The whole idea of a home is that it is our safe space. The place we come for shelter and to be relaxed from the issues of the day. Nevertheless, many accidents happen at home. Learning how to identify risks in the home is a big step towards preventing accidents. It also gives you the opportunity to learn what needs to be done if something does happen. Here are some of the most common household risks.
- Chemicals. Most people keep quite a variety of chemical compounds in their home. Usually there is no problem if they are stored carefully and used the way they were intended, but sometimes life happens and things get mixed up, or spilled, or a child or pet gets into the chemicals by accident. In the case of accidental exposure to chemicals you should have some hotline numbers programmed into your phone including a poison centre, but if you have additional concerns you should contact Instant Consult and talk with a physician or health care professional about your concerns.
- Carbon Monoxide: Often called the silent killer, it is colourless and odourless, and you usually can’t tell it is in the air until someone shows symptoms. The source could be anything that uses combustion, like stoves and heaters. Every home should have a carbon monoxide monitor on every floor of their house. CO monitors are the only way to detect this gas.
- Mould: Mould occurs in houses usually where there is limited airflow, and there are damp and dark conditions. Mould is mostly harmless but there are versions that can cause serious health concerns like Stachybotrys. Which is a toxic black mould. Mould should be removed wherever it is found, make sure you wear breathing protection when you do. If you have a serious problem, you might want to bring in some professional help to get it removed.
- Food Poisoning: Food poisoning can take different forms depending on what it meant by the term. Food that is left out can develop dangerous bacteria that create toxins like salmonella or botulism. But bacteria might already be present in foods, which is why you need to take precautions like washing fruits and vegetables and cooking raw foods like meat. Keeping a clean kitchen, wiping down surfaces after every use, and smart storage of raw foods will help you avoid most food borne illnesses
- Pests: Household pests are one more danger in the home, A few mosquitoes or flies might not seem like a problem, but they can be a vector for disease, including serious diseases like West Nile Virus, and Malaria. Larger pests can also be a problem, rodents can bring in parasites and might also carry Rabies, The best defence is to have good screens on all the windows and no gaps around your house where rodents can gain access.
All these issues can be managed by being aware of the dangers and keeping your house orderly. You should always keep children away from potential dangers. And take some time to educate your children about potential dangers in the home, and label some of the things that require extra care.
