Our home should serve as sanctuaries of peace and safety. However, there can be a lot of dangerous hazards around the home lurking in unknown places. And you can’t very well feel safe when you’re surrounded by danger.
However, before you panic and start searching for a new place, let’s take a look at the potential threats in common households. Most of them are easy enough to detect, treat, or eradicate from your house.
Follow along for the details.
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Potential Hazards Around the Home
Don’t worry, unless you’ve got an uncommon gas leak or installed the electrical in your home yourself, you don’t have to worry about your home suddenly bursting into flames or collapsing in heaps all around you.
However, common hazards around the home can eventually make for big problems. Take a look at the following molehills that can quickly become mountains.
1. Pests
Nearly any horror movie you see that involves an old house has the typical scene of a pest infestation of some kind. Whether it’s a surprise rat in the cupboards or cockroaches that scurry about as the lights come on, it paints an unflattering image.
While the occasional mouse or insect isn’t detrimental to your home, an infestation can bring with it significant damage to your home, tainted foods, and even disease.
2. Radon
Also known as the silent killer, radon is a radioactive gas that lurks beneath the ground and has been linked to lung cancer. Over time, it creeps up through the ground, foundation, and floor of your home. Unfortunately, you can’t see, smell, or taste radon, so you’ll have to contact a Radon company and have your home tested
3. Mold
Another silent but deadly force in your home is mold. Mold can grow nearly anywhere there’s water. That’s why it’s important to fix and dry any water damage in your home, especially in dark, closed-off spaces.
There are several types of mold that can be harmful to your health, but black mold is one of the worst strands.
4. Asbestos
Asbestos is one of the most common hazards around the home for people who live in older houses. Once used as a fire retardant insulator, asbestos was discovered to be a major cause of cancer. People would breathe in the tiny particles which would lodge themselves in the person’s lungs.
5. Lead Paint
Lead paint is another common toxin found in old homes. Though its use was banned in 1978, many homeowners simply painted over lead paint rather than going through the tedious process of removing it. Overexposure can lead to brain and nervous system issues as well as anemia and lead poisoning.
6. Carbon Monoxide
Any time an organic fuel source is burned, it creates carbon monoxide. If your home is ventilated properly, this isn’t an issue. However, breathing in this odorless gas can make you very sick or even kill you.
Make sure you have plenty of carbon monoxide detectors around your home.
7. Food Poisoning
One of the most overlooked hazards around the home may be hiding in your fridge. E. coli and salmonella poisoning are common among meat-eaters. However, plants and vegetables have also been contaminated in the past.
Make sure you’re not consuming anything that’s past its expiration date and thoroughly clean anything that touches raw meat.
The More You Know
We hope we didn’t scare you with our list of hazards around the home. The key to keeping your home and family safe is staying diligent about cleaning and maintaining your sanctuary.
However, if you’re looking for more advice or tips on keeping up your home, feel free to look through the rest of our articles!
