Your bedroom should be a place for rest and recovery, but many people fill it with things that can quietly harm their health. One serious risk is nasopharyngeal cancer, which affects the upper part of the throat behind the nose. While genes and viruses like Epstein–Barr are major causes, indoor air quality and other environmental factors also matter but are often ignored.
Here are some common bedroom items you should look out for to help protect your lungs and reduce your risk of this type of cancer.
1. Old Wooden Furniture with Formaldehyde
Cheap furniture like wardrobes, dressers, and beds made from particleboard or MDF often contain glue with formaldehyde. Over time, this chemical turns into gas that can harm your nose and throat and raise your cancer risk.
What to do: Replace old furniture with solid wood labeled “low-VOC” or “formaldehyde-free.” Keep your room well-aired and use an air purifier with a carbon filter.
2. Scented Candles and Air Fresheners
These make your room smell nice but can release harmful chemicals like benzene and toluene when burned or sprayed. Breathing them for a long time can irritate your lungs and increase cancer risk.
Better option: Use essential oil diffusers with pure oils in small amounts, and keep the room ventilated. Even natural scents can bother sensitive people if the air is closed off.
3. Plastic Storage Boxes and Curtains
Cheap plastic bins, curtain liners, and mats often contain PVC, which releases harmful chemicals like phthalates and vinyl chloride, especially when heated. These can affect hormones and may cause cancer.
What to do: Use glass or fabric containers and choose curtains made of cotton or linen. Keep plastics away from sunlight and heat sources.
4. Mold and Dampness
Moist areas like leaking walls, old carpets, or air conditioners can grow mold. Mold releases spores and toxins that can damage your nose and throat over time.
Fix it: Check for moisture behind furniture and wallpaper. Use a dehumidifier and clean your AC filter often. If you smell something musty, find and fix the cause instead of covering it up.
5. Old Mattresses and Pillows
Old beds can trap dust, mold, and chemical residues from flame retardants. These can weaken your immune system and irritate your respiratory system.
What to do: Change your mattress every 7–10 years and pick organic or non-toxic types. Wash pillowcases weekly and let your bedding get some sunlight regularly.