If you’ve ever been to a garage sale, flea market, or even your grandparents’ house, you know that old furniture can be musty and smelly. But did you know that it can also make you sick? Dust mites, mold, and other allergens love to live in old furniture, and when you sit on it or sleep on it, they can cause all sorts of problems.
If you have asthma or allergies, old furniture is especially dangerous. Even if you don’t have any health problems, though, spending too much time around dusty old furniture can make you sneeze and cough. So next time you’re at a garage sale, think twice before buying that musty old couch!
OLD TV COMMERCIAL The Dump Furniture This Commercial Could Make You Sick 18
We all know that old furniture can be a health hazard. The dust, the dirt, and the potential for lead paint can all make us sick. But did you know that your old furniture could also be making you sick?
According to a new study, there is a link between exposure to certain chemicals in old furniture and an increased risk of cancer. The study found that people who were exposed to these chemicals had a higher rate of lymphoma and leukemia.
So if you have any old furniture in your home, it might be time to get rid of it.
And if you’re thinking about buying some used furniture, make sure you do your research first. You don’t want to end up with something that could make you sick.
Can Old Furniture Make You Sick
When it comes to old furniture, there are a few things that could potentially make you sick. For starters, if the piece of furniture is made from particle board or another type of composite material, it could be releasing formaldehyde gas into the air. Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen, so long-term exposure could increase your risk for cancer.
Additionally, old furniture is often covered in dust and other allergens, which can trigger asthma and allergy symptoms. If you have any concerns about your health, it’s always best to consult with a doctor.
How Can You Tell If Old Furniture is Making You Sick
There are a few key things to look for when determining if your old furniture is making you sick. If you notice any of the following, it’s important to take action:
1. You experience more health problems when you’re around certain pieces of furniture.
Do you find that you get headaches, dizziness, or nausea when you’re near certain pieces of furniture? Do your allergies act up or do you have difficulty breathing when in close proximity to certain items? These could be signs that your body is reacting negatively to something in the furniture itself.
2. The furniture emits an unpleasant odor.
If you notice a musty smell coming from your old furniture, this could be a sign of mold or mildew growth. Mold and mildew can cause serious respiratory problems, so it’s important to address this issue as soon as possible.
3. The furniture has visible signs of mold or mildew growth.
In addition to emitting an unpleasant odor, mold and mildew will also cause visible growth on the surface of the affected furniture item. This growth can range in color from black to greenish-white and may appear fuzzy or slimy.
If you see any type of mold or mildew growth on your old furniture, it’s important to clean it immediately and then have the piece inspected by a professional to determine if further treatment is necessary.
What are the Symptoms of Being Sick from Old Furniture
When you first start to experience symptoms from old furniture, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. The most common symptom is difficulty breathing. This can be accompanied by a wheezing or raspy sound when you breathe, and may feel like your chest is tight.
You may also have a cough, and your throat may feel scratchy. If you have these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor right away, as they could indicate a more serious problem such as asthma or bronchitis.
Other less common symptoms include headaches, nausea, and dizziness.
These can be caused by chemicals that are released into the air when the furniture breaks down. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to open windows and doors to ventilate the area and reduce your exposure to the fumes. If possible, you should also try to remove yourself from the area until the symptoms subside.
Is It Possible to Get Rid of the Sickness by Cleaning Or Refinishing the Furniture
Cleaning or refinishing furniture will not get rid of the sickness. The best way to remove the sickness is to throw away the furniture. If you must keep the furniture, you can try cleaning it with bleach or steam.
You can also try using a HEPA filter to clean the air around the furniture.
What Should You Do If You Think Your Furniture is Making You Sick
If you think your furniture is making you sick, it’s important to take action and figure out what’s causing the problem. There are a few possible explanations for why your furniture might be making you sick, and each one requires a different solution.
One possibility is that you’re allergic to something in the fabric or material of your furniture.
If this is the case, you’ll need to replace your furniture with items that don’t contain whatever it is you’re allergic to. Another possibility is that there’s mold or mildew growing on your furniture. This can be a serious health hazard, and it will require professional cleaning or replacement of the affected items.
Finally, it’s also possible that your furniture is simply dusty and dirty, which can cause respiratory problems. In this case, a good deep cleaning should do the trick.
If you’re not sure what’s causing your sickness, it’s best to consult with a doctor or allergist.
They can help you identify the source of the problem and recommend the best course of action.
Conclusion
We all love a good antique, but did you know that old furniture can actually make you sick? It’s true! The dust and grime that has accumulated over the years can contain harmful bacteria and toxins that can cause respiratory problems, skin irritations, and even cancer.
So before you start shopping for that perfect piece of vintage furniture, be sure to give it a good cleaning first. You may even want to consider hiring a professional to do the job for you.
