10 Dangerous household items that may affect your fertility and what to do make your home safer.
Dangerous Household Items
Scientists have discovered that the thousands of chemicals that have enabled many of life’s conveniences may have been robbing us, slowly but surely, of our most precious necessity for future survival: our fertility.
10 Mothballs
Danger
Studies on one active ingredient in some repellents, paradichlorobenzene, found that it can cause cancer in animals [source: EPA]. Although scientists do not know if it is also a human carcinogen, the animal trials provided sufficient evidence to urge people to handle them with caution. Other types of moth balls use naphthalene, which after prolonged exposure can damage or destroy red blood cells [source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention]. The chemical can also stimulate nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Solution
There are a variety of natural items that repel moths, the most common being cedar. It also has a very pleasant smell without the toxic chemicals.
9. Pesticides
Danger
Pesticides may directly damage spermatozoa, alter Sertoli cell or Leydig cell function, or disrupt the endocrine function in any stage of hormonal regulation (hormone synthesis, release, storage, transport, and clearance; receptor recognition and binding; thyroid function; and the central nervous system).
Solution
In your home you can dust boric acid on cracks and crevices, which slowly poisons crawling insects like ants, cockroaches and silverfish, but is far less toxic to humans and other mammals.
8. Pressed wood products
Danger
Some products use urea-formaldehyde as a resin, and the U.S. EPA estimates that this is the largest source of formaldehyde emissions indoors, which can increase as well in hotter, more humid conditions.
Formaldehyde exposure can be dangerous, possibly setting off watery eyes, burning eyes and throat, difficulty breathing and asthma attacks. Scientists also know that it can cause cancer in animals, which leaves open a possibility for the same in humans.
Solution
Keep these products as dry as possible at all times as they only present a danger when the items get wet. Also keep your air conditioner or dehumidifier to keep the air and surfaces as dry as possible.
7. Carpet
Danger
Indoor carpeting has recently come under greater scrutiny because of the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) associated with new carpet installation.
Solution
To be on the safe side, you can request your retailer to unroll the carpet and air it out a couple of days before bringing it in your home. Also consider choosing a wool carpet it is NATURALLY FIRE RETARDANT. Another added advantage to Wool carpets is that dust mites do not like them, and because of this, wool is an excellent choice for someone with asthma and allergies.
6. Laser Printers
Danger
Beware the sinister laser printer lurking in the background. It may release ultra-fine particles that can get into your lungs.
A 2007 study from the Queensland University of Technology in Australia found that some laser printers give off ultra fine particles that could cause serious health problems. Another study from the National Institute of Public Health also confirmed that laser and ink-jet printers can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), ozone, and particulates
Solution
Keep printers in well ventilated areas and be cautious when changing the toner cartridges.
5. Lead paint
Danger
Lead poisoning still happens even today, so protect yourself and your family. Even low concentrations can cause problems with your central nervous system, brain, blood cells and kidneys [source: EPA]. It's particularly threatening for fetuses, babies and children, because of potential developmental disorders.
Solution
Have any chipped paint checked out by a professional if your home was built before 1968.
4. Air Fresheners and cleaning solutions
Danger
Air fresheners and cleaning solutions freshen and sanitize our indoor habitats. However, a study by the University of California at Berkeley found that when used excessively or in a small, unventilated area, these products release toxic levels of pollutants.
Solution
Natural alternatives for air fresheners can be used such as Potpourri and natural oils. The safest cleaning solutions are the old standbys such as Baking soda and vinegar it cleans and disinfects but is safe to breath.
3. BPA
Danger
Polycarbonate plastics, which are the most common type on the market. It has done so because the plastics are made with a chemical called bisphenol-a (BPA). When heated, these types of baby bottles can release BPA.
Based on the research so far, the agency maintains that the bottles being sold in the U.S. are safe for use.
Solution
Check all plastic products that come into contact with food. Also the danger only occurs when the plastic is heated, like in the microwave. So keep those plastics cool and there is no danger.
2. Flame Retardants
Danger
Commonly used in mattresses, upholstery, television and computer casings and circuit boards, flame retardants have likely saved many lives by preventing unexpected fires in homes across the world. However, science has revealed a darker side to these chemical superheroes, called polybrominated diphenyl ethers, or PBDEs for short, found in a variety of consumer plastics. Two forms of PBDEs were phased out of use in manufacturing in the United States in 2004 because of related health threats [source: CDC]. However, the products containing them and their cousin deca-PBDE linger on.
Studies have linked PBDEs to learning and memory problems, lowered sperm counts and poor thyroid functioning in rats and mice
Solution
Future CDC studies will focus on the safety of deca-PBDE, which could lead to a complete phase out of these flame retardants. Be as informed as possible when purchasing the items above, ask questions. Many of the items all come with flame retardants by law but the types used vary widely by manufacturer and safety.
1. Cosmetic Phthalates
Danger
Phthalates, also called plasticizers, go into many products dotted around your bathroom and vanity, including hair spray, shampoos, fragrances, deodorants and even your rubber ducky. Along with increasing the durability and flexibility of plastics, phthalates also bind the color and fragrance in cosmetic products.
Like BPA mentioned earlier, these hormone-like chemicals are linked to reproductive and developmental problems in animals.
However, the agency recognizes a potential for lowered sperm count in boys and premature breast development in girls, among other things [source: CDC]. As for cosmetic products, the Food and Drug Administration maintains that levels in products are safe for adults but also is studying the potential effects in infants and children.
Solution
Look for products that are based on natural ingredients and limit your exposure.