
Home safety makes your house a refuge for you to enjoy. When people are at home, they want to feel completely at peace within a space that's uniquely theirs. Unfortunately, there can be unseen dangers that follow you even here.
Over the past several years, Americans have become much more alert to issues such as lifestyle and health. However, people still struggle with a number of "invisible dangers" that can be life-threatening despite our best efforts. Many of these are found right in your home.
Home Safety: Invisible Threats You Need to Know About
Pollution takes many forms, and some of them can be fatal. Unfortunately, dangerous gases and other materials may enter your home in a variety of ways. In many cases, malfunctioning home appliances and other equipment become the main sources. Plus, there are other issues – waste products, antiquated building materials, and much more.
- Commercial Gases
Your stove, heater, and other items that rely on gas can leak it into the air. The introduction of these gases can lead to asphyxiation, suffocation, and death. Many leaks start relatively small and take a long time to produce symptoms, so it may be difficult to zero in on the problem.
Although many dangerous gases are colorless and odorless in their natural form, manufacturers add scents so leaks can be detected. If you smell gas, get out of your home as quickly as you can and alert emergency services so the leak can be taken care of.
Sparks and open flame can ignite commercial gases, so put out any flames, including candles and cigarettes. Do not turn any electrical appliances off or on, as electrical currents may trigger an explosion. If you live in an apartment building, alert your neighbors so they can get to safety.
Carbon monoxide is the most common deadly gas that homeowners might encounter. You can defend yourself against carbon monoxide poisoning by installing specialized alarms around your house. Generally, placing these near ordinary fire alarms will provide complete coverage.
If you experience sudden headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion, weakness, or problems with your eyesight or hearing, carbon monoxide could be the culprit. If these symptoms seem to come and go, but get better as soon as you go outside, gas is a likely cause.
- Radon
Radon is a radioactive gas that can be present in soil, well water, and building materials. Because of its radioactive properties, it can spur the development of lung cancer. Like carbon monoxide, it is colorless and odorless. Homeowners can suffer long-term exposure without knowing it.
As with carbon monoxide, the best way to reduce radon risk is to get a specialized detector.
- Air Pollutants
Many people suffer from allergies without realizing it. Allergies can be exacerbated by a central heating or cooling system that has not been maintained properly. If you notice symptoms like coughing and sneezing, be sure ducts and filters are clean.
Your pipe system is another potential source of air pollution. Small leaks, even those that go unseen, can allow mold to thrive. It may take weeks or even months before mold develops to a noticeable degree, but once it has taken hold, it's hard to eliminate.
If you spot leaks, get them resolved promptly – and use a mold detection kit to check your air quality at least twice a year.
Home Safety Starts by Choosing the Right Home
Want a reliable home you can relax and enjoy? Contact Cressy & Everett Real Estate to get the personalized help you deserve. Our real estate agents are second to none in Michigan and Indiana.