You may have already child-proofed your home and invested in covers for your electrical outlets, a baby gate for your stairs and more. You keep obvious hazards, such as matches and knives, out of reach of kids. However, there are some hidden dangers in your home that are easy to overlook yet can be dangerous and even life-threatening to your children. By understanding more about these hidden dangers, you can make your home a safer place.
Lead-Based Paint
Many homes that were built in the 1970s or prior were decorated with lead-based paint. When kids and adults alike are exposed to lead, issues related to nervous system damage, learning difficulties, and more can develop. If you have an older home, you should get a lead-based paint inspection completed. You can work with a professional to have this paint safely removed from your home.
Hot Water
You may not see the water from your tap as a danger, but hot water can burn your kids’ delicate skin. A smart idea is to lower the temperature on your hot water heater so that it is below 120 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also invest in a filter and purifier so that your water remains clean and safe to drink.
Rugs and Carpets
Rugs and carpets pose a number of dangers to your kids. First, when edges poke upward, they pose a tripping hazard. Second, they can harbor bacteria, dust mites and other particles that can make your kids sick. You can identify and remedy areas that may be elevated and may pose a tripping hazard. In addition, have your rugs professionally cleaned periodically to keep them sanitary.
Mold
Many homes have mold in bathrooms, under counters where a slow leak may be, around windows and more. Mold can increase symptoms related to allergies and asthma, and it can make your children sick, so be sure your bathroom is properly ventilated. Also, kill any areas of mold growth by cleaning the surfaces with bleach, or use an eco-friendly alternative, and make your own natural cleaning product for removing mold.
Refrigerator
One of the most common causes of food borne illnesses and food poisoning relates to not properly storing or handling food. The refrigerator is a prime culprit in these cases. Ensure that any food stored in the fridge is properly sealed and that it is stored with an expiration date on it. Cleaning out your refrigerator regularly, throwing out expired food, keeping raw meat away from other items, tossing away bruised produce and maintaining the refrigerator at a safe temperature are important steps to take to keep your refrigerator environment safe and healthy.
Indoor Gases
Indoor gases can be highly dangerous because they can be hard to detect and may even be life threatening in some cases. Carbon monoxide is one of the most common indoor gases, and it is both odorless and colorless. It is also flammable and poisonous, and it can result in death. A carbon monoxide detector will alert you to the presence of this gas. You can also improve ventilation in the home and invest in certain types of plants that cleanse the air of toxic gases, such as chrysanthemum or bamboo palm. Radon is another naturally occurring gas that can be deadly. Testing for the presence of radon periodically is important.
Cleaning Products
Cleaning products are generally designed to be strong and abrasive so that they can do a great job cleaning your home. However, they can cause everything from skin and eye irritation to stomach upset and even death. You can use green cleaning products that are less toxic to humans, and all cleaning products should be stored safely.
Plastic Containers
Some types of plastic contain BPA, a material that is known to have serious health consequences. It has already been banned in some areas. If you are uncertain about which types of plastic are safe to use, refer to the recycling code on plastic containers. Those that show 1 PETE, 2 HDPE, 4 LDPE and 5 PP as a recycling code are safe to purchase and use.
Sponges
Kitchen and bathroom sponges are commonly used to clean surfaces, but the unfortunate truth is that most sponges actually spread germs. Consider, for example, that you may wipe bacteria away from the counter with the sponge, but you may have not cleaned and sanitized the sponge. Instead, the bacteria or other germs on the sponge may have had time to grow. By using the sponge again, you may actually be spreading germs rather than cleaning surfaces.
Furniture
Many home furnishings contain formaldehyde, which increases allergy and asthma symptoms. Pressed wood products are the most common source of formaldehyde in the home. Minimize exposure to this substance by not purchasing products that contain formaldehyde.
It is important to recognize the hidden dangers as in a home. Now that you are aware of the hidden dangers, take steps to further protect your kids from harm.
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Attached Photo: Image credit to State Farm on Flickr
BIO: Patricia Dimick is a Denver based writer and a fun stay-at-home mom. This passionate coffee drinker loves to write about parenting topics and enjoys DIY projects. Patricia spends her free time playing table tennis or enjoying trips to nature with her precious daughter and loving husband. You can tweet her @patricia_dimick.
