Your household is meant to be a place of safety. Yet many times your home could be more dangerous than being caught up in a dodgy street late at night. Here are some useful household tips, which could avoid any nasty accident from occurring:
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Watch your Teflon cookware
Concern is rising about the chemical PFOA, which can be found in Teflon-coated non-stick cookware. Scientists know PFOA is entering people’s blood, and suspect – but aren’t sure – that it causes cancer. Research is underway to find out if cookware is to blame for increased PFOA levels. Meanwhile, although Teflon cookware use is still generally regarded as safe, taking a few extra safety precautions won't hurt, experts say.
Take action:
Don't exceed temperature recommendations for Teflon cookware i.e. don’t heat it above 230 degrees Celsius – temperatures at which chemicals can off-gas from the surface; don't leave pans unattended on a stove, where they can quickly dry out and reach high temperatures; note that if oil smokes in the pan, it's too hot; look after your cookware by not using metal utensils or steel wool on it, by washing it gently, and by not stacking other pots and pans on top of it; and if your cookware is starting to look old and worn, replace it.
Ammonia hazards
Ammonia is present in most households. The most common sources are household cleaners, fertilisers and animal waste. What can you do to ensure your family's safety?
Take action:
Never mix ammonia-containing solutions with household bleach – highly toxic gases can be formed; follow the manufacturer's instructions when using any household cleaners; ensure good ventilation (i.e. at least an open window) while you’re using them, and wash your hands well afterwards; if you notice any symptoms (e.g. eye, nose or throat irritation, headache, nausea, skin irritation) while working with ammonia-containing products, leave the area at once and get outside into the fresh air; store home-cleaning supplies well beyond the reach of kids; and handle liquid ammonia fertiliser with caution.
Use the landline whenever possible
Scientists won’t know if cell phones are bad for us until we’ve been using them for longer and more studies are done. But they do know two things: you do get radiation from your phone, and it does appear to have physiological effects.
Take action:
Reduce your exposure to cell phone radiation: spend less time talking on your cell; make more calls from your land line; send text messages instead of making calls; make a serious decision to never drive and talk – apart from any possible radiation worries, the biggest proven danger for cell phone users is a car accident; reduce the distance between yourself and your cell phone – use a headset and carry the wireless phone away from your body or use a wireless phone connected to a remote antenna; and use the other ear sometimes.
Watch out for that heat
Burns are a major cause of household deaths around the world today. Learn how to avoid a tragedy.
Take action:
Never hold a child while cooking or drinking hot liquids; place pans on back burners and turn all pot handles toward the back of the stove; don't allow children younger than 10 to remove heated items from the microwave or the stove; ensure that you and your kids wear tight-fitting clothing when cooking; never leave cooking food unattended; keep hot foods and liquids away from the edges of counters and tables; keep hot foods and liquids sitting on tablecloths or placemats out of a child's reach; unplug appliances when you're not using them and keep the cords tied up and out of children's reach.
Bug off insects
Even the cleanest houses can sometimes have cockroaches. Check through these tips to see what you should do to get rid of these crawling and unwanted home invaders.
Take action:
Wipe down surfaces where you prepare food or eat after every meal or snack – clean up all food spills promptly; don't leave dirty dishes out overnight; wash pet food dishes daily, and don’t leave food out overnight; wipe down the stove top every night after cooking; clean the inside of the oven and the stove hood regularly; store non-refrigerated food in glass or plastic containers with well-fitting lids; keep rubbish and compost in closed bins; dispose of rubbish as often as possible; and vacuum and sweep regularly to remove food debris.
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