In-House Health Threats

Sometimes, the most dangerous things around us are the ones we can’t see. Here are five potentially harmful problems that threaten a healthy home and tips on how to protect against them.

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Salmonella & E. Coli

These two forms of bacteria can affect the intestinal tract, causing symptoms ranging from diarrhea to life-threatening dehydration. Humans are most often infected with salmonella after eating or handling contaminated raw foods, such as beef, poultry, eggs, fruits, and vegetables. Salmonella contamination can occur during butchering, harvesting, or preparation. For E. coli, infection may occur when you accidentally eat contaminated foods that were not cooked or cleaned properly.

Solution to Salmonella & E.Coli

Before handling food, wash your hands thoroughly. Use two cutting boards if possible—one for fruits and vegetables and another for raw meat. Keep raw meat, seafood, and poultry separated from other refrigerated foods. Clean with hot soapy water all utensils and plates that previously held raw meat before using again. Cook all meats, especially pork and poultry, to safe temperatures.

Carbon Monoxide

This flavorless, odorless gas gives no warning before it can make you very sick (think flu-like symptoms) or even kill you. Approximately 500 people die each year of this "silent" killer. Contamination usually occurs when an organic fuel is burned without proper ventilation. Common sources of carbon monoxide include kerosene and gas space heaters, gas water heaters, wood stoves, fireplaces, automobile exhaust, and tobacco smoke.

Solution to Carbon Monoxide

Have a qualified technician service your heating system, water heater, and other coal, oil, or gas appliances every year. Install a CO detector in your home. Never heat your house with a gas oven or use a gasoline-powered or coal-burning device inside your home. To learn which houseplants remove carbon monoxide and other harmful toxins from the air, click here.

Lead

Exposure to this highly toxic metal has been associated with serious health problems such as measurable changes in mental development and behavior, nerve disorders and other ailments. Although regulatory standards have minimized or eliminated lead in consumer products since 1978, it still remains in homes and other places. Lead-based paints in older homes, household dust, drinking water (if you have lead pipes), and contaminated soil are the major sources of lead exposure.

Solution to Lead in the House

Test your home and water for lead, especially if the structure was built before 1978. You can test by using a lead home test kit, consult an environmental lab or organization, or hire a licensed risk assessor.

A certified lead paint removal company can remove lead pain. For lead pipes, never use hot water from the tap for drinking or making baby formula as hot water causes more lead to seep from the pipes. Above all, have your child tested for lead.

Mold

These microscopic living organisms grow where moisture, oxygen, and organic material are present. It’s easy to spot mold (unless it is under carpets or in walls) except the tiny spores in the air. Exposure to spores can cause nasal and sinus congestion, chronic cough, and eye irritation. It may also trigger asthma attacks and lung infections for individuals with chronic respiratory disease. Mold can be found in practically any damp area in your home with poor ventilation.

Solution to Mold in the House

Use a non-ammonia cleaner or dishwashing soap and water to remove mold. Wear gloves, long sleeves, pants, eye protectors, and a respirator to protect yourself from spores. After cleaning the mold, use a HEPA (high efficiency particulate absorbing) vacuum or air cleaner to eliminate any mold spores in the air. For large areas, hire a professional cleaner. Discard carpet, drywall, insulation, and other items if they have been wet for more than two days.

Pesticides

Insect repellant, weed killers, flea and tick shampoo, roach sprays and baits. These are just a few of the pesticides that could be in your home. There are other "hidden" dangerous chemicals in products such as mothballs, wallpaper, and pressure treated wood. If used in the wrong way or stored improperly, pesticides can be dangerous to your health, causing nerve damage, breathing problems, and more. Household pesticides are one of the leading causes of childhood poisonings.

Solution to Pesticides

Only use pesticides according to the instructions on the label. Keep all household pesticides in a locked cabinet and out of reach of children. Protect yourself from direct exposure while using pesticides, and never eat or drink around them. Wash your hands thoroughly after working with a pesticide.

More Resources

Fighting these five toxins is a great start to making your home a safer, healthier, and happier place. Here are some more ways you can improve the cleanliness of your living space:

• Learn about easy-to-care-for house plants that can purify the air.
• Discover the seven germ hot spots in a typical home.
• Get tips on how to maintain a healthy home, from kitchen to bedroom.