There’s nothing quite like decorating your home to make it feel personal and truly your own. However, did you know there are potential hazards in your home that could affect your health? Let’s take a look at a few things to watch for so you can better protect yourself and your family. After all, as a mom, keeping your children safe and creating a happy, healthy home is what matters most.
Asbestos
If your home was built sometime between the 1930s and the 1970s, there’s a good chance that the insulation in your home was made using asbestos. When asbestos is undamaged, it’s generally safe and doesn’t pose a threat to your health. However, over time it’s likely that it may have become damaged or deteriorated and is a threat to your health. The particles that break off can be dangerous if breathed in because the particles are sharp. These then pierce the lining of your lungs and cause you to find it harder to breathe. Asbestosis (the disease caused by inhaling asbestos) causes scarring of the lungs which could lead to asthma, COPD and other lung diseases. If not caught early enough, it could be fatal.
However, don’t go rooting around in your loft and other areas to see if you have asbestos in your home. Hire professionals to come and inspect your property. They may take samples away for testing. It’s important to leave it to the professionals because they have the proper equipment and can protect themselves from the damage asbestos can do. You may be required to evacuate your home while they remove the asbestos.
While removal of asbestos might set you back a bit, it’s money worth spending to protect the health of you and your family.
Allergens
If you often find yourself with a blocked nose or a headache, there’s a chance you could be allergic to some items in your home. While it’s important to visit an allergist if you suspect you have allergies, you could try periodically removing things from your home to see if your symptoms go away. For example, some house plants can affect those with asthma or hay fever, so if you have any, remove them from your home for a few weeks to see if it makes any difference to how you feel.
Making sure your home is clean and free of any dust particles or mold spores in the air will help regardless of whether you have any allergies. It would be best to call in professionals who handle mold testing in Indianapolis, IN (or wherever you are based), just to make sure that there isn’t any mold present. Cleaner air and a cleaner home will help reduce the risk of you becoming sick at any point. A great way to keep the air fresh in your home is by investing in a humidifier, as they help eliminate any bad air within your home. Adding a few drops of organic essential oils into the humidifier will also do you a world of favors. Consider choosing essential oils that can help relieve symptoms if you do have hay fever or asthma. Not only will you breathe easier, but your home will smell amazing at the same time! In short, removing things that you feel may be causing an allergic reaction will help you and your family no end.
Repairs
If you’ve got repairs that need doing around your home, get around to doing them as soon as possible. For example, if your refrigerator isn’t working properly or has burst somewhere, it could be potentially leaking fumes that could be damaging to you and your family’s health. Remember, when disposing of a refrigerator it’s important to check out city guidelines on where to take them, as you generally can’t just take them to the dump like with other appliances.
If you’ve got mold or damp in your home, get around to sorting it as soon as possible. Mold and dampness can spread quickly and carry bacteria that could make you sick. Make sure that the air circulation in your home is even, and that none of your rooms are left cold and damp. Air conditioners are a great way to prevent and combat this problem. Again, this might be another expense you’d rather not shell out for, but it will make a huge difference to the air quality in your home. If you’ve already got mold, head to a hardware store to get some treatment to get rid of it as soon as possible. You could also buy some paint to prevent it from returning again.