Author: Peyton Burrus
A home should always be a safe place. While there are many dangers that can be seen and controlled, there are many that are invisible and even more dangerous. Hidden dangers such as carbon monoxide, radon, lead, and mold are common in households. Even though they may be hard to spot, a few easy solutions can make the home a safer place.
Carbon monoxide is a prevalent gas that often escapes in the home. Gas furnaces, stoves, and cars are all common ways for carbon monoxide to escape. It can cause flu symptoms or poisoning if exposed for long periods of time. This can be easily solved and detected with a carbon monoxide detector, which looks out for high levels of carbon monoxide.
Radon is a gas that can escape into the air from exposed pipes or cracks in buildings and homes. If breathed in for long periods of time, radon poisoning can have detrimental effects on the lungs. Tests such as radon kits can detect how much is in the air, which can help determine the next steps of clearing the air.
Lead is especially common in older homes, specifically areas such as old pipes or paint. This makes lead undetectable but very dangerous. In older houses that were built when lead was still used in products, traces of lead are very possible. It is common for lead to be in traces of water, or to leave in dust particles as paint starts to chip or peel. Before any home remedies, professional inspections on lead in paint and in the pipes can give an idea of how much lead is present. Beyond that, regularly checking the home for any paint damage, installing water filters, and cleaning surfaces with a damp cloth can limit the amount of lead particles that get in the air.
Mold is another common danger in the home, and while that may be more visible to spot than a gas, it can still go undetected. Mold can cause immediate discomfort with reactions such as coughing or sneezing, and in worse cases allergy or asthma symptoms. Mold breeds from water, and it’s important to have proper ventilation throughout the home but especially in places such as the bathroom or kitchen where moisture is present. Dehumidifiers, air conditioning, exhaust fans, and opening windows can all limit mold growth in the home.
Dangerous gasses and metals can be found all around the house. Luckily, they can all be treated and detected before serious health problems occur. The easiest solution is to continuously maintain the home, and look out for any potential dangers that can cause gas leaks or exposure.
References:
- https://www.cdc.gov/mold/faqs.htm
- https://www.epa.gov/lead/how-make-your-home-lead-safe
- https://www.worldhealth.net/news/hidden-hazards-clearing-out-toxins-home/
- https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/ss/slideshow-common-household-hazards
Image Credit: Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty, Home Sold by Nancy Read and Frank Azami