Five Hidden Health Dangers in Your Home and How to Take Care of Them

According to the U.S. Consumer Protection Safety Division, 33.1 million Americans are harmed in some way by-products found in their own homes. This short post will acquaint you with common home health hazards and how to neutralize them.

1. Pests

Pests in the home signal the presence of potential toxins both known and unknown. According to the experts, many pests carry disease, bacteria, and other toxins as they travel throughout your house. Luckily this home health hazard is easy to fix by calling an exterminator!

2. Pools, spas, and other water features

For pets and younger children, in particular, pools, spas, and other indoor or outdoor water features can pose a particular hazard. Drowning is sadly common for a variety of reasons, including no or poor swimming skills after a fall and getting caught in the drainage system. Install fencing and netting where appropriate, and drain water features when not in use or during winter.

3. Heavy furniture and furnishings

Window treatments, cabinets and entertainment centers, appliances, and furniture can pose a significant hazard to younger members of your household in particular. Children and pets often like to play in cabinet drawers or climb up on furniture or appliances. If this tip or are in use (such as a hot stove) severe injury or death can result. Control against this hazard by bolting down all heavy or unstable furniture, using cord minders for long cords, and using temporary gates to keep kids and pets out of an in-use kitchen.

4. Polluted air

Even if no one in your household smokes, there is still significant natural pollution in the air that can harm your family. From vehicle fumes that enter the house to dust and milts to carbon monoxide from a gas burner left on, you can install air purifiers and change filters often to reduce pollutants inside your home.

5. Fluoride and chemicals in the water

Finally, in some areas, the amount of fluoride and other chemicals in tap water can be dangerous especially to kids and pets. Drink spring water or filter your water using an after-market add-on sink filter to keep chemicals out of the water you drink.

Controlling for these five common household health hazards will ensure your home truly becomes the safe haven it was always intended to be.