12 Things that Harm Your Lungs

We are all aware of the dangers of smoking to our lung health, but it turns out there are many other hazards lurking in our homes and work environments. From seemingly harmless items like carpets and candles, through beloved pets, to environmental factors such as mold and radon gas – all of these can significantly impact our lung health, almost as much as cigarettes. To protect your lungs, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with 12 factors that harm them and learn how to protect yourself.

1. Mold

Mold is a type of fungus that releases spores into the air that are dangerous to breathe. These spores can cause serious problems and infections in the lungs, including chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD), which are also caused by heavy smoking and exposure to smoke and air pollution. They also weaken the immune system, making us more vulnerable to bacteria. If you are sensitive to mold, it is highly recommended to ensure your home and all its rooms are well-ventilated to prevent its development. 

 

2. Pet Birds

If you keep a bird at home, you should know that particles released from their feathers and droppings can cause lung inflammation if inhaled. These particles are as harmful as mold spores and cause pulmonary fibrosis, which can destroy lung tissue in sensitive individuals. If you have a bird at home and have recently been experiencing breathing problems, it is advisable to consult a doctor to check if this is the cause. 

 

3. Humidifiers

While this device is recommended for increasing indoor humidity, especially in winter, overuse can raise humidity levels excessively and promote the proliferation of dust mites and mold. Moreover, mold can develop inside the device itself if it is not cleaned, dried, and stored properly. Therefore, it is important to exercise caution when using it and ensure it is completely clean before operating. 

 

4. Cockroaches

The problem is not necessarily the cockroaches themselves but their droppings, which turn into dust that soils floors and even furniture, depending on the level of infestation. Exposure to this dust occurs mainly when sweeping the floor or vacuuming, causing breathing problems—especially in young children, who may develop asthma as a result. What can be done? It is crucial to address cockroach problems if they exist in your home and eliminate them as quickly as possible, whether through homemade methods or with the help of a pest control professional. 

 

5. Carpets

Carpets can develop mold but may also be a fertile ground for dust mites and cockroach droppings, all of which can harm the lungs. Harmful particles trapped in the fibers are released into the air when walking on or vacuuming the carpet. It is recommended to clean carpets periodically outside the house and use steam cleaning at least once a year. 

 

6. Radon Gas

This gas cannot be smelled, yet it is considered the second leading cause of cancer after smoking. It seeps from the ground and may enter homes through cracks, accumulating in unventilated basements. It is also found in building materials like cement, which can release it from walls containing high amounts of concrete. These radioactive particles harm the lungs during breathing. To prevent its buildup at home, ensure proper airflow from outside to inside by installing ventilation devices and making sure basements are well-sealed. 

 

 

7. Pesticides

This is not just about pesticides that should be washed off fruits and vegetables we eat, but also those you might use in your garden or home. They can cause health problems, including to nerves, hormone production, eyes, and skin. Pest control professionals use masks when applying pesticides, and if you spray your home or garden with pesticides approved for public use, it is highly recommended to do so as well.

8. Airbags in vehicles

Airbags contain a chemical called sodium azide, which helps them deploy instantly during a collision. It has no smell, but it can be seen as a white powder that, when inhaled, can worsen asthma and existing breathing problems. In high amounts, it can even cause fluid buildup in the lungs and damage the lung cavity walls. If you have been in an accident where your car’s airbag deployed and you start experiencing breathing issues, it is highly recommended to consult a doctor.

9. Flour

People who work in bakeries tend to suffer from more coughing and sneezing than others, and the main culprit is the flour they work with. This phenomenon has even been given its own name—Baker’s Asthma—and over time, it worsens and severely damages the lungs. This can happen not only to those who work in a bakery but also to those who work extensively with flour at home. To avoid this, wear a mask when working with flour and try to minimize flour dust in the air as much as possible. 

 

 

10. Agriculture
Here is another issue that has a name associated with the profession it originates from—Farmer’s Lung—a type of pneumonia caused by hypersensitivity to materials found in hay and grain. Our immune system reacts to mold growing in them by creating lung inflammation, which is worse for farmers working with cattle and dairy production because they are exposed to it more. The only way to get rid of this problem is to reduce exposure to the substances that exacerbate it. In severe cases, some people are even advised to change professions, as the problem may eventually lead to a need for a lung transplant. 

 

11. Jacuzzi

 

 If you have your own jacuzzi, be aware that it can become a breeding ground for bacteria that may enter your lungs when the water evaporates. This is why some people may develop fever, coughing, and breathing problems after spending time in a jacuzzi. Make sure to clean it thoroughly. Wash its filters every one to two weeks, and empty, clean, and refill it with fresh water every four months. 

 

 

12. Candles

The most common candles are made from paraffin, which releases chemicals that can worsen allergy symptoms and breathing problems like asthma, and even increase the risk of cancer. There’s no issue with using candles occasionally, but if you tend to light them daily to create a pleasant atmosphere at home, you might want to reconsider this habit. At the very least, switch from paraffin candles to beeswax or soy candles and ensure your home is well-ventilated when you light them.

 

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

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