Your home is a place where you can relax, unwind and feel safe. However, there are items in your home that, unknown to you, may be affecting your health. Many major health risks can lurk in your home, so it is important that you are aware of what could be potentially harmful to you or your family.
One of the major risks in a household is damp and mould. If your home is not well ventilated, then this can cause mould to accumulate. Being exposed to mould spores or high levels of dampness can cause many health problems, such as wheezing, coughing, throat irritation and, in some cases, more serious conditions such as asthma. Installing a ventilation system in areas such as your bathroom or kitchen will help to reduce the risk of mould or damp accumulating.
Faulty wiring within the home is another risk to your health. Faulty electrics can lead to electric shocks or fires, so it is vital that you quickly identify any problems with fuse boxes, plugs or other electrics. A qualified electrician should repair faulty wiring, as attempting to fix the problem yourself could lead to further risks being created.
Kitchens can be a fire hazard, as well as rooms that are cluttered. Keeping your rooms tidy and getting rid of any clutter will help to make them less of a fire hazard. When cooking, keep an eye on your oven and never leave it unattended. Items such as tea towels, kitchen roll or other flammable sources should be kept a good distance away from your oven. If you have not done so already, install a couple of smoke alarms.
Another common problem in the home is germs. You or your family’s health could be at risk because of germs or bugs. Germs and bugs can be hidden in many different parts of your home, which is why many people often suffer from common colds or allergies. Washing your bedding on a regular basis and using anti-bacterial detergent will help to get rid of any germs. Bacteria can also spread in areas such as the kitchen, so be sure to clean out items such as blenders, ovens and kitchen counters on a regular basis.
Children and pets can pick up germs, so it is important to know what steps to take in order to reduce the risk of health problems. Dogs and cats can suffer from flea infestations, which is not only uncomfortable for them but also for you and your family, as fleas can hide in many different areas of the home and their bite can cause skin to swell and itch. Flea-tablets will help to provide your pet with relief and reduce the risk of infestation.
By being aware of any potential health risks in your home and taking steps to prevent them, you can keep yourself, your family and your pets happy and healthy and transform your home into a safe environment.
