Everything in your home contributes to your family’s health. Dirty dishes in the sink, paint on the walls and the sounds you hear make up the health of your home. Some are more dangerous than others, but can be easily handled with a little care. These six surprising health dangers may not be common knowledge, but you can take action to avoid them.
1. Indoor air quality (IAQ)
You may have heard of IAQ before. Many smart devices measure the air quality in your home. They detect harmful pollutants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), radon and carbon monoxide. Understanding what is harmful and to what extent is the first step to overcoming air pollution. It prevents related health effects such as reproductive problems and cancer.
What you may not know, however, is that many parts of a building can contribute to poor air quality. Lead-based paint contains VOCs, but so do some local woodworking businesses and carpet fibers. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) enter the air and water through common household products such as toilet paper, non-stick pans and raincoats. You may not live near an agricultural area, but pesticides are so common that they can sneak into your home, too.
Install a monitor to detect as much as possible and start checking all your purchases from now on. Many products have labels to tell customers whether they are free of contaminants such as VOCs, PFAS and chemicals. As a bonus, you also get an air purifier and improved ventilation.
2. Hidden Mold Growth
People expect mold to grow in dark, damp corners of the home, but surprisingly, mold can be found anywhere—even in houseplants. Bathrooms, basements, vents, and crawl spaces are great for tiny but powerful fungi, but it can take a long time before you can see or smell mold. Instead, you’re more likely to feel physical symptoms first, including respiratory problems or skin irritation.
You must understand that these health problems cannot be solved unless the humidity is controlled. You can get an inexpensive home mold test or contact an inspector for an in-depth inspection. Dehumidifiers also make it more difficult for mold to grow. Additionally, add ventilation to wet areas, such as a kitchen exhaust fan or bathroom vents.
3. Daily chemicals
You’ve experienced a cough or two after being sprayed with a particularly harsh cleanser. Long-term use may cause throat and breathing problems. However, long-term exposure to cancer-causing chemicals can produce alarming side effects, including a long list of physical damage:
- cardiovascular problems
- Gastrointestinal discomfort
- sensory impairment
- immunotoxicity
- musculoskeletal effects
- connective tissue damage
- Endocrine system toxicity
You should replace store-bought cleaners with alternatives. Kitchen essentials like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon have antibacterial, antiviral, and deodorizing properties. These are effective and safe eco-friendly alternatives that won’t harm you, your children, or your pets.
4. Bad lighting and its effects
Insufficient lighting has a wider impact on your home than you might think. If there’s not enough light in the house, your eyes will continue to tire. Add blue light from the screen you’re looking at all the time, and you make things even worse.
Not having access to natural light or being constantly exposed to low-light conditions can also affect your mental health. It can heighten feelings of anxiety and depression and reduce motivation and productivity.
Another danger is poor outdoor lighting. Approaching your home at night can be dangerous. A loose stone can cause someone to trip and result in an unexpected trip to the emergency room. Additionally, you want adequate lighting outdoors to prevent security issues from intruders. Install motion-detecting or smart lights to schedule them to run at specific times of day.
5. Clutter and its impact on mental health
If your space is cluttered, your thoughts may feel similarly. Researchers have demonstrated a correlation between disorganization and happiness. Piles of stuff leave unexpected imprints on the brain. They overload many cognitive functions and subsequently take up space in your working memory.
When you lift the mood of everyone in your home, you’ll find that they are more willing to prioritize their physical health. Decluttering can improve time management, stress, and sleep. The clarity of space also allows you to focus on tasks, relieving anxiety associated with procrastination or lagging productivity.
6. Unmaintained electrical and electronic products
Did your cat chew up some fairy lights and expose the wires, or is a device in a rarely-visited basement leaking toxic fumes? Appliances and electronics can cause a variety of health hazards, including reduced air quality and electrical hazards that can cause fires.
Studies show that exposure to e-waste can harm children and pregnant women. This is detrimental to the newborn’s growth and hormone levels. Other serious side effects include DNA damage and reduced vaccine responsiveness.
Safely dispose and upgrade equipment before unforeseen health issues arise. Contact your city to see if they have a program for picking up large electronics. Nonprofit organizations can also help find end-of-life destinations. You can also check to see if your local electronics store, such as Staples or Best Buy, has a recycling program.
Happy home, happy life
You may have never considered how light can protect your family from intruders, or how non-stick pans can make it difficult to have a baby. Make some changes to your home now to overcome these health dangers. Purchase a dehumidifier or replace your disinfectant. You’ll be surprised how happy your body will feel surrounded by a cleaner home.
