We all want to live in a healthy, secure home that gives our family the protection and peace of mind to enjoy everyday life in our home. However, this isn’t easy if you have any reason to suspect that your home might be making you sick. Sometimes, it’s not just paranoia, there are issues that can lurk beneath the surface that are well worth taking a closer look into. Here, we’re going to look at some of the common household health woes and what you can do about them.
Lead
Lead exposure in homes, particularly in older buildings, poses a significant health hazard. It is most commonly found in lead-based paints used before the 1980s, plumbing pipes, and sometimes in the soil around the house. When lead paint deteriorates, it can produce lead dust, which is easily inhaled or ingested. Children are particularly vulnerable to lead poisoning, which can result in developmental delays, learning difficulties, irritability, and weight loss. Adults exposed to lead might suffer from high blood pressure, joint and muscle pain, and reproductive issues.
To mitigate lead hazards, it’s essential to have your home tested for lead if it was built before the 1980s. Certified professionals can conduct thorough inspections and, if necessary, safely remove or seal lead-based paints. Ensuring that any renovation or repair work is performed using lead-safe practices is also critical. Additionally, regularly cleaning floors, window sills, and other surfaces with a damp cloth can help reduce lead dust.
Asbestos
Asbestos is a mineral fibre historically used in various building materials for insulation and fire resistance. However, its fibres can become airborne and inhaled, leading to serious health issues such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Asbestos is most commonly found in older homes in insulation, roofing shingles, floor tiles, and other building materials.
If you suspect the presence of asbestos in your home, do not attempt to remove it yourself. Disturbing asbestos-containing materials can release dangerous fibres into the air. Instead, hire a licensed asbestos professional to conduct an inspection. If asbestos is found, the professional can either encapsulate the material to prevent fibres from becoming airborne or safely remove it. Avoiding DIY projects that might disturb asbestos is crucial for maintaining a safe living environment.
Radon
Radon is a radioactive gas that can seep into homes from the ground. It is colourless, odourless, and tasteless, making it undetectable without proper testing. Long-term exposure to radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. Radon typically enters homes through cracks in floors, walls, and foundations.
Testing for radon is the only way to know if your home has elevated levels of this gas. Radon detector kits are available for purchase, or you can hire a professional tester. If high levels of radon are detected, a mitigation system can be installed to reduce radon levels. These systems often involve venting radon gas from beneath the foundation to the outside air. Sealing cracks and improving ventilation can also help lower radon levels.
VOCs
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are chemicals emitted as gases from various household products, including paints, varnishes, cleaning supplies, and building materials. Prolonged exposure to VOCs can lead to health issues such as headaches, respiratory problems, allergic reactions, and in severe cases, damage to the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system.
To minimise VOC exposure, choose low-VOC or VOC-free products whenever possible. Ensure good ventilation when using products that emit VOCs by opening windows and using fans. Properly store these products in sealed containers and dispose of them according to local hazardous waste regulations. Regularly airing out your home and maintaining indoor plants that can help filter VOCs from the air are also beneficial practices.
Mould
Mould thrives in damp, humid environments and can cause a range of health problems, from minor allergic reactions to severe respiratory issues and infections. Common places for mould growth include bathrooms, basements, kitchens, and areas with poor ventilation. Mould can also grow on various surfaces, including walls, ceilings, carpets, and furniture.
Preventing mould starts with controlling moisture levels in your home. Use dehumidifiers in damp areas, ensure proper ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens, and repair any leaks promptly. If you find mould, clean it with soap and water or a commercial mould remover, and ensure the area is thoroughly dried. For extensive mould growth, professional remediation might be necessary. Regularly inspecting and cleaning areas prone to moisture can help keep mould at bay.
If you have any reason to suspect any of the above mentioned health risks are in your home, do whatever is necessary to get to the bottom of it.
