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In June, a 39-year-old mother of two from Seaham, England, tragically suffocated after an Ottoman bed fell on her due to a faulty piston. Following the incident, coroner Jeremy Chipperfield issued a warning that more deaths could occur in the future if preventive measures are not taken.
From stairs to electronics, read on to discover the many dangerous things in your home that you should keep an eye on. Click on for more.
Dryers can pose a danger to small kids who fit inside them. But they can also be a fire hazard for the whole family. To reduce the risk of a fire, always make sure your lint catcher is free of lint. Also, if your unit is too close to the wall, this could obstruct the flow of air through the duct, which can lead to a fire.
Faulty extension cords can be super flammable. If possible, don't skimp on the cost of an extension cord. And make sure to replace a damaged one right away.
Humidifiers can be good, but they're probably doing more harm if you're not cleaning them properly. When left unused for too long, they can begin to grow mold. And when they're turned on, they blow the bacteria directly into the air you breathe.
Unsecured windows are a real danger for children. Window guards can help prevent accidental falls, but make sure they come with an emergency release button for things like household fires. Also, make sure there isn't any furniture toddlers can crawl on near a window.
Falls are the number one most common house-related accident. And they're frequently caused by stairs. To keep things safe, be sure to install handrails and good lighting. Additionally, for families with children, install baby gates at the top and bottom of the stairs.
Bleach is an extremely hazardous chemical that almost everyone has at home. Not only will the ingestion of it cause internal problems and fatalities, it also increases your risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
While it's nice not having to soak your dirty pans overnight, the easy maintenance of non-stick comes at a cost. Polytetrafluoroethylene, the coating that makes products "non-stick," releases gases when heated. These gases have been linked to cancer and other harmful health effects.
While anyone in the kitchen is at risk for a burn, the danger is highest with children. Keep the little ones safe and burn-free by never leaving them unattended in the kitchen.
Bathtubs can be an unexpected source of danger, as children can drown in them. Thankfully, it can easily be avoided simply by keeping an eye on your kids during bath time.
Christmas trees can go up in flames pretty quickly, especially real ones that are drying out. Fake Christmas trees can also burn, but they're less likely to catch on fire.
Mothballs might be a bit old school, but they can still pose a danger if you've got them lying around. Used to keep away moths and other insects from clothing, they're not great for humans either. Because of the risk of ingestion by children or pets, consider skipping them altogether.
Many children have been rushed to the hospital due to injuries from a falling TV. And as the device gets thinner and thinner, balance issues become more of a problem. Make sure your TV is correctly mounted to the wall using a high-quality mount.
The corrosive ingredients used in acidic products can also cause burns on skin and eyes. They're also extremely dangerous when mixed with other types of cleaners.
Many of these cleaners contain corrosive alkalis, which are dangerous when inhaled. They can damage your gastrointestinal tract and respiratory system.
Knives can be a risk of danger at nearly every age. A child handling a knife could potentially lead to injury. However, chopping accidents with adults are still one of the most common kitchen injuries.
Ottoman beds are known for their practicality and nowadays are equipped with safety features. However, they can still pose a potential hazard when open due to the risk of suffocation from a failure on their gas-lift hydraulic-system.
If your furnace isn't well maintained, it can pose the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. To keep it safe, have it inspected by a professional at least once a year.
Electricity and blankets aren't a good combination. There have been reports of people having heat stroke due to them. Some also believe they can lead to reproductive problems.
A gas fireplace poses a number of risks. They can be dangerous for pets and young children. Then there's also the risk of nearby objects catching fire. Another potential danger of gas fireplaces is carbon monoxide poisoning. Make sure that the fireplace is properly ventilated and never used unattended.
When not properly mounted, ceiling fans pose a risk for homeowners. They could fall down on someone, which can lead to severe injuries or even death.
At the end of the day, insecticides are poison. And breathing these chemicals in is bad for your health. When spraying, ventilate your home to limit the inhalation of fumes.
These types of bulbs are only a danger when they break. When they do, they emit a small amount of mercury into the air, which could be hazardous.
Furniture polish and stains that aren't vegetable- or oil-based can be dangerous, as they're highly flammable. Containing chemicals like phenol and nitrobenzene, they've been linked to skin cancer when absorbed through the skin.
Bookshelves can be a huge hazard for those with small children, who often try to climb them. If the bookshelf is unstable, it can fall over and injure someone. Or the child can fall down on their own.
Older homes, such as from the '70s or earlier, can have lead-based paint, which is hazardous when the paint starts to flake. Inhaling these particles can lead to lead poisoning, especially in pregnant women and children.
Candles are another dangerous item that shouldn't be left unattended. Also, scented candles that sit too long can emit chemicals like formaldehyde, petroleum distillates, alcohol, and esters. These can cause health issues like headaches, dizziness, and allergy symptoms. They're also linked to certain cancers.
Dirty pillows can pose a health risk, as they can develop fungus. The fungi in your pillows can cause severe allergy symptoms, asthma, and other respiratory problems.
Ladders and step stools can be a source of danger for people in the home. Falls can result in a visit to the emergency room and even death. So always make sure your ladder is secure.
Space heaters can seriously pose a safety risk, as they can cause fires. And while they might be a necessity, you've got to watch them closely. When in use, keep it at least three feet (one meter) away from flammable objects. Also, never let it run unsupervised.
Research published by the American Chemical Society looked into the particulate matter emitted by household printers. They suggested that it's similar to what's released in a cigarette.
Often found in old couches, mattresses, and carpet padding, flame retardant chemicals have been linked to infertility, birth defects, cancer, and immune system problems.
Sources: (House Beautiful) (ALOT Living)
See also: Daily habits that increase your risk of getting sick
These are the most dangerous things in your home
Mother of two suffocated after being trapped by an Ottoman bed
LIFESTYLE Safety
Your home is supposed to feel like a safe haven. But whether you realize it or not, there are several things in your space that can actually be dangerous, especially if they're not properly maintained. There are even plenty of things lying around with hidden dangers that you really need to use with caution. This is not only to protect yourself, but also your kids and pets.
In June, a 39-year-old mother of two from Seaham, England, tragically suffocated after an Ottoman bed fell on her due to a faulty piston. Following the incident, coroner Jeremy Chipperfield issued a warning that more deaths could occur in the future if preventive measures are not taken.
From stairs to electronics, read on to discover the many dangerous things in your home that you should keep an eye on. Click on for more.