Keeping everyone healthy is always a primary concern for families. But even the most cautious people can overlook some of these potentially fatal hazards in the home. Take a moment to review what precautions you should take.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas and almost impossible to detect without a carbon monoxide detector. Household appliances, such as gas fires, boilers, central heating systems, water heaters, cookers, and open fires which use gas, oil, coal, and wood may be possible sources of carbon monoxide gas that can escape into your home. Carbon monoxide can cause headaches, dizziness, weakness, shortness of breath, and even death. Detectors are available in local hardware stores and can simply be plugged into an electrical outlet and sourced with a backup battery.
Radon
Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas that has been found in homes all over the United States. It comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water and gets into the air you breathe. Radon typically moves up through the ground to the air above and into your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation. It can build up to dangerous levels that harm your health. In fact, it’s the second most common cause of lung cancer deaths in the U.S., second only to smoking. The only way to know if your home has dangerous amounts of radon is by using a radon test kit. If you need radon tested for a real estate transaction, a professional radon testing company is needed. A radon mitigation system can be installed if your home needs one.
Asbestos
Asbestos is a known carcinogen that is linked to various diseases. It can still be found in ceiling tiles, floor tiles, and insulation in many homes across the U.S. If disturbed and circulated in the air, inhaled asbestos fibers can lead to lung disease. Many people don’t realize they may have asbestos in their homes. Hire an asbestos professional to inspect your home if you think it’s present.
Lead
All houses built before 1978 are likely to contain some lead-based paint. However, it is the deterioration of this paint that causes a problem. Approximately 24 million housing units have deteriorated lead paint and elevated levels of lead-contaminated house dust. Children suffer the highest risks to lead poisoning. Testing kits are available for lead paint. Note that lead can also be in your plumbing and other building materials.
Smoke Detectors
Smoke detectors are a critical part of a home fire escape plan. Any type of fire will spread smoke fast. Working smoke alarms give you an early warning so you can get out of the house quickly. Check your smoke detector’s batteries each month and replace the batteries every year. One smoke detector in the kitchen is not enough. Detectors are needed near or inside bedrooms, near stairways, in basements, and on every level of the house.