We all like to think of our home as a safe space from the dangers of the outside world, especially if we have children. However, think about how healthy your home really is; it could be that your home is just as much of a health risk as any other space you have no control over. Here are some of the core health risks you should keep in mind that many homeowners tend to forget.
The big environmental hazards
Sick house syndrome is the name commonly used to talk about a range of health hazards in the home that can lead to long term illness. It was first brought to public attention due to the range of dangerous materials in the home, such as radon, lead, and asbestos. While radon and lead may not be common in many homes, asbestos is still an issue, and you can have someone come out to your home and remove it for you.
How are you cleaning your home?
You might think the best way to get rid of sick house syndrome is to carefully clean as much as you can and, to a degree, you would be right. However, what you clean the house with matters. Using synthetic products with bleach and other chemicals has been shown to have a negative effect on the air quality which can exacerbate and sometimes cause respiratory issues, so you should use them minimally, relying more on natural solutions instead.
Watch out for unwanted guests
Don’t you hate it when a guest leaves a mess for you to clean up? What about guests of the non-animal variety? Pests can leave dander, urine, droppings, and more in the home, which can not only carry disease but greatly decrease the air quality in the home, making it more likely to leave you and your family sick. Wildlife removal must be considered if you discover any signs of pests in the home. Look for their nesting area and get help where necessary.
Watch your gas appliances
A carbon monoxide alarm can catch some of the gasses that can potentially sick, but it can’t catch all of them. Nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxides can be just as dangerous, often to fatal degrees. Make sure you have any gas appliances in the home serviced at least once a year and know the telltale signs of their failure so you can act quickly.
Look out for the lawn as well
Any pesticides and weedkillers you use on your lawn can potentially be dangerous as well. In general, they should be avoided as best as possible. Not only can they potentially poison pets and family members, but they can even seep into the water supply, affecting the safety of drinking water in the area.
The above issues can give your home a real case of sick house syndrome which can, of course, affect the health of you and your family as you’re living in it. Take care of your home so it can take care of you.
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