Kids and Chemicals in Your Home
Air pollution may be worse inside your home than out. Volatile
organic compounds (VOCs), for example, are gases released by many
household products. They may cause problems like headaches, nausea, and
irritated eyes and throat. Indoor air pollution may be especially
harmful to kids, who breathe faster than adults, inhaling more air. It
particularly can affect babies, who are near the ground where heavy
contaminants hang in the air.
Carpets Can Emit Chemicals
Many people complain of headaches, rashes, and eye and throat
irritation when carpet is installed. New carpeting, padding, and
adhesive give off potentially harmful gases. Choose low-VOC carpet and
ask that it be unrolled and aired out several days beforehand. Stay out
of your house during installation and keep it well-ventilated for days
afterward. For kids with allergies and asthma, consider other flooring
options.
Paint and Indoor Air Pollution
Paints and paint strippers can emit harmful gases. To minimize
health risks, choose low-VOC paint and keep the windows open while
painting and for several days while paint dries. Try not to store paint
cans because gases can leak, even from sealed containers. If you must
store paint, keep it in a well-ventilated area, away from the main
living areas of your home.
Health Issues With Teflon Fumes
Cooking with nonstick cookware may release toxic fumes at very
high temperatures. Nonstick coatings like Teflon emit chemicals when
heated above 500 degrees. Don't use it in very hot ovens or preheat it
on high on stovetops, and always use an exhaust fan. Instead, consider
using cast iron or stainless steel pots and pans.
Chemicals From Craft Supplies
When your kids want to get crafty, head outside for better
ventilation. Depending upon the product and the length of exposure,
fumes from markers, glues, and other art supplies may cause headaches
and eye, nose, and throat irritation. Overcooking polymer clays can
release toxic chemicals into the air. Even some "nontoxic" markers may
contain solvents that are dangerous when inhaled.
Cleaning Product Health Problems
The chemicals found in some household cleaners can be toxic if
inhaled or touched, causing rashes and irritating the respiratory tract.
This is particularly true for people prone to skin or breathing
problems. Some products may aggravate allergies. Those that contain
ammonia and chlorine may be especially irritating to children with
asthma. Try cleaning with hot water, baking soda, microfiber cloths, and
less-toxic cleaning products.
Dry-Cleaned Clothes and Health
The next time you pick up your clothes from the cleaners, take a
whiff. Dry cleaning most often uses perchloroethylene, a chemical that
has been found to cause cancer in animals. When you bring freshly
dry-cleaned clothes into your home, your family may be inhaling this
potentially harmful chemical. Air dry-cleaned clothes in the garage for
several days before wearing them or wash clothes by hand or in a washing
machine.
Kids and Secondhand Smoke
Living in a home where someone smokes can make children more
prone to ear infections, pneumonia, bronchitis, and coughs. Children
with asthma may have more frequent and severe attacks. Inhaling smoke
may cause asthma in kids who never had symptoms before. Thirdhand smoke
-- the toxic residue that lingers in clothes, cushions, and carpet --
can be also harmful to kids, especially when they play or crawl on the
floor.
Stove Problems and Air Pollution
Improperly installed or vented gas stoves can release harmful
gases into your home. At low levels, carbon monoxide can cause fatigue.
Higher concentrations can cause nausea, headaches, confusion, and even
death. Nitrogen dioxide can cause respiratory problems -- especially in
children. Make sure burners are adjusted correctly so that flame tips
are always blue. Vent the stove with a fan that blows outside.
Chimney and Furnace Gases
If your central heating and air conditioning system has
problems -- ranging from cracks and dirt to poor ventilation --
dangerous gases such as carbon monoxide could be collecting in your
home. Make sure your furnace – including the chimney and flue -- is
well-maintained, including annual inspections and regular filter
changes.
Dangers of Radon
You can’t smell, see, or taste radon -- a dangerous gas formed
when uranium naturally decays in soil, rocks, or water. It can enter
your home through cracks or holes in the foundation, walls, or around
pipes. Radon is second only to smoking as a cause of lung cancer.
Children may be more sensitive to radon because they breathe faster and
take in more air. You can test for radon with a kit or call a radon
inspector.
Health Concerns With Air Fresheners
Air fresheners may cause breathing difficulties and headaches
for some people. In a study, nearly one-third of people with asthma said
they had breathing problems when exposed to air fresheners. Tests by
the Natural Resources Defense Council found that some air fresheners
contain phthalates, a chemical linked to child developmental and
hormonal issues. Instead, use natural herbs like rosemary, basil, or
mint and good ventilation to freshen air.
Formaldehyde and Furniture
The chemical formaldehyde is common in pressed-wood furniture
as well as permanently pressed drapes and clothes. Children are
particularly vulnerable to respiratory irritation from formaldehyde
fumes. Because new products give off stronger emissions, consider
purchasing floor models. Air out new furniture and wash drapes before
bringing them indoors.
THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE
HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.
PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO VIEW MY BLOG-
HTTP:GSEASYRECIPES.BLOGSPOT.COM/
FOR INFO ABOUT KNEE REPLACEMENT, YOU CAN VIEW MY BLOG-
HTTP://KNEE REPLACEMENT-STICK CLUB.BLOGSPOT.COM/
FOR CROCHET DESIGNS
HTTP://MY CROCHET CREATIONS.BLOGSPOT.COM