Your Homes Hidden Dangers

A safety-conscious homeowner installs smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and door alarms throughout the house. While such devices are certainly important when it comes to ensuring the safety and security of everyone in the home, such efforts are not enough to protect your family from these “silent dangers” lurking in nearly every home. These problems can cause health issues for your family members. Some of which slowly build up over time, others are more sudden, but all should concern every homeowner. Here are the top 5 silent dangers present in your home:
Unintentional Poisoning
Poisoning is a leading cause of children's deaths in the home. Kids can get into everything, and that means the fertilizer in the garage, the bleach in the laundry room, and the window cleaner you keep under the sink. Lock these products on a high shelf, and use cabinet locks on any cabinets containing harmful or potentially toxic substances.
Mold
Though many types of mold are harmless, some grow in the walls and ceilings of a home, producing toxins that have been linked to upper respiratory problems. If your family has been coughing or wheezing a lot, the culprit may be a fungus known as 'black mold.' If you think your home may have mold issues, contact a mold specialist before trying to get rid of the problem on your own. You may have to evacuate in order to have experts clear your residence of toxic mold.
Lead Paint
Another issue that has been in the news lately is that of lead paint. While lead paint is found on everything from glassware to toys, it was also once a popular additive in the paint used on walls. Though no longer used, older homes may still have layers of this paint, which incorporated iron for increased durability and brighter colors. Today, lead exposure is known to cause health problems, particularly in children. Lead chips or dust from old paint can cause organ damage and permanent developmental problems. A specialist can help you seal the lead so that it does not chip off, or remove it from the home completely.
Carbon Monoxide
Household chemicals, mold, and paint aren't the only harmful substances in your home. Unlike the others, carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless. It can be deadly, and is termed the 'silent killer' because those whose homes have a carbon monoxide leak may not know it until it's too late. Therefore, it's important for you to learn about the dangers of this gas, and install carbon monoxide detectors in your home. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include nausea, confusion, and dizziness. The most common sources of carbon monoxide poisoning in the home come from power sources such as car engines, gas ranges, wood stoves, gas and oil furnaces, fireplaces, and hot water heaters.
Indoor Air Pollution
Most people assume that air pollution only happens outdoors, in big cities. In fact, most homes have shockingly high levels of chemicals in the air. These include carbon monoxide as well as formaldehyde, nitrogen dioxide, and Radon. Their sources are varied, and include building materials, glue, cleaning products, and the burning of kerosene or natural gas. Prolonged exposure to such pollutants has been linked to cancer, neurological issues, respiratory illnesses, and even death. To avoid these dangers, use an air purifier, and contact the authorities if you have reason to believe that your family's home contains dangerously high levels of any pollutant.