6 Silent Killers in Your Home and How to Protect Your Family from Them
Salmonella and E. Coli
Salmonella is a bacteria that affects humans after they eat or handle raw foods such as chicken or beef. Cross contamination occurs if raw meat is handled and hands are not properly washed immediately after.
E. Coli affects the body when foods are not properly cleaned or cooked.
Both types of bacteria can cause minor symptoms to potential death. Combined these two bacteria account for 481 deaths per year.
How to prevent Salmonella and E. Coli?
Make sure you are properly washing your foods before cooking and washing your hands immediately after handling raw meat.
Separate cutting boards for raw meat exclusively will also help reduce chances of bacteria spreading.
2. Lead Paint
Most lead paint products have been minimized or eliminated from products for several decades, but in older homes lead paint is still a possible hazard.
The WHO, world health organization, states that lead paint is responsible for over 143,000 deaths every year. The large majority of these deaths come from low to middle income areas and from homes that have not been updated.
How to prevent lead based illness?
Test your home and water for lead. You can buy a home test kit at your local department store or even hire a professional to assess the danger.
Hot water from lead pipes causes more lead to seep into the water, so use cold water for drinking if your home has lead pipes
Test your home if it was built prior to 1978 as this is when lead began to be regulated heavier.
3. Mold
Mainly found in damp areas of the home, exposure to mold can trigger a slew of diseases and irritations.
The Mayo Clinic states that it is specifically harmful to those with chronic respiratory diseases and for those who have asthma
Almost 25% of asthma cases can be attributed to mold
How to protect your family from mold?
Keep your home clean especially damp areas like the bathroom, kitchen, and basement. Use non-ammonia based cleaners to remove mold if it does appear.
Remove any drywall, carpet, or insulation that has come in contact with mold.
4. Radon Gas
Radon is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that enters your home through cracks in your foundation.
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. Radon particles breakdown the lining of the lung’s walls, and overtime, increase chances of lung cancer.
The EPA, environmental protection agency, states that 1 in 15 homes have high radon levels.
Areas like Iowa and Pittsburgh have radon levels much higher than those in other areas of the country; 4 out of 10 homes have high levels of radon gas in these areas.
The only way to know if your house has radon is to have it tested.
If your home’s radon levels are high, you can have a radon mitigation system put in place by a radon professional
5. Carbon Monoxide
Carbon Monoxide is another tasteless odorless gas that can cause death.
Carbon Monoxide comes from improper ventilation from sources such as space heaters, wood stoves, and car exhaust. If these fumes are not properly ventilated, they can cause serious illness or even death
Carbon Monoxide causes 400 deaths per year
How to Prevent Carbon Monoxide in Your Home?
Have your appliances serviced by a professional each year
Purchase a carbon monoxide detector in your home to monitor your levels
6. Pesticides
Weed killers, insect repellents, and rodent sprays, may all be pesticides you have in your home. If these are used improperly, they can be a danger to you and your family’s health.
If small children ingest or come into contact with these pesticides, they could potentially prove fatal
Pesticides account for 40 deaths in the United States per year
How to Protect Against Pesticides?
Store them properly away from children or pets
Follow instructions on labels to apply proper amounts
Wash thoroughly after use