- A new interactive guide looks at the common products and furniture inside our homes that could be secretly harming us.
- Hidden bacteria lurk on our soft furnishings, appliances, surfaces and even in the paint on our walls.
- Fridge salad drawers can harbour 750 times the level of bacteria considered safe, with up to 7,850 bacteria colony-forming units per square centimetre.
- Bathroom flannels are contaminated with 747 million bacteria on average, while kitchen cloths conceal a staggering 19.6 billion.
The bedroom might be most people’s favourite place, but it’s actually one of the most dangerous rooms in the house. Is Your House Killing You? reveals that your bedding harbours dead skin cells, dust mite faeces and the fungi aspergillus fumigatus – all of which can cause respiratory issues and flu.
And that’s not all – shower heads are a breeding ground for non-tuberculous mycobacteria that can infect the lungs and lead to pulmonary infections. Even the solvents on your painted walls are toxic, causing dizziness, headaches and – if inhaled – severe respiratory issues. Other dangerous toxins and their alarming side-effects include:
-Salmonella, found in carpets, toilets and fridges, can cause a fever, diarrhoea, cramping and headaches.
-Staphylococcus bacteria pervades bathroom surfaces and your toothbrush holder, leading to gastrointestinal viruses, cellulitis and toxic shock syndrome.
-Coliform hides on your cutting boards and kitchen sink and can cause severe lung, nervous system and liver infections to those with weakened immune systems.
-Your sofa conceals the chemical formaldehyde, which can provoke allergy-like reactions, including burning eyes, wheezing and skin irritation. Long-term exposure can even cause cancer.
The comprehensive guide also looks at the number of active power stations, sewage treatment plants, landfill sites and air pollution rate to reveal the most dangerous cities to live in across the UK.
