There are many untold dangers in your home. And many of them you won’t be aware of because they aren’t apparent or obvious. But they are a health risk to you and your family. Fortunately, you can make some easy changes to reduce the risk of harm at home. Of course, there isn’t room for everything here, but here are some of the biggest home hazards you have.
Damp, Mold, and Condensation
This is a major issue right now because of the very real risks of exposure to damp, mold, and condensation. The issues associated with these are so bad that the UK government has changed the laws around them following the death of a child caused by excess mold. Mold especially causes issues with your breathing and is often regarded as something less harmful such as allergies. Therefore, consider mold removal if you are sneezing, wheezing, or itching.
Dust is One of the Biggest Home Hazards
Although the majority of dust is made of your own skin cells, it is no less harmful. This is because it also contains other elements, which include toxic chemicals such as those you use to clean. Many of these have been linked with an increased risk of liver cancer. And dust itself, when in excess, causes issues with breathing and symptoms similar to allergies. But this mostly comes from dust mites, or more accurately, their droppings, which you can inhale.
Unhygienic Bedding and Sleep Areas
Your bed is filthy. Even the cleanest of beds are littered with dust, bugs, and even fungus. For example, aspergillus fumigatus is commonly found in bedding. And thus can make your allergies much worse. Washing your bedding once per week and using hypoallergenic pillows and sheets is recommended. However, you should also keep your bedroom cool, airy, and low in humidity to prevent the multiplication of nasty things like fungus, bed bugs, and dust mites.
Home Air Fresheners
We all love the fresh scents of a nice home. But many of the home air fresheners you buy from your local store or online are packed with toxic chemicals. And when you diffuse or burn these, they become airborne, and you breathe them in. A common example is scented candles, many of which are carcinogenic. Additionally, if you buy cheaper products from an unreputable source, you may have counterfeit ones that contain lead-based wicks that can cause lead poisoning.
Household and Personal Cleaning Products
It’s good to use cleaning products when keeping your home fresh. But the majority of these contain very harmful substances. And this also extends to personal hygiene products as well. Some of these are so harmful that they are banned in the US. Some examples include:
- Antibacterial handwashes that are proven to be no more effective than soap.
- Soaps and shampoos containing triclosan have been linked to liver cancer.
- Antiseptic household cleansers and soaps contain high amounts of triclocarban.
- Common household bleach is very dangerous when inhaled in large amounts.
- The chemicals used on dryer sheets are linked to an increase in asthma symptoms.
- Personal deodorant aerosols and roll-ons often contain chemicals bad for skin.
- Soapy ingredients like sodium laureth sulfate can cause organ damage.
With some of the dangers of common household and personal cleaning products, it is a wonder they are still legal. Fortunately, you can switch to organic and natural cleaning products. These still contain chemicals that can harm you, but they are much safer than standard cleaners.
Poisonous Plants and Flowers
Houseplants and flowers can really brighten up your home. But you may not be aware that there are some that are very poisonous to you, your kids, and your pets. Most of the time, the poison is only effective if you swallow some plants. But just having them in your home is enough for others. Common examples include oleander and various types of lilies. As beautiful as they are, they are dangerous. And can be deadly to young children and common pets like cats and dogs.
Carpets, Rugs, and Flooring
Your home is probably littered with carpets, rugs, and other flooring types. Just having these can make your home safer since you aren’t walking around on bare surfaces. However, if you don’t maintain your flooring or fit it properly, it becomes dangerous. In fact, area rugs are one of the leading causes of injury for people over 65 years of age. But you can also trip over a frayed carpet, loose tiles, or a warped piece of natural wood. So inspect your flooring when cleaning.
Some of the Biggest Home Hazards Include Your Pets
There are tens of millions of domesticated cats and dogs all over the world. But they can be dangerous in your home. Mostly, this comes down to your treatment of your pets. For example, there is minimal risk of harm from urine and feces if you train your pets and clean up after them when they have an accident. Dog poop, for example, contains a type of worm that can blind children. But you should also watch out for your sleeping cat on the stairs so you don’t trip over.
The Paint Behind the Wallpaper
If you live in a newer home built after 1980, you shouldn’t need to worry about this. But older homes can contain toxic levels of lead. This is because lead was a common ingredient in all kinds of home products. One of which was paint. So, if you are repainting or putting up wallpaper, it is best to remove the existing paint first. This is because old paint chips and cracks. It can then release toxic dust into the air, or your kids can eat it because lead tastes like sugar.
Some of the biggest home hazards you may not even be aware of. Most of them are in the everyday things we use. And in most cases, it isn’t obvious that what you use is harmful. These include damp and mold in your home, cleaning products, and even the old paint on your walls.