September 25, 2014
Environmental Hazards That can Hurt Your Heart
Did you know that some environmental hazards in your own home could contribute to stroke and heart disease? Environmental factors are especially a concern to older adults, children, and those with weakened immune systems.
Heart disease and strokes are some of the biggest leading causes of death in Canada, and taking steps to minimize your exposure to hazardous environmental triggers that could lead to these illnesses is important. First, however, you have to know what hazards to be on the look out for.
Environmental Factors That can Lead to Heart Disease and Stroke
- Indoor Air Pollution– Older adults spend much of their time indoors, up to 90%, making them very susceptible to indoor air pollution. Indoor air is made up of contaminants that come in from the outside and those that are created indoors. The air in your home can be comprised of fumes from home cleaning products, carbon monoxide, and secondhand smoke. All of these substances are toxic, and can lead to a higher risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Smoke– One of the worst indoor air pollutants is secondhand smoke, which has been found to be detrimental to one’s health. The smoke doesn’t have to come from cigarettes, either. Smoke from wood burning fireplaces and stoves can contain carbon particles that can trigger heart palpitations, chest pain, fatigue, and shortness of breath.
- Home Cleaning Products– Many traditional household products contain chemicals that are dangerous for individuals to use, especially when they already have heart conditions. Unfortunately, only about 7% of the chemicals used on these products are required by law to be listed on the actual label, so unless you choose greener solutions, you may be fooled. The vapors from these products cause stress on the heart and lungs, especially when used in rooms without proper ventilation.
- Carbon Monoxide– Carbon monoxide is an odorless and invisible gas that is dangerous because it’s hard to detect it. It’s especially dangerous to individuals who already have congestive heart failure, clogged arteries, or heart disease because the gas limits the ability of the blood to carry oxygen. Carbon monoxide can come from places you might not expect, like space heaters, wood stoves, and even dryers, and can cause problems like irregular heart rhythms and chest pain.
Don’t Expose Yourself
Exposing yourself to harmful environmental hazards can quickly lead to problems like heart disease and stroke, so don’t take the chance. Take steps today to avoid this problem. If someone in your home smokes, ask them to go outside to do it. Instead of using your dryer all the time, consider giving it a break and hanging your clothes out on the line. And choose Greenapple House Cleaning for your home cleaning needs. At Greenapple, we only use safe, non-toxic, chemical free products to clean your home. We can help you naturally reduce your indoor air pollution and live in a safer, happier, and healthier home.
Ready to make a change for the better? Call us at Greenapple House Cleaning today for information on how our green home cleaning services can better your life.
