Does this sound like you? You’re doing everything to lead a healthy lifestyle, from eating nutritious foods to working out five times a week. On paper, you should be as healthy as can be. However, you’re still catching colds like there’s no tomorrow, and your immune system isn’t as strong as it should be despite all of your efforts.
Well, what could be the problem? Surprisingly, your home may be the root of the issue. After all, we all know that our houses significantly affect how we feel. Living in a clean environment is essential to lead a well-rounded and fulfilling lifestyle. Having a healthy house is beneficial to overall well-being, whereas having a mold or toxin-filled environment can worsen pre-existing health problems and create new ones.
The best way to keep mold and dust at bay and maintain your health is to do a thorough cleaning. However, what if the issue is more underlying where a deep cleaning might just not be enough? In such a case, here are five things to look out for that can help you get your family’s health back on track.
Mold and Mildew
It’s not always easy to tell if mold exposure is the reason behind your health problems, as they can be hard to detect. If you live in a humid area, though, the chances are high for its presence. Regardless of the season, leakages, humidifiers, and your air conditioner at home can all lead to a buildup of moisture leading to the emergence of mold.
Stuffy noses, coughs, sore throats, and itching are some side effects of living in a moldy environment. It’s also possible to develop long-term health issues, like aspergillosis or asthma, when exposed to mold. Once you’ve determined that mold is a problem in your home, here are a few ways to get things back under control:
- If you use a humidifier, limit its power to 60%.
- The kitchen and bathroom should be ventilated to eliminate moisture.
- Get a dehumidifier.
- Fix plumbing issues that cause leakages.
The Air Quality
Air is something we breathe every second, and if you are inhaling unclean air – especially in your house – it may create a lot of problems. When it comes to poor indoor air quality, a faulty HVAC system is often to blame. Antiquated HVAC systems emit poisonous carbon monoxide, and prolonged exposure to it can lead to serious complications.
Maintaining air quality is of utmost importance if you want to stay healthy. To avoid problems, you should check once every six months that the filters are working as intended. Even the tiniest particles may be removed from the air in your house with the help of a HEPA filter, creating a safe environment for everyone.
Clogged Sewers
Most individuals clean their homes and nearby surroundings, but they often overlook or forget that they need to clean the sewers, as well! Clogged drains may harm your health and the health of people you care about.
The water that accumulates in the drain emits unpleasant odors, and the stink quickly spreads throughout the house. Gasses like hydrogen sulfide and sulfur dioxide are commonly created by the decomposition of garbage that stagnates in the clogged drains. As a result, clogged drains can trigger headaches, nausea, and various other serious ailments.
You may get the drains cleaned by contacting your plumber or by hiring a team of sanitation professionals. But how can you know whether your drainage system needs to be cleaned? It’s easier than you may realize, but you can’t do it on your own.
To determine whether the drainage needs to be cleaned, you may need to employ the use of an inspection robot to examine the situation and provide you with a complete report. In general, clearing out your pipes and drains once every six months should be enough, regardless of whether they are clogged or not.
Lead Paint
Have you ever considered that your house’s paint may be the source of your recurring illness? While lead paints are not as common as it was back in the 1980s, they are still in homes built in and before that era. Indirect lead exposure can cause a variety of health concerns, including headaches, anemia, and nerve disorders, to mention a few.
If you are unclear about the paint’s composition, you can contact a risk assessment team or purchase a trustworthy lead test kit. If you find any lead content in the paints, you can switch to eco-friendly options that are safer for both yourself and the environment.
Harsh Cleaners
Many of the long-term effects of chemicals in cleaning and personal care products are unknown to the public. Toxic chemicals in goods you’ve used for years may cause eye irritation, headache, or respiratory difficulties. They may even cause cancer.
Be cautious while using cleaners that contain powerful chemicals, and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions before starting, such as wearing gloves, opening windows before you begin, and diluting the cleaner before applying it to surfaces. You can also replace harmful items with eco-friendly alternatives.
Taking these steps is the best thing you can do for your future. After all, you and your family’s health and safety can only be safeguarded when you are careful and proactive about what may be lurking around your house. And by carefully inspecting your home for hazards, and being aware of these five tips, you can help ensure the well-being of yourself and your loved ones.
