5 household things that can cause lung damage

Lungs are an integral part of the respiratory system. They make the absorption of oxygen into the bloodstream possible. It is important to keep the lungs healthy to maintain optimum oxygen intake. However, there can be things in the environment that can trigger lung damage. This article lists five such household factors that can trigger lung damage and diseases

Mold

Mold is a type of fungus that grows on damp surfaces and corners. It is common in houses with issues of leaking pipes. The fungus releases spores in the air and can trigger a severe reaction in people that are allergic to mold. The reaction is relatively severe in people with lung damage and diseases like asthma, COPD, and more.

Carpet

Carpets add to the allure and warmth of our homes. But there are some other things as well that they add to. This includes acting as a storage space for dust mites, cockroach droppings, mold, dander, pet hair, and other allergens. These are released back into the air often. It is advisable to clean and vacuum carpets multiple times a week to ensure they do not work as carriers for lung-damaging components.

Flour

Baker’s asthma is a condition common among bakery workers that work around flour. It is caused by the dust and flour particles that saturate the air surrounding them. These patients are said to have a difficult time breathing as compared to others. Baker’s asthma can also be detected in people who live in proximity to bakers, including their family and friends. This is caused by the dust and flour that are transported with humans as vectors.

Candles

Candles are made from paraffin, a petroleum-based product. On lighting, candles release chemical-fueled fumes into the environment that can trigger allergic reactions in people. This reaction is enhanced in people with pre-existing conditions like COPD, asthma, allergies, and low immunity. Regular use of paraffin candles is, therefore, to be avoided. For people that are often surrounded by candles, it is advisable to use soy or beeswax candles.

Humidifier

There is a reason appliances like air conditioners, heaters, and humidity controllers are supposed to undergo servicing regularly. While all these technological advancements were created to make things easier for us, they can also be a contributing factor to weakening lungs. They could act as a breeding ground for fungus or other microorganisms that can lead to lung damage entering our respiratory system.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and National Cancer Institute, quitting smoking is one of the most important steps in lowering cancer risk. For instance, 5 to 10 years after dropping this habit, the additional risk of cancers of the oral cavity, larynx, and pharynx reduces by half. About 10 to 15 years later, the risk of lung cancer drops by 30–50%, whereas 20 years later, the added risk of cervical cancer drops by half.