Have you recently been suffering from a runny nose, itchy eyes, or perhaps an upset stomach? While you may be inclined to blame these unpleasant symptoms on pollen, catching a cold, or simply not following the healthiest of diets, there may be a lot more at play. Below are a few ways that your home could be making you sick and how to deal with it.
1. Unseen pests
Pests like rodents, cockroaches, and termites can wreak havoc on your health. This is because all pests leave behind some kind of excrement which accumulates quickly and can eventually become airborne, affecting your eyes, nose, lungs, and digestive system. Rats and mice are particularly dangerous as they spend most of their time on your kitchen counters searching for food, and leaving droppings as they go. Obviously, this leads to the spread of disease – and you would be amazed at just how long these opportunistic critters can go undetected! If ever you suspect a pest infestation of any kind, get in touch with the pest control specialists, like Moxie Pest Control, for assistance. The experts are equipped to deal with the problem quickly and efficiently and will go the extra mile to ensure that the pests are not able to return any time soon.
2. Your purse
How many times have you placed your purse on the floor while you sat in a public toilet cubicle or a restaurant, and then proceeded to place it on the dining room table or kitchen counter the moment you returned home? It is scary to think just how much bacteria we are introducing into our living spaces that way. Be sure to avoid placing your purse on any surface in your home that may come into contact with food to reduce cross-contamination.
3. Mold
Mold can be extremely detrimental to a person’s health, whether they are allergic to it or not. It can cause a host of lung problems, as well as exacerbate existing ones. Unfortunately, the presence of mold is not always evident. It may be lurking in sweating pipes, a poorly ventilated closet, a clogged gutter, or your bathroom exhaust fan. If you notice coughing or allergy symptoms even outside of allergy season, it is worthwhile calling in the mold removal professionals to conduct an investigation just to be safe.
4. Asbestos
Yes, it’s true. Older homes are often filled with asbestos, a well-known carcinogen which has been associated with lung cancer. Asbestos is most likely to lurk in roofs, crawl spaces, and attics. If in doubt, bring in an expert to have a look and, if asbestos is indeed present, advise you in terms of how best to remove it.
5. Toxic cleaning products
Be very careful about the house cleaning products you buy, as many of them can be toxic. Regular exposure to toxic chemicals can, once again, lead to lung issues and can even aggravate your skin. A good rule of thumb is to steer clear of any products that contain formaldehyde and perchloroethylene. If you are worried, you can always pay a little bit more for the organic cleaning products or make them yourself using natural ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, and lemon juice.
Now that you know how your home could possibly be harming your health, it is time to make some changes. You are sure to be feeling better sooner than expected.
