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Many common objects found around the home can pose serious health risks if accidentally eaten, inhaled, absorbed, handled or stored improperly.
For example, old mercury thermometers or thermostats, computers, paint, and even some types of candy contain chemicals that are hazardous. Even certain home remedies could result in serious long-term illness.
Mercury:
Many thermometers contain mercury, a silver gray liquid at room temperature. Although mercury vapors are the most toxic form of mercury, it is also toxic by ingestion and absorption through the skin. Short-term or long-term exposures can lead to serious health problems. The central nervous system is very sensitive to mercury vapors. Many household products, including paints, batteries, thermometers, and fluorescent tubes, contain small amounts of mercury. Some people use liquid mercury in ethnic folk medicine and for religious practices. More recently, glass pendant necklaces containing liquid mercury have become popular among high school children.
More information on mercury poisoning is available from the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH).
If a mercury spill occurs, call your local health department or the Statewide Poison Control Center at 1-800-352-2222 for instructions on safe cleanup.
Cleanup information is also available from the IDPH website.
Electronics:
Computers, televisions, cellular phones, personal stereos and other discarded electronics can contain hazardous materials such as lead, cadmium, mercury, hexavalent chromium, PVC, and brominated flame retardants. Although safe when used, if disposed of improperly these electronic devices can pose a potential threat to human health and the environment. Electronic waste accounts for 40 percent of the lead and 75 percent of the heavy metals found in landfills. If a landfill's liner fails, the groundwater supply may become contaminated.
More information from the DNR:
Paints:
Paint can be hazardous when containing lead, mercury, or oil. Many of Iowa's pre-1950 homes contain lead-based paint. Over time, the paint flakes and chips off and can turn into a fine dust that poses a potential health risk if ingested or inhaled. Young children are especially vulnerable to lead poisoning because they might get dust or soil on their hands and put them in their mouths. Children may also eat small paint chips. Individuals who remodel or repaint these homes also risk possible exposure if the lead-based paint is disturbed and proper protective gear is not worn.
In children, the signs of possible lead poisoning include: becoming easily excited, not able to pay attention, memory loss, reduced IQ, stomach aches, lethargy, learning and behavior problems, weakened muscles, stunted growth, seizures and death. In adults, symptoms include: trouble remembering and concentrating, tiring easily, sleeplessness, weakness or loss of feeling in arms or legs, headaches, irritability, depression and high blood pressure.
Oil based paints or finishes are also hazardous and require special handling. Paints and finishes are among the leading causes of indoor air pollution by releasing volatile organic compounds during application and for years afterwards.
More information on lead poisoning from IDPH
More information on handling and disposal of hazardous paints from the DNR
Candy:
Most parents allow candy for their children on occasion. Parents know it is full of sugar but not many know it can be contaminated with lead. Regulators have found unsafe lead levels in 112 brands of candy, most made in Mexico.
Lead has no taste or smell. Lead affects virtually every organ in the body destroying the organ's normal method of functioning. Swallowed lead travels from the stomach to the blood stream, from the blood stream to the soft tissue - liver, kidneys, lungs, brain, spleen, muscles and heart. In children, the central nervous system is particularly vulnerable. The most sinister fact about lead poisoning is that it has few early health symptoms. It may accumulate in the body for years without symptoms. It can reduce a child's IQ, cause behavioral problems, prompt memory loss, weaken muscles and stunt growth.
More information about lead in candy from IDPH
More information on specific brands of contaminated candy from the Orange County Register
Home Remedies:
While scientists have proven that chicken soup is good for a cold, other home remedies can cause serious health problems, even death. Many families have handed down folk remedies for generations, and while they may be outdated, most are harmless. However, some remedies can contain high chemical levels that may permanently damage the brain or nervous system.
More information on harmful home remedies from IDPH.
DNR Contacts
Kathleen Hennings
(515) 281-5859
Kathleen.Hennings@dnr.state.ia.us
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