, releasing harmful gases. This is especially concerning since it's easy to forget something cooking on the stove—a situation we've all found ourselves in.
With ongoing research validating these concerns, it’s becoming increasingly critical to always monitor the kitchen. Failing to do so could turn nonstick cookware into a serious health hazard.
1. Furniture Polish
Furniture polish may give your furniture a fresh, shiny look, but it also has the potential to land you in the emergency room. Although it's a common household item, this polish contains highly toxic chemicals.
MedlinePlus, a resource of the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health, warns that the hydrocarbons in liquid furniture polish can be poisonous if ingested or even inhaled.
This dangerous compound can harm multiple parts of the body. If it gets into your eyes, it can lead to vision loss. Inhaling it can inflict severe lung damage, and skin contact may cause significant irritation. It's simply not worth the risk, especially in homes with children, just to add a little shine to your furniture.
