If you think your home is healthy, then you can probably skip and read a different article.
But if you’re not sure, stick around and you might just realize that your home is much unhealthier than you first thought. The home should be a safe haven that we can return to after a long day, a place where we can really relax. It shouldn’t be a dingy place that is making existing health conditions worse, costing too much to maintain because of issues, and causing other problems. Below, you’ll learn how to spot the signs that your home really isn’t healthy.
Sign #1: There’s Dust Everywhere
If your home is dusty, you could be exposing yourself to allergens, and even leaving yourself and your kids susceptible to breathing issues. Don’t forget your pets, either – they aren’t immune from an unhealthy home! Dust can cause breathing issues due to dust mites that can disrupt your nasal passages and eyes. Make sure you stay on top of the dusting if you want your home to be as healthy, clean, and tidy as possible.
Sign #2: You’re A Smoker
Smoking in the house is one of the biggest causes of Asthma in children. You may not physically see them inhaling the smoke, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t happening, and that they aren’t going to experience health issues. Your home will also begin to smell and discolor if you tend to smoke indoors.
Sign #3: Your Home Is Going Moldy
Mold isn’t only unsightly, it can make you forgetful, and you might find that you struggle to concentrate and feel lethargic, too. It can cause a whole world of problems, so you shouldn’t just ignore the mold. Do your best to explore where the mold is coming from and figure out what you can do to eradicate it. It can be tough to get rid of mold when the problem is severe, so make sure you act fast.
Sign #4: Your Home Is Water Damaged
Lots of homes have had water damage to some degree. Who hasn’t had some kind of leak at one time or another? You may even have experienced leaks from a flooded basement, or environmental issues. If this water damage is not cleaned up properly, it can make your home seriously unhealthy. Mold can grow from this problem, and it might even be growing where you can’t see it.
There’s no telling where toxic mold will spread to in your walls if you don’t deal with the problem. The mold spores produce mycotoxins, which is what makes you so sick as they become airborne. Checking around windows for water damage is important if you have had them for a while. You may find that investing in new wood windows is the best option for you to avoid getting sick.
Sign #5: You Have Asbestos In Your Home
If your home was built between 1920 and 1978, you may be exposed to asbestos. This was commonly used as an insulation material back then, and it can be very damaging to your health in large quantities. Breathing in high levels can increase chances of cancer and lung disease. Make sure you enquire about having your home looked at if you’re unsure.
Sign #6: Using Unhealthy Household Chemicals
Certain household products can be dangerous, especially if you’re not using them properly. You should keep chemicals locked away in a safe place away from children and pets. Even storing them away from the house can help. Sometimes, using more natural products can be better; even creating products yourself with ingredients you already have at home, such as vinegar and lemon juice. If you’re breathing in toxins from household chemicals you could get sick, and so could members of your family.
Sign #7: You’re Not Storing Your Food Properly
Proper food storage is essential if you want a healthy home. (We’ll save the lecture about making sure you’re eating healthy food for another day). Make sure you read the instructions and that you don’t leave open foods lying around, as it can attract bugs and pests and leave you with an infestation.
You should make sure food isn’t dotted around in waste bins around your home, only placed in trash cans with lids. Don’t leave pet food in the bowl if your pet hasn’t eaten it, either. This can invite those critters right inside!
Is your home healthy, or do you need to make some changes after reading this post? Let us know in the comments below!
