In addition to the top five household hazards, there are potentially many toxic compounds hiding in your home. These harmful chemicals are literally everywhere and you may not realize that they are making you sick.
While it is not possible to rid your home of all toxins, you can prevent short and long term health problems by minimizing their existence.
Here are six toxins to look out for:
1) Asbestos
What it is: A natural, fibrous material found in housing insulation, drywall, and toys that has been known to cause cancer.
What you can do about it: If your house was built before 1980, it’s likely that asbestos was used in the construction. Go online to familiarize yourself with popular asbestos products like insulation, floor tiles, and textured ceiling tiles. If you do find asbestos, find a professional to safely remove it.
2) Lead Paint
What it is: In the past, lead was used as an ingredient for some types of household paint to add extra sheen. Sanding and scraping this paint can lead to lead dust that can get breathed in or otherwise ingested.
What you can do about it: If your home was built before the 1970’s, use a home lead test to test the paint in your home, especially if you have pets or small children. If you do find evidence of lead paint, check online to find out safe ways to prep the area to remove it. Oftentimes, it’s probably safer to hire a professional to come do it for you.
3) Carbon Monoxide
What it is: An odorless, colorless, and flammable gas that is poisonous to humans and pets and can build up due to a faulty stove, furnace, or chimney. According to the EPA, low levels can cause headaches, dizziness, disorientation, nausea, and fatigue. Higher levels can cause impaired vision, headaches, vomiting, and even death.
What you can do about it: Install carbon monoxide alarms throughout your home, make sure that all fuel burning appliances are properly installed and well ventilated, and never let your car idle in the garage.
4) Mold
What it is: Mold spores can easily grow within 24-48 hours when there’s moisture. It can live on dust, wood, drywall, paint, paper, cotton, or oil. Mold spores can trigger asthma symptoms and allergic reactions.
What you can do about it: Keep rooms well ventilated and if necessary, use a dehumidifier to keep humidity prone rooms below 50%
5) Radon
What it is: A cancer causing radioactive gas, which comes from uranium that is naturally found in soil. One out of fifteen homes have high levels of the gas.
What you can do about it: Purchase a kit to test for its existence, but leave the cleanup to professionals.
6) Bisphenol A (BPA)
What it is: A chemical used in plastic production that can often be found in water bottles, baby bottles, plastic wraps, and food packaging—especially the liners of canned foods. There is some concern about its effects on the brains of fetuses and children.
What you can do about it: Look for BPA free labeling and switch to glass when possible.