Four Hidden Hazards in Your Home

Many people consider their homes to be the safest place to be in. It’s a haven where you can relax and forget about the dangers and worries of the world. However, if you get too comfortable, it’s very easy to overlook some of the health hazards that are lurking within your ‘safe haven’.

In this blog, we’re going to discuss four hidden hazards that all homeowners should be actively looking out for.

Leaks

Water leaks can be a frustrating problem to deal with. For one, the source of the leak is often difficult to pinpoint. It might be coming from the piping behind the walls, above the ceiling or underneath the sink. Leaks can also become a slipping hazard and cause other issues that might be harmful to your health.

To make things worse, if you don’t address this problem quickly, it can wreak havoc on the structure of your home.

Unfortunately, not all water leaks are obvious. Sometimes, a leak occurs within a hidden pipe behind the walls of your home. In this case, you likely won’t notice it until the moisture starts to create a water stain on your walls or ceiling. So, in order to catch a leak as early as possible, make sure to look for these signs:

• Higher water bills
• Strange odours
• Strange noises
• Sagging ceilings or warped walls
• Peeling or swelling paint/wallpaper
• Water stains
• Mould and mildew

If you’re unsure where the leak is coming from, be sure to contact a professional plumber as soon as possible for an inspection.

Mould

Mould and mildew thrive in areas of your home that are prone to moisture. To grow and reproduce, mould releases spores into the open air. If you inhale these spores, you can experience issues such as a blocked nose, irritated eyes or coughing. In severe cases, it may even cause significant breathing problems for those with asthma or other respiratory problems.

Because of this, you need to know how to handle mould. There are a number of ways to do this. For example, you can get dehumidifiers and make sure that your home is well-ventilated. These measures will make sure that your interior isn’t too humid.

Additionally, you can use paints with mould inhibitors or purchase other mould-killing products for existing mould. As mentioned above, it’s almost important to be vigilant and look out for potential leaks as they are also a common cause of mould and mildew.

If worse comes to worst, you can always contact a professional mould removalist to help you out.

Dust

Dust is a common pollutant found in all homes. Dust can be airborne and it can also settle and accumulate on various surfaces around your house. Exposure to too much dust can cause a number of health problems including allergic reactions, respiratory issues and irritation of the eyes. Excessive airborne dust can also be dangerous for infants, the elderly and people with conditions like asthma, emphysema or heart disease.

Dust mites, which are microscopic arachnids, often live and feed on dead human skin cells found in dust. These mites and their faeces can trigger allergic reactions which might result in irritation of the nose, eyes and skin. It might also cause coughing or wheezing.

While you can never get rid of house dust entirely, it’s still important to keep it at a minimum by regularly vacuuming your home and making sure you have proper ventilation.

Toxic cleaning products

Cleaning products are designed to protect us from harmful bacteria. Ironically, however, some of the cleaning products that we buy on store shelves contain dangerous chemicals that can harm our health. Studies show that even products used by professional cleaning companies might also include hazardous substances.

For example, some all-purpose cleaners contain ingredients that can cause irritation of the eyes, skin and throat. Many laundry detergents also contain enzymes which, when ingested, can cause nausea or vomiting.

Because of this, you should aim to use natural cleaning solutions as much as possible. This includes vinegar and baking soda. In cases where it’s more practical to use cleaning products, you need to be taking the proper precautions. Make sure you’re wearing gloves and are keeping the products away from children and pets at all times.

Hopefully, this list has helped you think about some of the dangers lurking within your home. Needless to say, there are many more hazards in your home than just the four listed above. For your own safety and for the sake of your loved ones, it’s important that you put in the effort necessary to keep your home as hazard-free as possible.