A fresh, clean home is something to be proud of. However, danger is lurking in places we’d never think to look. Here are four surprising things that cause sickness in your home:
1. Mice
Mice can be pretty harmless creatures until one gets inside your home, and if there’s one – there’s more. Rodents reproduce rapidly, and before you know it, your home is infested. They scurry through the tiny spaces, chew wiring and insulation, and build nests everywhere. Mice droppings can cause a deadly respiratory disease, Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome and without the proper pest control, the virus is transmitted through the air, urine, droppings, and saliva. Beginning with flu-like symptoms, they progress to coughing, shortness of breath, and if untreated, fluid-filled lungs with decreased heart function. Professionals at Rodent Control Columbus suggest wearing rubber gloves when removing dead mice, droppings, or nests, and to disinfect any area they were in with bleach. You may also consider hiring HOA pest control services if the infestation gets out of hand.
2. Shower Curtains
When buying shower curtains, you will need to check to see if it is made of a safe material. Curtains/liners made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) are hazardous to your health when toxic PVC chemicals are released into your bathroom. When you open the package and smell that new, fresh curtain, you are actually inhaling the chemical additive DEHP, a suspected carcinogen. Gasses can be emitted from the curtain for over a month, and may cause nerve damage, respiratory, liver, and reproductive problems, they can also be very susceptive to accumulating mold and if you’re not careful enough it can travel to other humid surfaces and you’ll end up having to call in mold removal services. Safer alternatives are fabric or EVC (ethylene vinyl acetate) curtains. Check out ultra-tek.net for disinfecting and sanitizing services.
3. Plastic Containers
There are FDA approved plastic food containers on the market that withstand high microwave temperatures. However, microwaving acidic or fatty foods in plastic containers that hold margarine, yogurt, cream cheese, etc., causes a small amount of leakage of BPA (bisphenol) and phthalates into the food. Health hazards, such as hormonal, endocrine interference, and infertility can be caused if enough is accumulated over time. Use only microwave-safe labeled containers.
4. Toothbrush
Does everyone in your house use the same tube of toothpaste? If each person doesn’t clean the tip off after using, then hosts of germs are transferred to your toothbrush, spreading bacteria and viruses causing mouth infections and gum disease. Strep, herpes simplex viruses, candida, E. Coli, and even fecal matter from toilets have been found on toothbrushes. If spread to the bloodstream, serious health issues, such as stroke or heart attacks can occur. Clean your toothbrush often with an antiseptic mouthwash, and replace every 3 months.
It can be surprising how many everyday items can harbor germs and bacteria. However, with preventative measures, it is easy to scope out and correct dangerous situations.
