Hidden Harms Within The Household

We tend to think of home as the safest place in the world, and this is exactly how it should be. But there are many ways in which a home can become harmful to you, often without you even being aware of it at first. However staying aware of potential harms so you know what to do about them can make all difference and can also grant you peace of mind.

Asbestos

While it’s becoming relatively rare to find asbestos hidden in the home, it does still happen from time to time - and when it does, it can be a very dangerous thing. Because it can cause serious lung disease, make sure to have it removed and dealt with as soon as possible. Getting a professional asbestos removal team in to take a look at it is definitely the first step. And definitely do try to do it yourself.

Carbon Monoxide

The effects of carbon monoxide poisoning include, at their extreme, death. So this is definitely not something you want to take a risk on. If you don’t already have a carbon monoxide detector, get one as soon as possible and make sure it works. If you do have one, test it every month at the very least, ideally every fortnight. And keep an eye out along the way for all of the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning, so you can be sure to deal with it as soon as possible. These include headaches, confusion, and dizziness, to name a few.

Leaking Gas

When you smell gas in the home, it’s an emergency and you should call emergency services the moment you notice it. It should go without saying that you should avoid lighting anything, and you should also make sure the entire family gets outside as soon as possible as well. It is also a good idea to inform your immediate neighbors, just in case the gas leak has spread that far.

Damp

It might not seem like much, but if you have damp in your home, you run the risk of a lot of health problems in the long run. With damp often comes mold, and that can get into your lungs and cause you to be ill. A dehumidifier can help with dampness prevention, as can open windows every now and then, especially when using high humidity things like the shower or when cooking. Keep an eye on corners, nooks and crannies, walls, and windowsills for early damp detection.