Hidden hazards hiding in your home - serpaja america

Can you spot the dangers?

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. Click or scroll through these hidden home dangers and discover what you can do to make your property safer for the whole family.

Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article

Air pollution

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 filter, as well as helping to allergy-proof your home.

Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article

Bathroom products

Few people realise that commonplace products for your hair or the bath can have major health implications. According to the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, chemicals such as formaldehyde, formaldehyde-releasing preservatives and 1,4-dioxane (often found in shampoos and liquid soaps) can cause organ-system toxicity, skin irritation and even cancer. Also, the colours can look appealing to little ones, so always store bathroom products up high.

Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article

Dead batteries

The UK Fire Service states that 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.

Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article

Carpet

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.

Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article

Dust

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 pillowcases – and most of all vacuum, vacuum, vacuum.

Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article

Bathroom mould

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. According to NHS Choices, 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.

Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article

Poisonous garden plants

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.

Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article

Mirrors

However chic your setup might look, you should also think about safety when organising mirrors and glass in your home. Placing these objects in direct sunlight poses a major fire risk, especially if there are flammable soft furnishings nearby. Keep mirrors and other glass trinkets away from windowsills and close blinds or curtains if you’re headed out on a hot day.

Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article

The fridge

How you organise your fridge has a serious impact on the food in it and on your health. The Good House Keeping Institute suggests 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 vegetable, 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 fridges backed with unsafe, plastic materials that pose a fire risk too.

Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article

The attic

Beware when entering your attic, as there are reportedly perils at every turn. According to The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, falls are the most common accidents in the home. Badly installed loft ladders, little or no secure loft boarding and poor lighting mean that sadly people fall from or through lofts and attics all too often.

Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article

Rugs

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.

Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article

Stools and chairs

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.

Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article

Wall-mounted TVs

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.

Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article

Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article

Product recalls

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? Which? has a list of 10 institutions that publish recalled products from food to vehicles, so there are lots of items that you can keep tabs on. Which? also advises registering your products online after you purchase them so that the manufacturer can contact you if there’s an issue with it.

Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article

Charging technology

Mobile phones are essential for most of us – but do you know the risks when it comes to charging your vital technology? Electrical Safety First states that 1.8 million chargers are bought online each year in the UK by mobile-phone owners in search of a bargain. Fake chargers are often poor quality and fail to meet UK safety regulations. This means they can cause injury, electric shocks and even fires. Always buy from a genuine and reputable retailer.

Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article

Garden tools

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.

Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article

Blinds

Loose window-blind cords are extremely dangerous for babies and toddlers in particular – the Make it Safe campaign was set up in 2009 by The British Blind and Shutter Association to raise awareness of this issue. Now new blinds must be “safe by design” or be supplied with the appropriate child-safety devices installed. Existing cords in the home should be made safe by being kept short, out of reach and fastened with cleats, cord ties or clips.

Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article

Chopping boards

How clean is your chopping board? Back in the 90s, a study by the University of Wisconsin 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.

Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article

Hot tubs

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, told the Huffington Post that warmer water temperatures and atmosphere can harbour many germs, including one aptly named ‘Hot Tub Rash’. Yuck.

Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article

Washing-up bowls

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, once told the BBC: “Placing chopping boards and knives teeming with germs together with plates and glasses in a plastic bowl is a recipe for cross-contamination”. Instead, ditch the washing-up bowl and wash dishes directly in the sink, under running water, with plenty of antibacterial washing-up liquid. Also remember that carelessness when washing sharp objects can cause injuries.

Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article

Stairs

Poor lighting, slippery surfaces and obstacles left on treads is all too common, so it’s no wonder that the RoSPA report that 60 percent of all deaths at home are the result of accidents on stairs. Keep them clear, install a secure handrail and use stair-gates if you have little ones.

Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article

Pets

‘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. We are a nation of animal lovers, 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. Pets at Home have plenty of advice, including disposing of waste responsibly and keeping your furry companion’s environment spick and span.

Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article

Clutter

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?

Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article

Heated hair tools

Electrical Fire Safety states that every year, over half of accidental domestic fires in the UK 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.

Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article

Garage doors

SaferHouses says 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.

Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article

Minimal windows

Glass doors with slim frames or no frames at all are fashionable in our homes, since they maximise 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).

Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article

Unstable cupboards

American campaign ‘Anchor It’ states that “nearly 40 children a day in the US are injured as a result of a TV or furniture tip-over incident.” Dressers and cupboards are usually front- or top-heavy, so they’re more likely to fall forwards. Always secure cupboards, wardrobes and drawers with anti-tip devices readily available at hardware stores. Many companies supply restraint kits with their products, so make sure you use them. Another tip is to remove tempting objects from the tops of cupboards that might entice children to climb in the first place.

Love this? Like and follow us on Facebook for more cleaning tips and tricks

Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article

29/29 SLIDES

Source Article