Could Your Home Be Harmful to Your Health?

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Last Updated on April 12, 2021

It seems that everyone is taking steps to be a little bit healthier these days. Whether it's switching to a vegan diet or starting an exercise program, there are all kinds of things you can do to improve your overall health. But what you might not know is that your home can be a roadblock to your health. How? Here are a few things in your home that could be hindering your healthy lifestyle.

It seems that everyone is taking steps to be a little bit healthier these days. Whether it’s switching to a vegan diet or starting an exercise program, there are all kinds of things you can do to improve your overall health. But what you might not know is that your home can be a roadblock to your health. How? Here are a few things in your home that could be hindering your healthy lifestyle.

Dust

Dust is one of the most prevalent substances in your home. It has a way of getting all over the place and accumulates in areas you might not even know about. Your furniture might be the third largest purchase you’ll ever make, but even that $1,200 couch isn’t immune to the evils of dust accumulation. Dust might seem innocuous at first, but the reality is that dust can negatively affect your air quality and may even contain toxic chemicals. In most cases, those chemicals are actually the ones you’re using to clean your home. When chemical particles combine and settle with dust, it can pose a particularly big hazard to infants and young children who are often on the floor. While dusting regularly can help you avoid poor air quality and allergic reactions to dust in your home, it may also be a good idea to look into more environmentally-friendly cleaning alternatives.

Leaks

Water damage can happen just about anywhere in your home. From a small leak under the sink to a serious flood in the basement, leaks can lead to all sorts of problems. One of the most important places to check for leaks is in your roof. Under normal circumstances, your roof should be inspected once or twice annually. But if you notice any stains or sagging spots in your ceiling, you might want to call for an emergency inspection. Leaks in your roof can not only destroy your insulation, but they often mean it’s time to invest in a new roof altogether. And as far as your health goes, leaks and water damage can lead to a much more serious issue: mold. Mold is one of the most prevalent causes of household sickness. Any kind of moist environment from a leak or even too much humidity can create the perfect habitat for mold. And since mold is a living organism that gives off airborne spores, it can cause serious respiratory issues. Mold can also cause skin irritation and allergic reactions that require emergency care. If you’re concerned about mold in your home, it might be worth looking into mold testing services.

Old Electrical Work

If you love the charm of your old house, that’s great. But it’s important to make sure that all of your electrical work has been upgraded from the time your home was built. Not only can old electrical work be spotty at best, but a single shock of static electricity can measure up to almost 3,000 volts. If you or someone in your family wears a pacemaker or another electronic assistive device, a shock from faulty electrical work could be more than just a simple safety hazard. Not only that, but any fibers from old electrical wiring may contain harsh chemicals that can harm your respiratory system if inhaled.

Herbicides and Pesticides

It’s normal to want your garden to be as pest-free as possible. But you might want to think twice before buying the first pesticide you see to use on your lawn. Even though these products are designed to use outdoors, it’s possible that some of them may get on your clothes and shoes and then get tracked into your home. And if you’re growing fruits or veggies, it’s even more likely that you’re going to bring pesticides into your home. Herbicides and pesticides have been known to cause illness and respiratory issues in both humans and animals. Instead of going for a store-bought solution, speak with a local pest control company to look into natural pest control options. You might just learn that some of those “pests” like ladybugs, honeybees, and praying mantises, are helping your garden more than any store-bought pesticide could.

It’s hard to imagine that your own home could be working against your journey to a healthier life. But once you understand just how your home could be hindering your health, you can take steps to mitigate the risks and live your best life.

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