As a parent, you know how important it is to keep your family safe from health hazards. While most risks are found outside the house, you still need to be aware of the dangers that are lurking inside. Considering the current global health situation, it is always important to give your family adequate protection indoors. You can start by applying these simple tips that lead towards a healthier and safer home:
1. Prevent the Build-Up of Mold
Aside from destroying hardwood and causing ugly stains on fabrics, mold can also trigger intense allergic reactions and spell trouble to people with asthma. Mold is also known to produce mycotoxins which — as suggested by certain studies — causes neurological problems. With that being said, the best approach would be to prevent mold from building up. You can do this by dehumidifying the air and dry up any wet areas around the house.
2. Check For Any Asbestos
Are you looking to settle down in a new home that was built before 1980? Before doing this, it’s best to make sure the property is free from asbestos. Legal firms such as Bergman Legal know the costly dangers that asbestos exposure entails, so check with the previous property owner before renovating. If you really intend to purchase the property, you can always hire EPA-accredited contractors who are equipped for and experienced with asbestos removal.
3. Use Green Cleaning Products
Aerosol disinfectants are effective against germs and bacteria, but they also release carcinogenic materials (also known as volatile organic compounds or VOCs) indoors. You can avoid exposing your family to VOCs by using eco-friendly and non-toxic surface cleaners and sanitizing agents. You can find green cleaning products that are cheaper yet just as effective as commercial cleaners online or at local stores that cater to green living.
4. Prevent the Accumulation of Dust
Despite their size, dust can cause a wide range of illnesses, ranging from eye irritation to long-term respiratory damage. However, keeping your home dust-free is impossible considering the fact that the smallest specks can settle in every nook and cranny. The good news is that you can keep dust accumulation under control by using an air purifier and a quality vacuum cleaner fitted with a high-efficiency particulate air filter. You might also want to dust off objects and areas where dust builds up, such as your carpet and beddings.
5. Get Rid of Fire Hazards
According to the United States Fire Administration, there are about 379,600 residential fires that were recorded in 2018 alone. Most of these incidences were blamed on cooking while a good number resulted from faulty electrics. Still, fires can happen at any given time and the best you can do is to control the damage by eliminating fire hazards. For this, you should avoid smoking indoors and leaving candles and open flames unattended. You should also consider regular electrical maintenance so you can fix any broken wires or faulty sockets before they cause a spark.
Your home might seem like a safe refuge from the dangers of the outside world, but it’s important to identify some of the risks that your family faces indoors. Applying the tips above should give you the peace of mind you need.
