How to Deal With 5 Household Problems That Harm Your Health
It’s common to worry about exposure to illness outside the home. However, substances
inside houses can also make you sick. You probably spend the majority of your time
indoors, so you are constantly exposed to whatever is inside the building. This is why small
amounts of things like mold or radon gas can cause severe reactions. Here is a look at five
things that cause illness inside houses in Cuyahoga Falls, OH, and what you can do about
them.
1. Mitigate Mold
Mold is a fungus that grows in damp, dark places. It can grow within the house with high
moisture and humidity levels. Mold releases small spores that can cause a stuffy nose,
cough, sore throat, lung problems, or even weaken a person’s immune system. You can deal
with mold by eliminating leaks in the pipes and foundation and lowering humidity levels by
improving ventilation and using air conditioning.
2. Detect and Reduce Radon
Radon is a colorless and odorless radioactive gas released from rock and soil. If too much
radon gets trapped within the home, its radioactive particles become increasingly
dangerous, especially when you inhale or swallow it. Radon can find its way into your home
through holes and cracks on the floor and walls. A radon test can detect the gas, and
improved ventilation can deal with it.
3. Use Household Cleaning Products with Care
Some household cleaning products and aerosols have volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
and ingredients that can cause a wide range of health problems. They can irritate your eyes
and skin and cause breathing problems and headaches. Some chemical cleaners can even
be poisonous. You can improve your health by wearing a mask when cleaning, ventilating,
or using chemical-free alternatives.
4. Uncover Lead Paint
While lead paint is no longer on the market, your house may still have it if it was built
before 1978. It is usually buried under multiple layers. Lead breaks down into fine particles
that you can easily inhale, causing nausea, breathing problems, and memory loss. Since the
paint is usually covered, you should get a professional lead test.
5. Maintain Your HVAC System
Condensation on vents and around the furnace or air conditioner can create a breeding
ground for bacteria and mold. Because these substances are in the duct work, they spread
through the entire house quickly. The best way to avoid this problem is to change your
HVAC filter and clean ducts regularly.
HVAC systems typically require repairs and tune-ups. You’ll want to:
• Keep them clean. A malfunctioning or dirty HVAC system can spread illness-causing
substances.
• Service them regularly. To protect your family, you should have your HVAC system
serviced by a professional.
• Choose licensed contractors. You should only work with licensed contractors in
Cuyahoga Falls. Easily find local options for air conditioning or heating repair online,
then compare reviews, rates, inclusions, and more.
Regular maintenance of your HVAC systems can help prevent respiratory problems.
How to Avoid Illness in Your Home
Multiple substances within your house can cause serious health problems for the people
living there. Problems like indoor leaks and a malfunctioning HVAC system can even make
you sick. That’s why it’s important to regularly inspect, service, and repair your house and
HVAC system. It is also advisable to invest in room air purifiers to assure the best forest-like air for the whole family to breath.
Visit Wellness & Wealth by Choice for more health-related tips and information.