6 Ways Your Home Is Making You Unwell

 

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For many people, the home is a safe space from where you can work productively, or come home to after a long day of dealing with whatever the world has thrown at you. So, what happens when your house becomes the reason you are always unwell? There are studies that show that poor housing conditions, both apparent and otherwise, are responsible for various health issues, including lead poisoning, respiratory infections, and asthma. The best way to prevent this from happening is first to know how it can occur. So, here are six ways your home may be making you ill.

Cleaning products

While cleaning products allow you to keep your home squeaky clean, it can put your health at risk. Some of the problems include irritation, dizziness, headaches, and breathing issues, usually caused by the components of the products. Some of the dangerous compounds include dye, fragrance, pine or citrus oil, 2Butoxyethanol, and Alkylphenol ethoxylates. The worst part is that people do not usually protect themselves when using the products. It is advisable to wear gloves or nose masks to protect yourself from the chemicals. Alternatively, you can switch to less harsh or more natural options to reduce the damage caused.

Sheets, linen, and pillows

No matter how quality your beddings are, they are breeding grounds for inconspicuous organisms such as dust mites. These are spider relatives that thrive and rapidly multiply in warm, humid environments. These microscopic insects feed on organic waste or debris of any kind, including the flakes of human skin. They are a common cause of allergic rhinitis and asthma. Apart from the fact that it is incredibly difficult to see them, they are also very challenging to get rid of. The best you can do is to reduce their population. You can do this by regularly cleaning your beddings, upholstery, and curtains. Using dehumidifiers and air conditioners can help, and so will keep your home as clutter, dust, and dander-free as possible. You should also vacuum as much as possible.

Indoor leaks

Leakages are one of the worst things to happen in your home because of all the damage it causes. For one, it can prompt the growth of mould in your home, which can make you sick. Especially if you are asthmatic, mould can worsen things for you. If you don’t have any allergies, it can irritate your throat, eyes, skin, lungs, and nose. You might need to bring in Pro-Grade Mold Removal experts to take a look. To avoid such problems, always check your pipes and any other areas where water passes in your home. Ensure that all those areas are dry and, if not, get them fixed as soon as possible.

Dirty refrigerators

It is not enough to wipe down your refrigerator; you would need to disinfect the doors, drawers, and compartments to be able to lower or eliminate the risk of falling ill. Your fridge can be a breeding ground for bacteria, such as E. coli and salmonella. These bacteria can cause kidney failure and vomiting, signs of food poisoning. Avoid this by regularly disinfecting your fridge and also washing your groceries, especially fresh produce, before putting them inside.

Lead painting

If you live in a very old house, the chances are that it was painted with lead, and the peeling process can put you at risk of lead poisoning. Exposure to the substance for an extended period can lead to kidney, nervous system, and brain damage. Therefore, you should rectify the problem and as soon as possible. You can bring in an expert to assess your home and test it for the lead. Try not to attempt removing the lead by yourself as it may cause more harm than good.

Air ducts

The air quality in your home is also another factor that could affect your health is not taken seriously. While the HVAC systems in your home work well in keeping your space warm or cold, they can quickly become problematic. The air conditioner, for example, leaves traces of water in the ducts, which facilitate the growth of bacteria. This can cause breathing problems, allergies, and headaches. To prevent these issues, hire a professional to clean out the ducts every couple of years. Apart from improving your living conditions, it also helps the systems to function better.

Your home should be as conducive as possible if it is going to be your safe space. You do not have to wait to get ill before making the necessary changes, and improving these six areas should give you a head start.

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