Your home should be your haven–a refuge from the world and all of its dangers. The last thing you want is for those dangers to encroach upon your safe space. Unfortunately, however, there are situations where your home can become a health hazard. Here are just a few:
Black Mold
Black mold can sneak up on anyone, especially if you have a damp basement or leaky plumbing. Black mold is an insidious little fungus that can quickly spread, causing chronic illness, respiratory disease, and even black mold poisoning. Black mold poisoning is often marked by fatigue, swelling in the limbs, dizziness, difficulty sleeping, joint pain, headaches, digestive problems, and even mental health issues.
It has also been linked to an increased risk of developing cancer. If you have black mold present in your home and experience any of these or other unexplained side effects, get medical help right away. You can treat small areas with a mixture of bleach and water. If the area is extensive, call in the professionals.
Hoarder Homes
If you are or live with a hoarder, you know first-hand the risks that are associated with hoarder homes. Many hoarder homes struggle with pests, mold, and other contaminants. Piles of stuff can also block exits and pose a fire hazard.
Because hoarding is a mental health issue, seek therapy for the hoarder in your home while going through the cleaning-out process. Extreme hoarder situations may require complete renovations on parts of the home.
Radon
Radon is a colorless, odorless, virtually undetectable radioactive gas that forms when certain minerals erode. The gas can seep into your home through cracks, gaps, and holes in your home and wreak havoc on your health. Symtoms of radon poisoning include coughing, difficulty breathing, and chest pain. Radon poisoning commonly leads to lung cancer. Because radon is undetectable without the proper instruments, you could have a radon leak in your home and not even realize it. That is why radon testing is so important. Utilize a radon detector in your home at all times, because a leak can spring at any given moment.
Your home should be a safe place, but only you can ensure that it is. Keep an eye out for potential hazards and address safety concerns immediately. In addition to the risks listed above, you should regularly check your smoke detectors, keep your home in good repair, and make sure everything is done according to local building codes.
Did you enjoy reading this article? Here’s more to read: How to Clean Your Home Without Endangering Your Health