Doctor pinpoints 'most toxic item in your home' and you probably overlook it

Doctor pinpoints 'most toxic item in your home' and you probably overlook it Dr Pedi Mirdamadi suggests it may be a good idea to throw away the 'toxic' item as it can contribute to upper respiratory infections and asthma as well as result in other health issues Ever wondered what the most toxic item lurking in your home could be? A naturopathic doctor believes it's actually something you "wouldn't believe". Dr Pedi Mirdamadi took to TikTok to claim that the item in question is linked to allergies and itchy eyes, and can contribute to upper respiratory infections and asthma. So have you guessed the item in question? It's the humble plug-in air freshener. "Many of these products contain toxic chemicals like formaldehyde as well as volatile, organic compounds, which enter our bodies through our breath," he claimed. Dr Mirdamadi continued: "The air we breathe is the quickest and easiest way to get toxins into our body." He rounded off with some advice, urging: "If you have any of these plug-in air fresheners in your home or in your car - switch them off and dump them, especially if you're experiencing any signs of allergies or asthma." The doctor also shared an additional tip in his video's caption, meanwhile, writing: "Instead, use an essential oil diffuser to freshen the home. Avoid this if you are a dog owner! "Even if I get into an Uber and they have an air freshener plugged in, I unplug it and kindly tell them I have allergies." Ensure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings. Many appreciated Mirdamadi's advice and took to the comments section to share tips of their own. One wrote: "I simmer orange peel, cloves, cinnamon stick and cranberries. It's a much healthier alternative." Likewise, another added: "I simmer fresh sliced lemons, thyme and water in a two-quart pan, on low. Cleans the air and smells so fresh and nice." A third remarked: "I simmer fresh rosemary from the garden, double up and use the water as a skin tonic or hair tonic when cooled!" Are plug-in air fresheners dangerous? Plug-in air fresheners are not typically dangerous if you follow product instructions – but there are some factors to be mindful of. While not all plug-in air fresheners contain formaldehyde directly in their liquid oils, they can still release it into the air. Formaldehyde is a toxic irritant and a known human carcinogen at sufficient exposure levels, so it’s not something you’d want to be breathing in regularly – especially in small, poorly ventilated rooms. The government website explains that: "Formaldehyde has been classified as a cancer-causing chemical in humans by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)." However, this does not mean you will experience any negative side effects from using these products. The government website adds: "Low-level exposure from the correct use of these products would not be expected to cause adverse health effects." If you have any concerns about your health, visit a medical professional for advice.