Surprising Places You Wouldn’t Expect to Find Chemicals
We all know that household cleaners, pesticides and lead paint can have dangerous chemicals them in for you and your family. But do you really know all the places that dangerous chemicals can hide?
Baby Bottles – That’s right, you do everything you can to protect your newborn; child proof the entire house, have a stash of emergency medicines, and have an on-call doctor for any and every reason possible. So could it be true that you’re endangering your baby by feeding them from a bottle? It’s true, the most common type of bottle on the market is made from polycarbonate plastic, which can release a chemical called bisphenol-a (BPA) when heated. What’s so wrong with BPA being released into your baby’s milk? BPA is so similar to estrogen that it’s known as a “hormone disruptor,” which interferes with your baby’s natural hormones, causing possible development and neurological issues.
Mothballs – Mothballs not only have a repellant and smelly odor, but one of their most active ingredients is paradichlorobenzene, which can cause cancer in animals. Studies have yet to prove if this chemical is a carcinogen in humans, but trials have shown enough evidence to beware. The EPA even requires that a label be included on mothball packaging, warning to “avoid breathing in the vapors.” As if the one chemical weren’t enough, other mothballs use naphthalene, which can damage red blood cells after prolonged exposure to the chemical. It also causes nausea and vomiting to the exposed.
Laser Printers – Some laser printers give off ultra fine particles that could actually cause some serious health issues. The National Institute of Public Health also confirmed that laser and ink-jet printers possibly release volatile organic compounds, ozone and particulates. Not all printers five off chemicals, but one study showed that up to 40 percent gave off the ultrafine particles and 27 percent gave off high percentages of those particles.
Pressed Wood – Pressed wood may seem like an innocent household decoration, but faux wood products include a mix of woods, including particle board, fiberboard and insulation. While the insulation isn’t the greatest product, it’s actually the glue that holds the particles of wood together that can use a urea-formaldehyde resin. The EPA actually estimates that press board is the largest source of formaldehyde indoors. What’s more worrisome is that pressed board is used in many furniture and office products you wouldn’t think of, like coffee tables, whiteboards, and office desks. Luckily, there are plenty of alternatives to pressed wood, like real wood tables, magnetic glass whiteboards, and eco-friendly desks.
About Clarus Glassboards: Clarus is the leading manufacturer and innovator of glass whiteboards and glass visual display products. For more information about clear dry erase boards and our other glass architectural systems, please call 888-813-7414 or visit www.clarusglassboards.com.
