Your home is meant to keep you safe. We first started creating shelters as a way to hide from environmental challenges. As time progressed, they became a functional symbol for safety and security. The greatest irony of this ideal is that the healthfulness and safety of many homes are still at risk from the environment. It may not be as obvious as before (extreme temperature and the like), but these small things can be even more debilitating. If you're feeling sluggish when you're home take note-- it may be your house that's making you ill! Here are five ways your home can make you sick.
1) Lead Paint
With all the dangers we know now about lead it's amazing to think that we even used it as a base for paint. Hindsight is 20/20 however. If you own a home from the 70's and are experiencing odd neurological symptoms, your house's lead paint may be the culprit. Unfortunately, much of the damage doesn't come from the walls but the windows. When windows are used over the years, it eventually pulverizes the paint into a fine powder. This is carried along the breeze and taken in via the respiratory system.
2) Mold
Some sources claim that mold can only affect those who have asthma or previous respiratory conditions. This, however, is the furthest from the truth. Some species of mold release incredibly potent toxins into the air. If you suspect you have mold on the premises, do what you can to rid yourself immediately.
3) Insects
Insects have been the bane of mankind's existence for millenia. They've transported some of the most debilitating diseases throughout history: Yellow fever, malaria, and the bubonic plague just to name a few. The list continues on with all of the potential hazards they can carry in with them. Long Beach pest control experts are easily able to rid your home of undue insects to facilitate a healthier atmosphere.
4) Radon Gas
Radon gas is the second highest cause of lung cancer, following only behind smoking. Unfortunately though, radon doesn't discriminate. It has been found in every type of home and in every state. The reason? It's released from the soil and can very easily leak into your home. Radon tests are necessary to ensure that you and your family is safe.
5) Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is another risk that can affect newer construction. In fact, the risk tends to gravitate around that. The installation of new carpeting or floors carries the risk of excess formaldehyde. In fact, it may just be the culprit of that new house smell. In which case, it's best to see if you need to invest in appropriate ventilation.
If you suspect that your home is harboring any of these hazards, please contact an expert immediately.