Dangerous Household Items you should quit using

Shannon Quinn - August 17, 2019
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Dangerous Household Items you should quit using

Home is the one place in the world where we should feel safe. When we get home from a long day at work, we want to have peace of mind that everyone should be happy and healthy. Unfortunately, there are plenty of dangers lurking in your living space that can lead to bad health, injury, or even death. Here at Home Addict, we want to tell you some of the top dangerous items in your home you should consider to stop using immediately.

60. Air Fresheners

Air Fresheners my cause respiratory issues and lead to cancer. Credit: Shutterstock

Almost everyone has a can of air freshener in their home, especially in the bathroom. No one likes a stinky room to linger for too long. According to Web MD, breathing in air conditioners has been linked to lung damage. A chemical called 1,4-DCB is contained in both moth balls and air fresheners. Sometimes, if you have too much, the chemical can make its way into your blood stream Scientists test people with high levels of 1,4-DCB in their blood and found that they were more likely to have  lung issues, and some eventually lead to lung cancer.

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59. Non-Stick Pots and Frying Pans

Nonstick pans may be convenient, but they are toxic. Credit: Shutterstock

A lot of people want to buy “Non stick” pots and pans, because they are convenient to clean up, and you can get away with using less oil in your food. However, they are coated with a substance called “Teflon”, which is made up of perfluorochemicals. This substance lets off fumes once you heat it up. So, if you breathe in those fumes while you cook, it can make you sick. For some people, it becomes so bad, that they experience flu-like symptoms, sometimes called “The Teflon Flu”. If you find that cooking literally makes you ill, try to stick to a pan that is more natural, like cast iron.

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58. Mothballs

Mothballs can be harmful to your health. Credit: Shutterstock

Mothballs are something that grandmothers stereotypically use, and the are seriously on the decline. However, some people still use them to keep closets smelling fresh, and keep moths away. Even though adults know better than to touch mothballs, children may mistake them for mints or candy. They have been responsible for tiny children choking.  Ingesting the active chemicals in mothballs- naphthalene and paradichlorobenzene can also cause death and organ damage.

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57. Mandolins

Mandolins cause accidental cuts all the time. Credit: Shutterstock

A lot of cooks like to use mandolins, because it is an easy way to make mass quantities of thinly sliced vegetables. However, a lot of people skip the safety took that protect their fingers, because they think they will be okay. Before you know it, the veggie is gone, and it can slice right through your fingers. Plenty of people have ended up in the emergency room because of mandolins. Either avoid them all together, or being extremely careful.

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56. Flea and Tick Products

Flea and tick products could be toxic Credit: Shutterstock

According to PetMD, giving your dogs and cats topical flea medicine can be incredibly toxic. It has been known to cause Pyrethrin and Pyrethroid Toxicity in Cats. There have been studies that link topical flea medication to cancer in dogs, too. Before you buy a tick and flea medication for your pets, be sure to do your research to make sure there have not been any reports of links to animal illnesses.

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55. Oven Cleaner

Be very careful when you use oven cleaners. Credit: Shutterstock

Oven cleaner is meant to get crusty food off of your surfaces, so it is incredibly corrosive. If you use the chemical without wearing gloves, it can cause chemical burns on your skin. Instead of using oven cleaner, you can use baking soda and vinegar to clean it, instead. Trust us- it works really well. If you want other cleaning hacks, check out our 30 Deep Cleaning Hacks For Your Home.

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54. Toilet Bowl Cleaner

Toilet bowl cleaning products can be harmful to your health. Credit: Shutterstock

Do you have a dog that likes to drink out of the toilet? Bleach-based toilet bowl cleaners have been known to make pets extremely sick, and they can also give humans chemical burns. If you are using toilet cleaner, but sure to never have it come in contact with your skin. Use a toilet brush, and consider wearing gloves, too.

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53. Ladders

A lot of people end up in the hospital or die from falling from a ladder. Credit: Shutterstock

According to the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 43% of deadly falls come from falling off of a ladder. Even if they survive the fall, almost 81% of tumbles off of a ladder will require people to go to the emergency room. If you decide to climb a ladder, make sure you are in a safe environment, the ladder is secure, and also consider having a spotter to hold it in place for you.

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52. Aspirin

Aspiring has been linked to ulcers and stomach issues. Credit: Shutterstock

People have been taking aspirin for a very long time, and it helps to relieve pain and lower blood pressure. For all of its good qualities, it can seriously hurt your health if you take too much of it. It has been linked to ulcers and other serious stomach issues. This is why many people have recommended taking baby aspirin instead of full-sized.

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51. Snowblowers

Snowblowers are incredibly dangerous. Credit: Shutterstock

Buying a snowblower might seem like one of those goals that you aspire to. After all, it makes clearing the driveway or sidewalk so much easier. However, it should really be left to the professionals, and people who are properly trained. The Amputee Coalition has reported that between 2003 and 2016, over 9,000 people lost a finger while using a snowblower. I you want to keep all 10 of your digets, you may want to stick to shoveling by hand. Or, spend that money you were going to use on the snowblower to hire a local to shovel your driveway for you.

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50. Candles

Candles can cause fires in your home. Credit: Shutterstock

Almost everyone loves a good candle. They smell amazing, and they can lead to a cozy or romantic ambiance in your home. Unfortunately, they can also lead to death. According to the National Fire Protection Association, there are as many as 23 fire-related injuries and deaths every single day. Yikes. Be sure to blow out your candles before you leave the room, and keep them far away from children.

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49. Furniture Stain and Polish

Furniture polish lets off dangerous fumes. Credit: Shutterstock

There is a good reason why it is usually recommended to paint and stain furniture outdoors. First of all, furniture stain and polish lets off fumes, and it can be toxic to breath in. The polish itself is also highly flammable, so make sure to keep it in a temperature-controlled environment.

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48. Stuffed Animals

Stuffed animals are full of allergens and bacteria. Credit: Shutterstock

If you have young children, you should get in the habit of washing them regularly. After a while, your kids will get them dirty, and it can be filled with bacteria. Studies have also shown that pesticides from farming areas can event settles on stuffed animals, and cause children to become ill. If your kids protest without their stuffed animal, sneak it away when they are asleep, or tell them that they are “taking a bath”.

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47. Old, Flaking Paint

Flaking lead paint can lead to a lot of health problems. Credit: Shutterstock

Most older buildings built before 1978 have lead-based paint. If you see that this older paint begins to flake and peel, this can cause a major problem, especially for children. Lead has been linked to organ failure, and even death. If you know that your home has lead-based paint, the safest thing you can do is have it removed and re-painted  with a non-lead-based paint.

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46. Peanut Oil

There are some people who are deathly allergic to peanuts. Credit: Shutterstock

We all know that there are some people who are deadly allergic to peanuts. But unfortunately, peanut oil can be hiding in some food, especially in Asian cuisine. Always make sure to ask your friends and family if they have a peanut allergy before using peanut oil in your dishes. Depending on where you go for your data, the estimates of peanut allergy related deaths vary dramatically. Some statistics will claim that there are over 150 deaths, but the Center of Disease Control says that there were only 13 documented cases in the 10 years between 2006 to 2016. However, it is far more common for people to have non-lethal allergic reactions that need medical attention.

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45. Extension Cords

Extension cords can cause lots of injuries. Credit: Shutterstock

There are extension cords in almost every household, because they seriously come in handy. According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International, there are 3,300 cases of house fires caused by extension cords every single year. They also cause at least 50 deaths per year, and 270 injuries that are unrelated to fires and all of those awful consequences.

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44. Wood Stoves

Wood stoves can sometimes cause fires. Credit: Shutterstock

Having a wood stove in your home can be incredibly cozy, and they also help to cut down on your heat bills. Unfortunately, though, it can cause fires if you are not careful. Smoke fumes can also be toxic and cause breathing problems. According to the American Lung Association, it is a huge contributing factor to asthma.

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43. Window AC Units

Window AC units have been known to start fires and fall on unsuspecting victims. Credit: Shutterstock

When we think of window air conditioning units, we imagine the cool breeze they emit. At the very most, we might think they could fall out of the window and hit someone in the head. Yes, that does happen, but that is not the end of the potential issues. According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International AC units caused 7,400 fires in 2011, and it was even responsible for 29 deaths. Always make sure that your AC unit is in good working order, and clean out the filters before use.

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42. Storage Chests

Children are often the ones who get injured from storage chests. Credit: Shutterstock

Having a wooden chest in your home seems ideal for some people who want antique charm in their decor. However, these heavy trunks can accidentally fall and hurt your fingers, even for adults. Tiny children who cannot lift the lid will often get hurt, too. Some kids might even lock each other in during hide-and-go-seek. In 2010, a toddler was hit in the head by the lid of a wooden trunk, and they now suffer from brain dame. As a parent, you should either lock your trunks, or get rid of them completely.

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41. Cleaning Solutions

Cleaning solutions can be toxic if they are consumed by children. Credit: Shutterstock

Various types of cleaning solutions are abrasive, and may cause chemical burns when exposed to the skin. Breathing in the fumes can cause respiratory issues, and if you get anything in your eye, it could permanently damage it as well. Even worse is the possibility that children may see cleaning products and assume it’s Kool-Aid. Always make sure to keep your cleaning supply drawer protected with child safety locks so that your little ones do not have access.

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40. Chimneys

Chimneys need to be cleaned on a regular basis if you want to avoid causing a fire. Credit: Shutterstock

There is a career for chimney sweeps for good reason! It is important to regularly make sure your chimney is cleaned, because debris can block the fireplace from releasing smoke from the top of your roof. If it is not ventilated properly, this could start a fire, or cause carbon monoxide poisoning.

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39. Flame Retardants

Be careful of products in your home that have been sprayed with flame retardants. Credit: Shutterstock

After it became apparent that cigarettes were causing house fires, the cigarette industry began encouraging companies to spray their products with chemicals that are flame retardants. So there are loads of furniture pieces, mattresses and more. However, these chemicals do more harm than good, because being exposed to too much of it can lead to cancer, and brain damage. According to ToxicFreeFuture, these toxins appear in so many more products than you would ever realize. If you want to learn more, if it worth checking out their website for more details.

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38. Large TV’s

Large TV’s are known to fall on people to cause injury and death. Credit: Shutterstock

Most people aspire to have a large TV, and it is one of the first things people want during a Black Friday sale. Every single year, 18,000 people are injured by TV’s falling on them, and 41 people actually died in 2011. Sadly, almost all of those deaths were young children. If you want to prevent this from happening, you may want to put your TV on the wall so that it is out of reach of children. Usually, injuries occur when a TV falls forward off of a table.

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37. Rusty Metals in the Kitchen

Be careful of rusting metal in the kitchen. Credit: Shutterstock

If you have metal cookware in your kitchen, you may noticed that some of the excess moisture has revealed rust spots at the bottom of the pan or pot. Once cookware reaches this point, you may want to replace it. Iron Oxide will not cause permanent damage if it is consumed in small quantities, but it is not healthy for you to use on a regular basis.

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36. Plants Poisonous to Pets

Pets can unfortunately cause the death of household pets. Credit: Shutterstock

Having plants in your home is amazing for a lot of reasons. It cleans the air, brings nature inside, and it can look downright gorgeous. However, some plants are extremely toxic to dogs and cats. If your animals live indoors, they might become curious, and want to chew on these green things. Always do your research before bringing a plant into your home. Also be careful of certain pesticides and plant foods that may linger in the air.

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35. Pillows

You should change your pillows every six months if you want to be healthy. Credit: Shutterstock

Some people hold on to pillows for several years at a time. After all, if it’s still functioning, why get a new one? The European Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology did tests on pillows aged 1.5 to 20 years, and found that every single one of them contained fungi that could be dangerous to your health. These older pillows can cause asthma, severe allergies, and other breathing problems. It was even worse in down pillows. This gives you a good reason to get a new pillow every six months.

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34. Real Christmas Trees

Dry Christmas trees lead to house fires. Credit: Shutterstock

Real Christmas trees smell amazing, but many people do not realize that they need to add water to the base of the tree to keep it from drying out too quickly. On top of that, a lot of people really want to hold on to their tree long after New Years Eve, because they are not willing to let go of the holiday season. According to the NFPA, an average of 170 houses per year will catch fire in the United States because of Christmas trees.

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33. Pheromone Diffusers

Pheromone diffusers have been known to catch fires. Credit: Shutterstock

Some of you out there may have never heard of pheromone diffusers. They are plug-in’s that will help to calm down your pets. Sometimes, pet owners use them when they are trying to get their dogs and cats acclimated to a new apartment or house, because it mimics the scent of the animal having lived in the space for a long time. However, if they are left plugged in for too long, they have been known to cause a fire.

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32. Hot Plates

Hot plates can be convenient, but they are also sometimes dangerous. Credit: Shutterstock

For some people, having a hot plate in their home helps to save space, or give you the ability to cook somewhere other than your stove. However, if they are left plugged in and forgotten, they have been known to cause serious burns. In 2015, a truly tragic house fire was caused by a hot plate in New York, and it killed 7 children.

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31. A Lint-Filled Dryer

You should always check your dryer for lint. Credit: Shutterstock

If you live in a house, having your own washer and dryer is a God-send. It helps to save money, time, and reduce stress compared to taking your clothes to a laundromat. FEMA has reported that every year, 2,900 clothing dryers cause house fires in the United States. They are also responsible for five deaths per year, and millions of dollars in property management. You can prevent a fire in your clothes dryer by simply removing lint from the filter every single time you do a load of laundry.

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30. Hot Tubs

Hot tubs contain a ton of bacteria that could lead to an infection. Credit: Shutterstock

Having a hot tub is one of those goals that a lot of people have. It is warm, cozy, and totally romantic. However, there are plenty of people who put the top on the hot tub and call it a day, because they want to save water. These tubs actually contain a ton of bacteria, and they can spread to the next person who gets into the water. This is why is is essential to clean your hot tub before and after you have a party of people over to share your tub.

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29. Pools

Pools can be dangerous, instead of fun. Credit: Shutterstock

A lot of people wish they had a pool in their backyard, but not everyone has the luxury of keeping around a resident lifeguard on duty. According to The Center of Disease Control, every year, over 3,500 people die in pool-related injuries. This can happen to adults, but it is more often children who are left unattended. This is why parents with a pool need to put up a fence to make sure they young ones cannot get into the water.

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28. Stairs

Falling down the stairs is one of the biggest sources of injuries. Credit: Shutterstock

Believe it or not, stairs are one of the leading cause of injury in people’s homes. After all, we go up and down the stairs every single day, so we might become careless and forget that it is necessary to be careful. According to the American Journal of Emergency Medicine, over 25 million people ended up going to the emergency room from 1990 to 2012 because they fell down a staircase. It has also lead to several deaths, like the famous case simply known as “The Staircase”.

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27. Electric Blankets

It is common for people to accidentally burn themselves with electric blankets. Credit: Shutterstock

A lot of people love electric blankets, because they help us feel so cozy during the colder winter months. However, if you accidentally fall asleep in one of these blankets, it can cause serious injury, or even death. The coils inside of the blanket can get very hot, so they can burn you. And if you fall asleep and accidentally roll over to bunch the coils together, it can also spark a fire. So, if you choose to use it, make sure it is unplugged and safely put away before bed time.

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26. Light Bulbs

Light bulbs can cause a lot of issues in the home. Credit: Shutterstock

You may or may not know that light bulbs contain a small amount of mercury. If one shatters in your home, this mercury vapor can make its way into the hair, on your skin, or poison your pets, as well. And, of course, broken glass can also cause injuries, too. If you accidentally break a light bulb, be sure to wear gloves when you pick up the pieces, or use a broom and dust pan to pick everything up without it coming in contact with your skin. For good measure, follow up with a vacuum cleaner.

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25. Power Tools

Power tools have caused loads of injuries. Credit: Shutterstock

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, power tools lead to 418,000 emergency room visits in 2001 alone. This is for a lot of reasons- people using power tools without properly knowing how they work, leaving them plugged in, or accidentally drilling or cutting a finger. Be sure to always use your appropriate safety gear, and watch video tutorials on YouTube before you try to attempt using a new power tool for the first time. There are also free classes at Home Depot that will give you the skills to use power tools.

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24. Riding Lawn Mowers

Riding lawn mowers cause a lot of deaths and serious injuries. Credit: Shutterstock

When you see a riding lawn mower, it seems relatively safe, right? It turns out that for many of the people who buy a riding mower as an aspirational product, they end up getting seriously hurt. Some people try to go up hills with riding mowers, and they end up flipping and crushing on top of the rider. There have also been several tragic deaths of toddlers who did not get out of the way from the mower. The hot engine can also lead to serious burns. Every year, over 80,000 people end up in the emergency room because of riding mowers.

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23. Exercise Machines  

Exercise machines cause a lot of injuries every year. Credit: Shutterstock

Having your own exercise machines in your home is a huge goal for a lot of people. It makes it so much more convenient to get a good workout in your busy schedule. According to the British Medical Journal , there were over 70,300 visits to the emergency room from 2007 to 2011 because of equipment-related injuries. What’s the number one culprit? Turns out treadmills are the most dangerous.

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22. Trampolines

Backyard trampolines lead to a significant amount of accidents. Credit: Shutterstock

Having a trampoline in the backyard is considered to be so dangerous, that if an insurance company figures out that you have one, they will deny you for coverage. Every single year, 240,000 people get serious injuries from jumping on backyard trampolines.

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21. Space Heaters

Space heaters can sometimes cause fires. Credit: Shutterstock

In 2018, the National Fire Protection Association reported that 86% of heating-related fire deaths came from space hearts. It also accounts for 78% of injuries. That is not to say that you should totally stop using space heaters all together. Make sure they are far away from any kind of flammable cloths or other materials. Also make sure you do not leave them on overnight, or when you are not home.

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20. Acetaminophen

It is possible to overdose on acetaminophen. Credit: Shutterstock

Tylenol is made of the drug acetaminophen, and many people do not realize that they can overdose on this medicine. It can cause liver damage, and my even lead to death. According to studies, people who frequently take Tylenol often have equal amounts of liver problems to people who are heavy drinkers.

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19. Flour

Flour is flammable, and it can cause issues in the kitchen. Credit: Shutterstock

Believe it or not, flour is flammable. And since it is used in the kitchen, you can probably see how that is a problem. The  Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety(CCOHS) considers flour to be a combustible dust, along with sugar and baking soda. They define this as a “fine material that has the ability to catch fire and explode when mixed with air.” The only way it can burst into flames is if it comes in direct contact with fire, though. So as long as you keep it away from the gas stove, you should be okay.

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18. Loofahs

Loofahs can be full of icky bacteria. Credit: Shutterstock

Loofahs never dry out 100%. This means that the dampness that remains on that sponge or scrub will eventually grow mold and other types of gross bacteria. Then, when you go to scrub your body, the bacteria gets a one-way ticket to your pores. An old loofah could be the cause of a sudden rash or acne breakout. If you want to prevent this from happening, buy new loofahs regularly, or exfoliate using topical scrubs, instead.

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17. Magnets

Colorful magnets can be mistaken for food or toys. Credit: Shutterstock

When you search your house for anything hazardous, you might never think about refrigerator magnets. Children might see magnets on the fridge and assume that they are candy. If they ware swallowed, kids can choke, or it might cause internal bleeding.

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16. Bleach

Bleach can be incredibly toxic. Credit: Shutterstock

Since bleach is highly corrosive, it can leave chemical burns if it gets on your skin. If you (or, more likely your child) drinks bleach, they may end up with internal bleeding that may ultimately lead to death. Another major risk factor is if bleach is stored in an area that is too hot. Bleach is made out of sodium hypochlorite, which is basically chlorine in liquid form. But once it turns into vapor, I can convert into chlorine gas. This is incredibly deadly, and has even been used during warfare. The CDC has an entire webpage dedicated to preventing chlorine burns, and there are also treatment options and phone number to call in case of emergency.

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15. Batteries

Batteries can be dangerous and toxic. Credit: Shutterstock

There are some people that keep old batteries around with the intention of using them some day, or you may find an old remote with batteries that have exploded after years of being left inside. Usually, if this happens, you should throw those things away immediately, and if the powdery white battery acid gets on your skin, clean it off immediately. Battery acid is incredibly corrosive, and it can burn holes through your skin. And if young children accidentally consume them, it will mean a trip to the emergency room.

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14. Cars

Vehicles cause over one million deaths every single year. Credit: Shutterstock

As tragic as it sounds, there are 1.25 million people who die in traffic accidents every single year. This is one of the leading causes of death, and yet we do it every single day. You can prevent many of these problems by taking your car in for regular maintenance, and never drive while intoxicated. At home, you should always make sure to watch for your pets and small children before backing out of the driveway, too.

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13. Grill

Grills can be incredibly dangerous. Credit: Shutterstock

Before you start grilling in the back yard, make sure you know all of the safety precautions. Have a fire hydrant nearby, and make sure you put water over the coals after you are done cooking. Charcoal remains hot for a very long time, and so does the ash. Even if it has been sitting for hours, it can still burn you. 17,000 people get seriously injured from grills every single year.

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12. Sauna

Saunas might seem luxurious, but it can be full of bacteria. Credit: Shutterstock

If you have a sauna in your home, you may be tempted to stay in there for hours. After all, its not like you have to make way for other people waiting to use it. However, if you are in the sauna too long, you can become overheated and dehydrated, and run the risk of passing out. They are also a breeding ground for bacteria, and may contain some serious infectious disease, like E Coli.

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11. Cigarettes

Cigarettes are toxic for your health, and your family. Credit: Shutterstock

We all know that cigarettes are bad for your health, and it can also negatively affect the health of your children and pets, as well. However, it is so much worse than that. Children who stumble upon hot cigarette butts have been known to accidentally start fires. Believe it or not, cigarettes cause over 100,000 house fires per year.

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10. Certain Hand Sanitizers 

Check to see if your hand sanitizer is toxic or not. Credit: Shutterstock

In 2020, everyone rushed to the store to purchase hand sanitizer. This caused an influx of new startup companies creating products to meet the demand. Unfortunately, not all of them are actually safe for consumption. According to the FDA, some hand sanitizers contain chemicals that can cause cancer. Please gather all of the hand sanitizer in your household, and check out the FDA’s chart of dangerous hand sanitizer brands. From personal experience, I realized that many of the brands I purchased from dollar stores were on the toxic list, while brands purchased from pharmacies were safe. Make sure to double-check before buying a new brand.

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9. Old Prescriptions 

It’s important to properly discard your leftover prescription pills. Credit: Shutterstock

Almost every home in the United States has bottles of leftover prescription drugs. Keeping these in your homes can be dangerous for a lot of reasons. The first issue is if you have children. Every bottle has a “child proof” lid, but as they get older, they’ll figure it out. According to the FDA, you should never be tempted to use old prescriptions. Sometimes, the drugs can become less potent, and they may no longer suit your medical needs. Other times, bacterial growth can form on the pills, and taking them might make you very sick. If you want to discard the leftover pills, don’t flush them down the toilet, because it can affect the public water system. Check your local county and pharmacies for specified prescription recycling days.

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8. Toothpaste 

Don’t leave your kids alone with a tube of toothpaste, because they might eat it. Credit: Shutterstock

We use and unintentionally swallow small portions of toothpaste every single day. This is fine, but the real issue comes when a child gets a hold of the tube and swallows large portions. Toothpaste contains fluoride, which can cause an upset stomach, diarrhea, and vomiting. It’s actually one of the most common reasons why parents call poison control. For young children, it’s best to buy them fluoride-free training toothpaste, which is typically bubble gum or fruit flavor. Adults can have organic, fluoride free toothpaste too, of course, or you can opt for homemade alternatives. 

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7. Lighters and Matches

Never let your kids play with matches and lighters unattended. Credit: Shutterstock

According to Stanford Children’s Hospital and the United States Fire Administration, the vast majority of fire and burning-related injuries and deaths actually come from water that is too hot in the bath, cooking accidents, curling irons, and cigarettes. However, the number one cause of child-related house fires began with unattended kids having access to a lighter. After seeing their parents light a cigarette or a candle, they want to play with it too. The most common rooms of the house are either the living room, or if a child sneaks the lighter into their bedroom to experiment with. If your school doesn’t already put your kids through a fire safety program, make sure you do one on your own. 

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6. Pressure Washer

Be very careful if you own or rent a pressure washer to clean your home. Credit: Shutterstock

One of the popular wishlist household items is a pressure washer. They make it so easy to clean exterior house siding, cars, sidewalks, and so much more. Unfortunately, they’re secretly a dangerous item. According to doctors from the EM Residents Association, it’s rare for anyone to rush to the emergency room soon after they are hit with a pressure washer. Even if it hurts, it’s just water, right? However, the injuries on the surface rarely show underlying tissue damage. This can lead to infection and damage in neurological function. Children should never be allowed to use or play with pressure washers, because they could easily mistake the powerful water for being the same as a garden hose. 

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5. Bannisters

Falling down the stairs cause thousands of injuries and death. Credit: Shutterstock

Earlier on this list, we already talked about the dangers of stairs. Unfortunately, bannisters are a common problem, too. People use bannisters to help support themselves as they go up and down the stairs. But over time, railings can get loose with age. Kids also try to stick their head through the railings, or play over the edge. According to AARP, children are brought to emergency rooms every 6 minutes with injuries related to playing on the stairs. Most of the time, these accidents happen when parents try to carry their kids and grocery bags up the stairs at the same time. Or, kids, accidently push baby carriages down the stairs. Always be careful, and install baby gates at the end of stairs. 

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4. Alcohol 

More people than ever are stocking up alcohol in their homes. Credit: Shutterstock

Stress and mental health problems are on the rise in 2020, and so is drinking. According to The American Heart Association, online sales of alcohol went up 500%, and in-store sales are up 54%. People are drinking to cope with this difficult time, but the reality is that it’s incredibly dangerous for a number of reasons. Drug and alcohol poisoning is the #1 cause of accidental death at tome. Drinking also lowers your immune system, and contributes to health problems that turn into the dreaded “co-morbidities” you keep hearing about. Basically, if you stay sober, you’re far less likely to catch viruses. So consider laying off of the liquor cabinet or the wine cellar for a while. 

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3. Trash Bags

Never leave your kids unattended with plastic bags. Credit: Shutterstock

On nearly every plastic bag you receive from Amazon, you’ve probably seen an illustration of a child with a line running through it. This is because kids are curious, and it’s all too easy for them to put a plastic bag over their head and suffocate to death. Same goes with grocery bags, trash bags, balloons, etc. The silver lining to this is that if you’re truly concerned about your kids suffocating on household objects, your children are likely to stay safe. For example, a poll showed that the #1 state where people tend to suffocate to death is Mississippi, but ironically polled as being the “least concerned” about suffocation. Being diligent about keeping your trash bags out of reach and cleaning up plastic immediately should prevent your kids from getting hurt.

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2. Chlorine

Pool chemicals are dangerous if consumed. Credit: Shutterstock

Poisoning is the second leading cause of accidental household deaths. And according to the CDC, chlorine is one of the top chemicals that children accidentally consume and poison themselves with. Many households that have a pool keep chlorine on-hand to clean the water. Always be sure to keep these chemicals in a locked cabinet, or on a high shelf where your children can’t reach.

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1. Bicycles

Never let your kids ride your bikes alone. Credit: Shutterstock

Teaching your kids how to ride a bike is a rite of passage, and something many of us look forward to. For kids, riding a bike gives them a sense of freedom, and a great way to get exercise. However, it can be incredibly dangerous. Every single year, there are 100 children who die from accidents riding their bicycles. On top of that, 254,000 children are injured and taken to the emergency room or a doctor. Teach your kids to obey traffic laws while on their bikes, avoid riding at dusk or at night, wear bright colors, and a helmet. Also consider taking them on trips to parks where it’s safe to ride without worrying about cars.

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