There is an old saying that “A man’s home is his castle” and many of us can attest to the truthfulness of that statement. After all, when we are at home, we are in a comfortable and familiar area and it seems as if we have control over our surroundings.
Even though we may feel comfortable with our homes, there are dangers we need to be aware of that could put our health and the health of our family at risk. Many of those dangers lurk underneath the surface and until we know they are there, they are likely to continue to be a problem. Here are 9 hidden dangers in the home that you need to know about now.
1. Paint
There is nothing quite like adding a splash of color to the home to really make a difference. What many of us don’t realize, however, is that an older home could be hiding a danger in the form of lead-based paint. Although lead-based paint was banned in 1978, there are many cases down to this day of toxic lead poisoning in young children.
If you live in an older home, have your paint tested and if necessary, hire a professional to have the paint removed. If you are painting the home, make sure you choose a type of paint with very little or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
2. Mold
You might be surprised with the fact that almost every home has at least some level of mold within it. At times, however, the mold can build up and cause severe health problems, including allergies and asthma. Some buildings could even be considered “sick” and may need to be remediated.
To cut down on the amount of mold or the possibility of new mold, run a dehumidifier in damp areas. It is also a good idea to open the window from time to time to allow for air exchange. Hire a professional to check your air ducts and roof for mold growth.
3. Water
We tend to trust the water systems in our area but there may be many harmful chemicals within the water, including discarded pharmaceuticals and even radioactive toxins! Older homes may also have high levels of lead because of lead-based pipes. It is recommended that you only use cold water for cooking and drinking and that you flush your pipes before drinking water. A high quality water filter may also be able to remove many of the chemicals from your water supply.
4. Carpet
Many people don’t realize that carpet is a source of many chemicals in the home, along with other problems, such as collecting dirt, pet dander and dust mites. Have your carpeting cleaned regularly by a professional service and if you have new carpeting, try to choose one with natural fibers and glue that is free of toxins. If at all possible, opt for hardwood over carpeting.
5. Refrigerator
We often feel safe when we eat at home but in reality, 76 million people become sick annually as a result of foodborne illness. It is mostly because food is not handled or stored properly. Make sure that you clean your refrigerator properly on a regular basis and mark and organize the food that goes into the refrigerator. Make sure that your refrigerator is cold enough to keep food safe.
6. Furniture
There are many toxins used in furniture, particularly flame retardant chemicals. They can off-gas into the air and make us sick or rub off on our skin and clothing when we sit in the furniture. If at all possible, purchase “green furniture” and wash or vacuum the furniture regularly.
7. Shower Curtains and Wallpaper
The plastics in vinyl blinds, wallpapers and shower curtains contain phathalates, a chemical that can affect the hormonal system in the body. If at all possible, avoid the use of plastics and in the case of shower curtains, hang them outside for a few days before you use them.
8. Pots and Pans
According to reports in the Journal of the American Medical Association, there are chemicals that may be found in pots and pans (PFCs) that could affect both pre-and postnatal growth. In addition, those chemicals could lead to diabetes and obesity! You may want to replace the nonstick pans with cast-iron or stainless steel. Never use nonstick pans in ovens when the temperature is over 500 degrees. Run your exhaust fan when you cook.
9. Carbon monoxide
Carbon monoxide has sometimes been called the silent killer because you can’t see it or smell it and it can render you unconscious before you realize it. It can be caused by many sources in the home, including gas water heaters, fireplaces, wood stoves, space heaters and even cigarette smoke. To cut down on the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning install carbon monoxide detectors and test them regularly.
Bonus Item
10. Pests
There are many pests that can invade the home unknowingly and cause problems. For example, termites may be working in the home for many months or even longer before you realize you have a problem. Roaches are not only dirty, they can lead to allergies. Even a small amount of rodent feces can cause serious illness! Have your home checked regularly by a professional.
Via: Freshome
Please help others to keep their homes safe by passing this information on to them