5 Dangers Found in Homes
Many people feel safest at home but there are many dangers found in homes that can cause injury, sickness, and even death. That is why it is important to hire a home inspector before purchasing a home to make sure all issues are addressed before the house is purchased.
Gas leaks
Natural gas is relatively safe but it can be deadly if the gas is released in the home through a leak or if a burner on the stove is left on with no flame. If you smell a rotten egg odor in your home, immediately open your windows, leave the home, and contact your gas provider. If there is 4.5%-14.5% natural gas in the air, an explosion can happen by an ignition source like plugging in an outlet or lighting a match. If you heat your home with propane and have a propane tank, it is much more dangerous than natural gas because propane is heavier than air. Propane is prone to collect in the basements and crawl spaces. It is a good idea to spray your gas connectors with a soapy water solution to check for leaks every few months.
Mold
Mold spores are very hazardous to your health so mold should be addressed right away before the mold spreads. Mold may be visible, it may reside on the back side of the drywall and insulation, and it can undetectable in other instances. That is why it is important to keep moisture levels in your home low and quickly dry any standing water.
Asbestos
Asbestos was deemed to be a carcinogen in 1970 and has been banned for use in construction. If you discover asbestos tiles or asbestos contacting materials in your home, do not remove them yourself! Asbestos is most dangerous if it is damaged or disturbed (this is most common when someone tries removing it incorrectly). Hire a professional for removal if any asbestos is found in your home.
Radon
Radon exposure is the second largest cause of lung cancer making it one of the worst dangers found in homes! Radon is odorless, invisible, and does not have a taste making it a silent killer. Radon is a radioactive gas that travels upward through the soil, into the air, and into your home through cracks and through the water supply. Many people think that radon is only found in homes with basements and crawlspaces but radon can be found in all types of homes regardless of its age or if the house has a basement or not. Always get a radon test for any house that you purchase. Read more at Radon Dangers
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is the number one cause of poisoning deaths in the United States making it one of the worst dangers found in homes! Never leave your car or grill running in your garage without the garage door open for an extended period of time. You want to properly ventilate your dryer, oven, furnace, and water heater outside your home so that carbon monoxide does not collect inside your home. Carbon Monoxide is odorless, invisible, and it does not have a taste making it a silent killer just like radon. That is why it is important to install a couple carbon monoxide detectors in your home and test the detectors on a monthly basis.
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