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Your home is your castle, and between these four walls is where your family feels the safest and most secure. However, even if everything seems fine at the surface level, there can be hidden dangers in your home that pose a serious health risk. You might not notice some of them until they’ve already caused harm, so it’s vital to be proactive. Knowing what to look for is the first step to protecting your family from these often-invisible dangers.
Asbestos
Asbestos wasn’t fully outlawed in the UK until 1999, so if your home was built before that date, it could have been constructed with asbestos-containing materials. Popcorn ceiling and roof insulation are perhaps the most famous places you’ll find asbestos, but it was also used in roofing, fuse boxes, pipe lagging, and floor tiles.
As this Texas mesothelioma lawyer explains, when you disturb asbestos, it releases tiny fibres into the air. Breathing them in can cause rare and incurable illnesses like mesothelioma. Always get a professional asbestos assessment before undertaking renovations or structural DIY on a 20th-century home.
Mold and Damp
Mold is a health threat that can sneak up on you. Anywhere there’s moisture is at risk, so kitchens and bathrooms are typically the main culprits. However, mold can appear in other rooms as well. Damp can creep in through the windows, walls, floors, and ceilings. Mold spores can trigger serious breathing problems in children and adults. To prevent this, make use of extractor fans, keep your home well-ventilated, and consider using dehumidifiers.
Lead Paint and Old Plumbing
Lead is a serious problem in UK homes built before 1970. It was used in pipework and painted onto woodwork, like windowsills and doorframes. As the paint flakes or the pipes degrade, small particles of lead leech into the air and water supply. Exposure has been linked to everything from adult renal disease and hypertension to developmental delays and learning difficulties in children. If your home still has old lead pipes, replacing them with modern plumbing should be a priority.
Carbon Monoxide and Gas Leaks
Carbon monoxide is famously known as the silent killer. You can’t see, smell, or taste it. This deadly gas is a byproduct of combustion. It can be released from home appliances like gas stoves, fuel-burning space heaters, open fires, and grills. In small doses, it can cause headaches, nausea, dizziness, and confusion. In higher doses, it can be fatal in just a few minutes.
The best protection is prevention. Install carbon monoxide detectors on every floor of your home and test them regularly. Make sure you keep up with annual boiler and gas inspections. If you suspect a leak, leave your home immediately and call the emergency services.
Endnote
If you live in an older property, get a certified professional to test for asbestos and lead. Install and keep your carbon monoxide detectors up to date, and control damp or mold as soon as it arises. These small steps will help keep your home safe and secure, and your family healthy and protected.