You may still keep a few plastic containers in your bedroom or dressing room to store miscellaneous items. What many people don’t realize is that if these containers are dented, scratched, or repeatedly exposed to heat, chemicals from the plastic—such as bisphenol A (BPA)—can leach out and interfere with the body’s endocrine system. Studies have shown that endocrine-disrupting chemicals may alter pancreatic function and increase the risk of cellular damage in this organ.

Instead of holding on to old plastic containers, it is better to switch to glass or stainless-steel alternatives and limit reheating food in plastic containers—even those labeled as “heat-resistant.” This may sound simple, but it can significantly reduce exposure to potential health risks.

Some everyday items in the bedroom can quietly affect pancreatic health if they are not replaced or cleaned properly.

Cooking oil fumes and dirty range hoods
If your bedroom is located near the kitchen or your apartment has an open-plan layout, cooking oil fumes and grease vapors can easily spread into the sleeping area if ventilation is inadequate. When range hoods are not cleaned regularly, accumulated oil and dust can form toxic compounds such as benzopyrene—one of the substances warned to cause cellular damage. An environment filled with cooking fumes not only affects the lungs and respiratory system but may also impact the pancreas by triggering chronic inflammation, making cells more vulnerable to injury.

Keeping the bedroom well-ventilated, cleaning the range hood thoroughly each month, and turning on fans or opening windows after cooking are effective ways to improve indoor air quality—helping to “lighten the load” on your pancreas as well.

Maintaining a clean, well-ventilated bedroom is one of the simplest ways to protect endocrine health and reduce the risk of pancreatic damage.

Dry foods stored long-term in the bedroom
You may think it is convenient to keep snacks such as cookies, beans, or nuts tucked away in your bedroom. However, if the room is slightly humid or poorly ventilated, this can create ideal conditions for mold growth. Mold can produce aflatoxin—a highly potent toxin classified as carcinogenic by many studies. If inhaled or accidentally consumed over a long period, it can silently harm the pancreas from within.

Therefore, the bedroom should not be used as long-term food storage. Make sure the space stays dry and airy, and regularly check stored dry foods to discard anything that is expired or shows signs of mold.

Old or damaged electronic devices
A television that has been used for many years and placed against the wall, an old light that flickers unpredictably, or phone chargers kept close to your pillow—few people consider that these could affect pancreatic health. In reality, electronic devices that are damaged or beyond their recommended lifespan may emit electromagnetic radiation or generate abnormal heat. According to experts, prolonged exposure to such factors can damage cellular structures and disrupt normal cell division—one of the underlying contributors to cancer development.

You should periodically inspect electronic devices in the bedroom, replace items that have been used for too long (typically over 5–7 years), and avoid placing phone or laptop chargers close to your head while sleeping.

Mattresses, pillows, curtains, and blankets not cleaned regularly
You may be diligent about changing bed sheets weekly but overlook the need to thoroughly wash or sun-dry curtains, pillows, and mattresses. These items come into direct contact with your skin and the surrounding air every night, making them prone to accumulating fine dust, bacteria, mold, and chemicals from synthetic fabrics. All of these can affect the respiratory system and the endocrine system. When your body has to “work harder” to breathe in a polluted sleeping environment, it responds by activating inflammation—and the pancreas, an important endocrine organ, can be affected by this response.

Set a schedule every 2–3 months to wash curtains, pillows, and blankets, and sun-dry or vacuum mattresses to remove bacteria and mold. This helps improve sleep quality and protects long-term health.

Low-cost furniture and wall paint containing toxic chemicals
Many low-cost furniture items made from pressed wood, adhesives, or cheap paints contain compounds such as formaldehyde and benzene—volatile chemicals that are warned to increase cancer risk with long-term exposure. When such items are used in the bedroom without proper ventilation, you inhale small but continuous amounts every night, turning your sleeping environment into a source of hidden health risks. Some studies have linked prolonged exposure to volatile chemicals in bedrooms with a higher likelihood of pancreatic cancer and other endocrine-related cancers.

The solution is to choose furniture that meets safety standards, use higher-quality paints, or at the very least ensure good ventilation by opening windows daily or using an air purifier when necessary.

Conclusion
The bedroom is a place for rest, recovery, and overall well-being. Take time to reassess your personal space: replace old items, clean regularly, and keep everything in good condition. A sun-dried pillow, a replaced plastic container, a well-ventilated room—these small actions may seem insignificant, but they can help protect your pancreas and safeguard your health in the long run.