You expect your home to protect you from the hazards of the outside world. Unfortunately, where you live could also be home to a number of other health hazards that you may not be aware of immediately. These dangers may be microscopic, but it’s possible that they could be much larger.
Animal Pests
Sometimes you will see your mouse or raccoon problem early on, but often, they do not make themselves known until they have already settled in and made your home their home. And though some of these home invaders might seem fluffy or cute, they can carry disease and track germs through your home. Be wary of signs like droppings, eaten food or unusual gnaw or scratch marks around your home. Be sure to call a professional to get rid of the problem for good to protect your health and prevent damage to your home.
Household Cleaners
Many homeowners put themselves at risk for this hidden hazard, as they attempt to clean their home with the strongest chemicals. While some cleaners may get rid of bacteria or mold, they can cause even more damage to your health. Mixing certain cleaners can also make for dangerous fumes that aren’t safe to breathe. Try going with mild soap and vinegar, which is less costly and hazardous, but just as effective.
Bacteria
Salmonella and E.Coli are not unfamiliar bacterial types, as they tend to pop up in the news whenever there has been a large-scale food poisoning. However, this troublesome duo is not limited to unsanitary restaurants. If you fail to properly clean surfaces in your kitchen, you run the risk of these bacteria entering your system through the food you prepare in your home.
Insects
Though some insects are more nuisance than hazard, those insects that are drawn to garbage and feces can spread germs throughout your home. Some, like bed bugs and fleas, may also turn to you, your family, or your pets as a source of food. These bug bites aren’t pleasant in the best of situations, but some people and animals have allergic reactions that can range from mild to severe.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide has no scent or taste and it does not appear as smoke. This makes it almost impossible to detect without a monitor and alarm system. Often, homes will be faced with carbon monoxide contamination when certain fuels, such as gas heaters or wood stoves, are burned with improper ventilation. Each year, about 500 people die due to carbon monoxide, according to the American Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Mold
Mold can easily appear in your house, as it is an opportunistic invader, taking advantage of any damp surface. It is also a hazard for anyone in your home, but especially those with any form of breathing difficulty or lung issues. Mold commonly makes itself known on surfaces in the bathroom, which can be easily cleaned away, but a leaking pipe or roof can invite mold in to walls or ventilation systems, which can make it much more difficult to eliminate. Take care of leaks immediately and keep your bathroom well ventilated to prevent mold problems.
These hazards can be avoided. If you are proactive, you can spot early signs and fix a problem before it affects you or your family’s health. When you are uncertain or if the problem is too big for you to handle on your own, hire a professional.
Informational credit to ICE Pest Control and Wildlife Removal.
*Our content is not intended to provide medical advice or diagnosis of individual problems or circumstances, nor should it be implied that we are a substitute for professional medical advice. Users / readers are always advised to consult their Healthcare Professional prior to starting any new remedy, therapy or treatment. Your Wellness Group accepts no liability in the event you, a user of n-gage and a reader of this article, suffers a loss as a result of reliance upon or inappropriate application of the information.
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