BY lovePROPERTY team , Lovemoney
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Any sensible homeowner is aware of common household hazards, such as faulty wiring and wet bathroom floors. But, before you relax, remember there could be plenty more health risks that aren't quite so obvious. Take a look at these hidden home dangers and discover what you can do to make your property safer for the whole family.
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When we think of air pollution, we think of big cities – but there are, in fact, many impurities that can affect our health in our own homes. Airborne particles from radon (a natural, radioactive gas), tobacco smoke and gas-burning appliances can land on our skin and transfer, through breathing, into our lungs. Adding a purifier can help with this, circulating the air in the room and trapping potentially harmful gas particles in its filters.
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| Few people realize that commonplace products for your hair or the bath can have major health implications. According to the |
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| Experts suggest you are twice as likely to die in a house fire in a property that has no smoke alarm. But, once installed, how often do you test your fire and smoke detector and change its batteries? An easy way to remember is by testing every time the clocks change. For optimum safety, change the batteries at least once per year and buy a completely new smoke alarm every 10 years. |
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Carpets add comfort to our homes – but did you know they can be a home hazard? Familiar with that new carpet smell? Standard carpeting is made from synthetic fibres and contains flame retardants, stain guards and dyes which can create a cocktail of chemicals. When you buy a new carpet make sure your home is well ventilated with plenty of fresh-air circulation. Then, remember to keep it clean: dirty carpets can lead to a whole host of nasties such as a moth infestation, dust mites and mould.
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Dust mites are microscopic organisms that feed off our house dust and the moisture in the air. They are one of the most common indoor allergens, not only causing asthma and respiratory problems, but eczema too. Manage a dust allergy by removing carpets and heavy curtains, and using mite-proof mattress protectors and pillow cases – and most of all vacuum, vacuum, vacuum.
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| Your bathroom should be a sanctuary – but unfortunately, with all that moisture and warmth, it's a breeding ground for mould and mildew too. Not only is the slimy residue unsightly, it's a serious health hazard. Mould can cause respiratory problems and infections, allergies or asthma, as well as affect the immune system. Tiles and bath sealants are particularly susceptible, so clean regularly and wipe surfaces down with a cloth after bathing. Leave the windows open during and after cleaning up. |
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| Who'd have thought your beautiful garden beds could be home to foul flowers and pernicious plants ready to strike. Some plants will give you a nasty tummy ache if accidentally consumed, so it's advised to take care and use gloves when tending them. The most poisonous plants in gardens are foxgloves, deadly nightshade and monkshood. |
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| However chic your set-up might look, you should also think about safety when organizing mirrors and glass in your home. |
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| How you organize your fridge has a serious impact on the food in it and on your health. Try using the top shelf for deli and cooked foods, the middle for dairy products, the bottom (the coldest part) for wrapped raw meat and fish to avoid cross-contamination, drawers for vegetables, salad and fruit, and the door shelves (the warmest part) for condiments and jars. The coldest part of the fridge should be below 5°C. Beware of |
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| Beware when entering your attic, as there are reportedly perils at every turn. According to British charity |
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Since falls in the home are so common, don't tempt fate with rugs that move around underfoot. Keep them in place with carpet tape, rug grippers and anti-slip underlay.
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| Should you need extra height to reach cupboards and change light bulbs safely, avoid the risk of falling by using a stable step-stool – never climb on old chairs or wobbly stools to do the job. |
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Mounting the TV to the wall might seem like a good idea: it looks smart, saves on floor space and creates a great viewing experience. But, if it's not supported correctly or secured to a robust wall it could fall down on you or a member of your family, and even be fatal. Make sure your wall is strong enough to withhold the television (and it's not a partition or stud, and use the correct wall-mount bracket. Also, never put your TV above your fireplace: heat and technology do not mix well.
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| and found that mobile phones themselves do not hold enough current to harm us when dropped into the bath. However, should the phone be connected to a live charger at the time of submersion then the outcome might be very different. |
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| A product recall is a manufacturer's request to return a product after a safety issue or defect has been found that could be dangerous. But what if you don't know your appliance or device has a problem? British products and services testing company Which? has |
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| Mobile phones are essential for most of us – but do you know the risks when it comes to charging your vital technology? As many as 1.8 million chargers are bought online each year in the UK alone, by mobile-phone owners in search of a bargain. Fake chargers are often poor quality and fail to meet safety regulations. This means they can cause injury, electric shocks and even fires. Always buy from a genuine and reputable retailer. |
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| Stepping on a garden rake is a common skit in slapstick comedy – but in real life, it can be a mishap with devastating consequences. Dodge a painful head injury or broken nose by keeping brooms, rakes and sharp garden tools safely tidied away after use. |
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| Loose window-blind cords are extremely dangerous for babies and toddlers in particular – the |
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| found that plastic boards are harder to keep clean than wooden versions, since bacteria can linger for longer on an artificial, plastic surface – this is still considered to be true. Scrub your chopping board thoroughly with hot soapy water and dry with a clean tea-towel. Plastic versions should be cleaned in the dishwasher as bacteria embedded in knife grooves is stubborn to remove. |
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| Don't you just love the thought of chilling in a hot tub with a few friends? Well, you might want to think again. Michele Hlavsa, an epidemiologist and chief of healthy swimming for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, |
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| No one likes washing up, but it's a household chore that must be done – now you're going to like the job even less. Professor Hugh Pennington, from the University of Aberdeen, |
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| Poor lighting, slippery surfaces and obstacles left on treads is all too common, so it's no wonder that the |
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| 'Look what the cat dragged in' is an apt saying. Pets can bring all sorts of nasties into your home such as insects, parasites, bacteria and faeces. Their fur can cause allergies too. But if you don't make sure you have the right cleaning routine for your pet, your four-legged friend could become your worst nightmare. Make sure you dispose of waste repsonsibly and keep your furry companion's environment spick and span. |
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| A clutter-free home helps towards a stress-free home, and a tidy space is good for your physical health too. As things pile up, dust is generated and clutter can also increase the risk of falls and injuries. Last but not least, piled paper and cardboard is a serious fire risk. Is it time for that charity-shop run? |
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| Every year, over half of accidental domestic fires in the UK alone are caused by electricity. How many times have you left the house not 100-percent sure whether you switched off your appliances? Always turn off your heated tools, unplug them and preferably store them in a heatproof case. |
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| Home safety experts say that garage doors are probably the largest and heaviest moving parts of our homes and so can be extremely dangerous. Have them installed by a professional – especially if they are electric. Keep them well maintained and teach children that they are not to be played with at any time. |
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| Glass doors with slim frames or no frames at all are fashionable in our homes, since they maximize light and space. However, large glazed areas can cause trouble since they can be difficult to spot. Make the glass obvious and avoid collisions by applying glass safety stickers (there are stylish and discreet versions available). |
