5 Hidden Dangers in Your Home

A safe place to call home is without question one of the greatest and most important things one can have in life. Home is where the heart is, where your family is, and where you spend time & make memories. But what happens when your safe haven is put into jeopardy by hidden hazards that are dangerous to both you and your family? To protect ourselves from these hazards we must first be made aware of what they are and where they could be lurking…

• Bad Smoke Alarms: when it comes to smoke alarms in the home, it is important to not only replace the batteries but the alarms themselves as well. Smoke alarms do have a shelf life and to ensure safety, you should be testing your alarms on a monthly basis. According to the National Fire Protection Association, 3 out of 5 home fire deaths resulted from fires occurring at properties without properly working smoke alarms.
• Mold: If your basement, bathroom or any other damp area has a musty odor, you may have mold growing in your home. Mold is dangerous for many reasons including how quickly it can spread and cause wheezing, shortness of breath, or allergic reactions. It can also trigger asthma attacks and lung infections according to the Mayo Clinic.
• CO2: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each year over 430 people die from the “silent killer” known as carbon monoxide. CO2 gets its nickname as the “silent killer” based on the scary fact that it is odorless, flavorless, and gives no warning before it poisons the body. CO2 leaks can come from home amenities like fireplaces and gas water heaters and can be prevented by installing a carbon monoxide detector in the home.
• Water: If you live in an older home, you may have lead based pipes infecting your home water system. If lead and other toxins such as arsenic and pesticides are infiltrating your H20, it could cause major health problems for you and your family. Install a high quality water filter and get your home’s levels tested by professionals to ensure your water is clean.
• Pesticides: Household pesticides can be found in many home items such as weed killers, insect repellent or even wallpaper. According to the World Health Organization, if stored or used improperly these pesticides can be very dangerous to your health and are even one of the leading causes of childhood poisonings. Keep all products containing pesticides locked away and out of reach of children at all times.