We always thought that our house is the safest place for us, but it seems that it’s still not the case for many. Bad things can also happen in the house, some of which we won’t quickly know the cause. These include accidents and sudden health problems.
Speaking of health hazards, your family might be suffering from illnesses that result from the inhalation of dangerous gases that float in the air inside your house. This guide talks about how those invisible enemies can affect you and your family’s health.
Asbestos
This group of naturally occurring minerals is commonly used in manufacturing consumer products and construction materials. If your house was built before 1980, chances are it contains asbestos in some parts, such as roof shingles, flashing, wall cladding, siding, and insulation.
Prolonged exposure to asbestos through inhalation of small, airborne fibers can cause a variety of health problems, including lung cancer. It takes decades for asbestos-related diseases to develop and manifest. Experts encourage homeowners to have their properties inspected. Professional home inspections and asbestos removal are recommended to prevent further exposure to harmful fibers.
Radon
Radon forms naturally beneath the earth. It can contaminate your house when it seeps through the cracks in your foundation. Exposure to this radioactive gas is one of the leading causes of lung cancer. It causes more than 20,000 deaths every year in the United States alone. Radioactive particles from radon gas get trapped in your lungs, causing damage over time. The risk of developing cancer increases when you smoke in a house with high radon levels.
To determine if you and your family are at risk of radon exposure, you need to have your home tested. Hiring professional home testing services is also ideal when buying or selling a property. Many buyers require this service to make sure the property they are buying is safe.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide or CO is usually present in areas where something burns. If you are using gas or fuel-burning appliances or if your garage is attached to your house, chances are you have CO problems. Among the other sources of carbon monoxide at home include water heater, furnace, dryer, fireplace, gas and wood stove, and grill. Prolonged exposure to this gas can cause poisoning. Those who have respiratory conditions and cardiovascular disease, as well as young children and the elderly are more prone to this health emergency.
You can protect yourself and your family from carbon monoxide poisoning by venting and maintaining your fuel-burning appliances regularly. You should also learn how to recognize the symptoms of CO poisoning. To gain peace of mind, install CO alarms inside your house.
Our home is a safe place for our family, as long as it doesn’t house dangerous gases and particles such as the ones mentioned in this guide. If you want to know if you are at risk of developing illnesses because of these harmful gases, let the professionals inspect your property immediately. This way, you will be able to resolve the problem and avoid severe health conditions.
Meta title: Hidden Health Hazards That Might Be in Your Home
Meat description: Harmful things might be contaminating the air inside your house, which can cause health problems. Find out more about those hidden health hazards.
