Careful! Everyday items that are more dangerous than you think

Seems like a simple teddy bear, right? But this fluffy friend might be a hidden hazard in your child's hands. We often overlook the dangers of seemingly harmless everyday items. But take this teddy bear: Its fluff, or small parts like eyes, can cause choking or suffocation.

Another, equally important reason: teddy bears can be hotbeds of bacteria and mites, leading to various health issues, including allergies. A common solution is frequent washing, but some suggest freezing them for a couple of days every two weeks to eliminate mites and bacteria.

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If even an innocent teddy bear can be a danger, what other overlooked household items could be risky? Let's check them out.

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Those fluorescent tubes, often found in kitchens and bathrooms, can be harmful if broken, releasing vapors that contain small amounts of mercury.

Shelves, if not properly anchored, can be a real danger. The risk of them toppling over and crushing curious children or pets who might try to climb them is significant.

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Electric radiators especially can cause burns or even fires if inappropriate items are left on top of them. Extreme caution is needed. Be careful!

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While beneficial for respiratory issues, humidifiers can be harmful if not cleaned regularly, leading to mold inhalation and consequent health problems.

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Many oven cleaners contain potent chemicals like sodium hydroxide, highly corrosive and dangerous if it contacts skin, eyes, or respiratory passages. Handle with care!

Electric blankets are a common household item, but beware! Beyond fire risks in faulty models (they cause around 1,000 fires per year in the UK), they can cause burns and are not recommended in high temperatures for pregnant women or those with circulatory issues.

Batteries, especially button batteries, pose a real threat to small children, who often put anything in their mouths. If ingested, they can cause not just choking but also severe burns in the gastrointestinal tract.

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Flip-flops are more treacherous than they appear. From sprains to plantar fasciitis and falls, their instability and materials can lead to various injuries.

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A University of Queensland study found that microparticles emitted by laser printers could end up in our lungs, causing pulmonary and cardiovascular damage similar to smoking.

Seemingly innocuous, furniture made from particleboard can be harmful. Often glued with resins like formaldehyde, they can cause dermatological, ophthalmological, and respiratory issues in small amounts, and some studies link them to certain cancers in larger quantities.

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Sponges are a breeding ground for germs and mold. Experts recommend avoiding them for personal hygiene and applying shower gel directly with your hands. If you have a small wound, there's a risk of dermatological infection.

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Curtains can be a choking hazard for children or pets if they get entangled. They're also a fire risk if near flames, so it's advisable to use flame-retardant materials.

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And last but not least... carpets! Especially ones that are loose and moving around. Known for causing numerous falls, it's always safer to choose anti-slip options.

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