7 Most Dangerous Things in Your Kitchen You Didn't Know About
Kitchen utensils that seem quite harmless at first glance can cause serious harm to health.
7 Most Dangerous Things in Your Kitchen You Didn't Know About
The kitchen can be a very dangerous place, and not just because of the presence of knives and fire. There are a number of unobvious items that can cause significant harm to health. We tell you which kitchen utensils (and why) you should handle with more care.
Non-stick pans
7 Most Dangerous Things in Your Kitchen You Didn't Know About
Non-stick cookware is easy to clean, but can cause poisoning. The fact is that a heated Teflon-coated frying pan emits toxic fumes that can lead to intoxication (its symptoms are usually similar to the flu).
Sponges
7 Most Dangerous Things in Your Kitchen You Didn't Know About
Dishwashing sponges are the main “incubator” of bacteria in the kitchen. According to statistics, new bacteria grow on sponges every 20 minutes. And microflora can include E. coli and salmonella. Therefore, it is better to change sponges more often or soak them in a bleach solution (one part bleach to nine parts water) for 10-30 minutes at least every two days (read also: 5 proven ways to protect your home from bacteria and viruses).
Plastic containers
7 Most Dangerous Things in Your Kitchen You Didn't Know About
Plastic food storage containers are made with chemicals called phthalates. The latter make the plastic flexible, but if it gets into food, it can pose a danger to pregnant women: it can affect fetal development and reproductive health in general. Therefore, if you are expecting a baby, it is better to replace plastic containers with glass (and it is also much more environmentally friendly).
Plastic bottles
Plastic water bottles also contain hazardous substances that, if leached into the water (or any other liquid stored in the bottle), can cause poisoning.
Towels
7 Most Dangerous Things in Your Kitchen You Didn't Know About
A 2015 study by researchers at the University of Kansas found that dishtowel surfaces are among the dirtiest surfaces in the kitchen. A towel that hasn't been cleaned in a while can easily cause food poisoning. So it’s better to put your kitchen textiles in the washing machine more often.
Cutting boards
7 Most Dangerous Things in Your Kitchen You Didn't Know About
Another potential carrier of E. coli and salmonella. To protect yourself, first of all, use separate boards for meat, fish and fruit and vegetables. And, of course, do not forget to thoroughly wash and dry your kitchen tools.
Salt and pepper shakers
7 Most Dangerous Things in Your Kitchen You Didn't Know About
According to a 2008 study from the University of Virginia, spice containers are one of the main culprits in the spread of cold viruses. The fact is that shakers are touched and passed from hand to hand every now and then, so it is better to wipe them thoroughly after use (read also: 10 things in the kitchen that you use incorrectly (and don’t know it)).
