Dangers That Pose Serious Health Risks

It would be nice to see our homes as safe, but the truth can be somewhat different. There are a lot of dangers lurking in your house that can pose serious health risks to you and your family. We’re going to take a look at some of them and give you some ideas as to how you can protect yourself against potential illness or accident.

Electrics

Most households can’t do without electricity - but it is dangerous, particularly if you live in an older home. While modern homes are built under strict laws and safety regulations, it wasn’t so in the past. That means that many old houses have unsafe wiring and connections lurking behind the walls. To reduce the risk of electrical fires - or an enormous shock to your system - it is a wise move to have a professional take a look at your wiring. Also, if you have young children, watch out for those plug sockets. Wet little fingers love to pry into small holes, and it can be incredibly dangerous. Use socket covers to prevent young kids poking around too much - especially as they begin to crawl around.

Air Con

Air conditioners are great for many households and can improve the quality of air in your home. However, they need to be maintained, or they could cause health problems. How? According to specialists Enviro Air, air con units are breeding grounds for bacteria and bugs. The longer you leave things to build up, the more those nasty bacteria will spread through your home. Which can potentially aggravate problems in anyone suffering from breathing conditions such as asthma. It is also hard on the lungs of vulnerable people, such as the elderly, infirm and the young. Make sure you have regular maintenance and cleaning checks in place for your air conditioning units.

Mold

Mold also triggers problems for anyone with breathing conditions. It occurs in homes that have a damp environment, so if you notice that someone is suffering from shortness of breath for a prolonged period, have a look around for patches of damp. Also keep an eye on your water rates - if they leap up suddenly, it could be a sign that you have a leak somewhere. Mold can appear on walls, floorboards, ceilings and even carpets, so keep your eyes peeled and act fast if you suspect there’s a problem. It’s worth doing even if there are no health issues in your family - damp can also cause severe structural damage to your home.

Lead

In the old days, people used lead for everything. It was in almost every household product you can imagine, including paint. This was the case until recently when scientists proved that lead could result in poisoning, and its use has now been restricted. However, lead poisoning is still an issue in a surprising number of older homes, due to old paint flaking, breaking up and ending up in the atmosphere. If you suspect lead is present in your home, you are advised to seek out professional help.

We hope this has helped highlight some of the hidden dangers of your home. If you have any worries at all, always call for professional assistance.