Home is often associated with comfort and rest. It is a place where we get to unwind and feel safe. However, making your home a safe environment for everyone requires some work. There are hidden hazards that may cause harm to your family, and these need to be assessed and addressed.
Safety should be the utmost priority, and it requires some work on your side. Fortunately, many of these are easy to manage and are fixable.
Radon
It is a radioactive gas that naturally occurs thorium, uranium, or radium breaks down in soil or groundwater. We are exposed to it, but this becomes a hazard when the gas enters into cracks or holes in your home, and you are inhaling a high level of radon.
This gas increases the risk of lung cancer when exposed for an extended period. You may not notice its presence because it is odorless and colorless. This can be avoided by checking the level of radon through a testing kit. Improving ventilation can reduce the amount of radon indoors, but you’ll need professional help to eliminate it.
Asbestos
Another natural fiber, asbestos, is commonly found in construction materials, textiles, and insulation. It is durable and can withstand high temperatures. In general, asbestos is safe to use. However, it becomes a health hazard when the asbestos-containing material crumbles or is friable.
When the asbestos material is in a poor state, a simple movement releases dust particles into the air. When handled poorly, you might inhale the dust particles and damage your lungs. These particles can stay in the air for a while.
You need to get rid of asbestos fast because there are common diseases associated with asbestos inhalation, such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.
Molds
If you notice a musty odor around the house, there might be mold growth in the area. Excess moisture promotes the growth of molds, which might indicate water leaks in the house.
Mold is a type of fungus that can irritate the nose, throat, and lungs. Its presence in the house can trigger respiratory problems, especially those suffering from asthma and allergies. Infants, the elderly, and people who are immunocompromised are susceptible.
You can check for molds in the kitchen, under the sink, in your shower curtains, or basement. Mold in small amounts is harmless, but the spores being released in the air can harm everyone in the house when it is significant.
You can control the growth of mold in the house by getting a dehumidifier in damp areas, keeping every area clean and dry, fixing any leakage and improving ventilation, controlling humidity, and making sure the house is warm during the cold season by adding insulation or heater.
Carbon Monoxide
If you have kerosene heaters, gas stoves, a fireplace, wood stoves, or any gas equipment at home, you need to be careful with carbon monoxide poisoning. The gas is odorless and colorless making it dangerous because you wouldn’t notice you’re being exposed to it.
Homes with poor ventilation are at high risk for carbon monoxide poisoning—headaches, weakness, dizziness, vomiting, and chest pain. If you inhale a large amount of these toxic fumes, you can pass out. Those who are sleeping or drunk can die of carbon monoxide poisoning without them even noticing it.
If you have equipment that uses gas, make sure to have proper ventilation. Install CO detector, purchase equipment certified by the appropriate agency, and hire licensed technicians to do yearly maintenance on your gas equipment.
Lint
Removing lint from your dryer can keep your home safe. There are many benefits in keeping your dryer clean, like reducing electricity consumption, drying the clothes faster, and most importantly, preventing fire risk.
Lint is flammable, and the dryer produces heat which can create potential fire. Aside from fire, it also promotes mold and mildew growth because it can increase humidity around the vent. Clean the lint trap after every load. For hard to remove lint, soak the lint trap in hot water and brush gently.
Dust mites
Your furniture, carpet, and bed can harbor dust mites. These hard to see, microscopic creatures love dead skin cells and hair. The bug is a potential allergen and can trigger the immune system to react. Those with asthma and sensitivity to insect bites are prone to dust mites. Those who are allergic will experience a runny nose, watery eyes, and difficulty breathing.
Lead
If you are living in an old home, you might want to check for the presence of lead. There might be a chance that the lead is hiding behind a few coats on your wall. Children are at the most at risk for lead poisoning and this can lead to severe complications.
Lead poisoning signs are developmental delay, irritability, loss of appetite, hearing loss, seizures, abdominal pain, and vomiting. You can get a lead testing kit to make sure your home is safe.
Household cleaners
A prevalent health risk at home is household cleaners. When poorly stored and used, it can irritate the eyes, mouth, and nose. Others are volatile chemicals that can cause serious health problems, such as bleach and ammonia.
Store these chemicals safely away from the children, read and follow instructions, avoid mixing chemicals and reduce the use of harmful chemicals by substituting them with natural ingredients.
Be proactive when ensuring the safety of your home. Follow guidelines and research for information that can help keep your home free from health hazards.
