10 Bathroom Health Hazards

bathroomMost people spend a lot of time in their bathrooms. What nobody ever thinks about is all the health hazards that could be lurking in there, making you sick. The bathroom has dozens of potential health threats, from mildew to chemicals to everything in between. If you want to make sure your bathroom is a safe place for you and your family, look at these possible hazardous situations.

1. Cracked tiles. Repairing the cracked tiles in your home isn’t just an aesthetic concern. It’s easy for grout or caulk to fall behind or into cracked tiles and begin to mold, which is a major health hazard. Get a hold of someone who can do home repair Saddle River before it gets worse.

2. Vaporous shower curtains. A study has found that some vinyl shower curtains actually release toxins into the air. While the study was not conclusive, you can’t be too careful. Avoid vinyl when you’re shopping for new curtains.

3. Toothbrushes. Not taking proper care of your toothbrush in your bathroom can be a major health concern. Replace your brush every three months, and don’t share it or store it where it touches other dirty brushes. It’s just not sanitary.

4. Poor ventilation. Moisture can easily get trapped in your bathroom and cause mold and mildew. Before you need to call in a service to do mildew remediation Paramus, try running a fan during and after your shower or bath. It helps to remove excess moisture in the air.

5. Toxic cleaning supplies. Avoid using cleaners with chlorine or ammonia in your bathroom. Above all, never mix them. This is especially important if there’s not a fan in the bathroom. They can release toxic fumes.

6. Toxic shampoo. Read the instructions on the shampoo label next time you’re buying some. Does it have formaldehyde? If it does, pass and choose something else. Formaldehyde
can cause allergic reactions, uncomfortably itchy skin, and has even been linked to cancer.

7. Using the same hand towel. It might be good for the environment to hang a single hand towel by the sink instead of using disposables, but it’s terrible for your health. That towel will hold on to all the bacteria and viruses from each person who used it, only to pass them on to the next person.

8. Keeping the toilet lid up. When you’re flushing, close that lid! An open lid during a flush can spray the water in the toilet onto anything nearby, including soap, toothbrushes, and towels.

9. Dirty faucets. Don’t forget to sanitize the faucets on a daily basis. Everyone uses them before they wash their hands, and those germs build up. Consider keeping a container of sanitized wipes next to the sink and simply wiping it down after every use.

10. Dirty showerheads. Dirt, mold, and dust particles can get trapped in this part of your shower. To combat this, take them down every couple months and soak them in vinegar to clean them out. Now you won’t be showering with dirtied water.

Image Credit: allerleirau