The 5 Hidden Health Hazards in Your Home

Did you know that the average home contains about five hidden health hazards? From lead paint to asbestos to radon gas, your home can be a veritable death trap if you're not careful. This post will discuss some of the most common health hazards found in homes and how to protect yourself and your family from them. 

Lead paint: 

Lead paint was commonly used in homes before 1978. Unfortunately, lead paint can cause various health problems, including brain damage, learning disabilities, and even death. 

In addition, lead paint is extremely dangerous if ingested or inhaled. If you live in an older home, be sure to have it tested for lead paint and have any areas that test positive professionally remediated. 

Asbestos: 

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was once used extensively in construction due to its fire-resistant properties. Unfortunately, asbestos is also a known carcinogen. A carcinogen is a cancer-causing agent. 

If your home does contain asbestos, don't panic. As long as the asbestos is in good condition and not deteriorating, it poses little risk to your health. However, if you're planning on doing any renovations to your home, be sure to have a professional test for asbestos first. If asbestos is found, be sure to have it removed by a licensed professional before beginning any work. 

Mold: 

Mold is a type of fungi that thrives in damp, dark environments. Mold usually looks like black or greenish-black spots and can often be found in basements, bathrooms, or areas where there has been water damage. 

Mold can cause a variety of health problems, including respiratory problems, headaches, and fatigue. If you suspect that you have mold in your home, be sure to hire a mold remediation service. These services safely remove mold from homes without spreading it to other areas. 

Carbon monoxide:  

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that's produced whenever fuel is burned. In small doses, carbon monoxide is harmless. But in high concentrations, it can be deadly. 

If you suspect that you have a carbon monoxide leak in your home, be sure to open all the windows and doors to ventilate the area. Then, call your local utility company to have them come out and check for leaks. If you have a carbon monoxide detector in your home, be sure to test it regularly and change the batteries as needed. 

Radon gas: 

Radon is a radioactive gas that's produced when uranium breaks down in the soil. Radon can enter your home through cracks in the foundation or other openings. Once inside, it can build up to dangerous levels. 

Radon gas is the leading cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers. If you live in an area where radon gas is known to be a problem, be sure to have your home tested for it. If radon is found, various ways to mitigate it include sealing cracks in the foundation and installing a ventilation system. 

There are a variety of hidden health hazards that can be found in homes. Some, like lead paint and asbestos, are more common in older homes. Others, like mold, carbon monoxide, and radon gas, can be found in any home. Be sure to take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and your family from these dangers.