Harvard doctor reveals three toxic items in your bedroom: 'Throw them out, ASAP!'
According to Dr Saurabh Sethi, 42, a California-based gastroenterologist, these are old pillows, synthetic air fresheners and, if it's old, your mattress.
In a recent video posted on his Instagram page @doctor.sethi—which has been watched 2.1million views and has over 34,000 likes—he explained the dangers.
Old pillows, he explained, can 'accumulate dust mites, sweat and allergens over time'.
A study found the tiny mites often thrive in pillows, and even though the six-legged critters are no bigger than a grain of salt, they're a significant trigger for asthma.
'If your [pillow] is over one to two years old, it is probably time to replace it,' he said.
Next, he explained why canisters of air fresheners shouldn't be used in sleeping areas, saying that they release phthalates and VOCs which are 'linked to respiratory issues and hormonal disruption'.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are tiny chemicals the canisters expel into the air, which can then seep into your lungs.
In the short-term, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) warns they can travel to the brain causing dizziness, headaches, concentration lapses and visual disorders.
Meanwhile long-term exposure has been linked to heart and lung problems, fertility issues, hormonal imbalances and even cancer.
Dr Sethi also highlighted a study, where 86 per cent of air fresheners contained phthalates—which are chemicals linked to asthma and reproductive harm.
So, instead he urged people to try a more natural option, such as essential oils that are extracted from plants.
Finally, he urged people to throw out mattresses that are more than seven to 10 years old.
This is because, he explained, they 'can lower sleep quality and cause chronic back pain.'
In 2023, researchers found mattresses that are no longer firm, often due to years of use, is linked to lower back pain.
So, he warned, if your mattress is older, you should throw it out 'as soon as possible'.
After posting the video, he received lots of comments from shocked social media users who shared their bedroom pillows are much older.
In one comment a user said: 'One or two years old? Mine are 10 yrs old pillows.'
Another wrote: 'One to two years for pillows? Get out of here, Man you'd be shocked how old mine are.'
Meanwhile a third commented: 'Old pillow = 2 years? If we threw those away and bought new ones that'd had a massive negative impact on the environment.'
However, other social media users thanked him for warning them about the potential hidden dangers.
One user commented: 'Thanks for sharing this important information.'
Previously Martin Seely, CEO and sleep expert at Mattress Next Day told the Daily Mail, there is a simple test to know when you need to replace a pillow.
He said: 'It's recommended that you change your pillows everyone to two years, but it really depends on a number of factors, such as the type of pillow and your sleeping position.
'There is, however, a test you can do to see if it needs [to be] replaced. Simply fold your pillow in half and squeeze out the air.'
Then, he continued: 'Let the pillow go and if it unfolds back to its original shape, then it has enough filling to support your neck and head.
'If it doesn't spring back, then it's lost its support and needs to be replaced.'
However, the sleep experts simple test is to check for neck support and not for bacteria or dust mites.
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