Is Your Home Making You Sick? How Your Home May be Affecting Your Health




Have you taken the time to wonder if that persistent cough, nausea, bloodshot eyes, shortness of breath, and increased sneezing could be more than the flu? When these signs and symptoms seem to happen regularly, it is time to turn attention to your home; something in there could be why you are sick. For example, about 4.6 million of the Asthma cases in the US are due to mold exposure in the home. What other ways could your home be making you sick? Read on to identify a few.

Lead-based paints

Before 1978, homes in America were painted with lead-concentrated paint, which led to the death of many adults and children. The use of this chemical in household items like candles and paint has eventually been banned. However, you will still find traces of this dangerous chemical on walls and woodwork in old apartments and homes today. Exposure levels are even more hazardous when the walls begin to chip off.

Lead poisoning usually shows in children as unexplained weight loss, developmental delays, appetite loss, and seizures. Sudden high blood pressure, reduced sperm count, or abnormal sperm formation (upon clinical diagnosis) are also some signs in adult men, whereas in pregnant women, exposure can lead to recurrent miscarriages, still-birth or premature births. If you are unsure about lead in your living space, call the Environmental Protection Agency and request a test of your home. If you have plans of creating more space in your home, be sure you are not going to break walls with traces of lead as this may be harmful.

Mold growth

Mold is a fungus; its structural makeup of a colony of pathogens causes ill health when in contact. So, where in your home can you find mold growth? The bathroom, your walls, window corners, couches, and even on your clothes! Just about anywhere moisture remains for too long without a chance to dry up properly. Therefore, in an area where you find mildew in your home, there will be mold.

However, mold is commonly found in the attic due to poor ventilation. When you see signs, contact an attic mold removal company right away. If left unchecked, it can progress into a structural deterioration of your home's sheathing and roofing. It also affects your immune system when you breathe in mold spores and causes itchy eyes, runny nose, and even asthma.

As mentioned above, mold exposure is a major cause of asthma. If contracted, symptoms of asthma, as well as its further deterioration, can be prevented by medicines like Breo Ellipta, which is a bronchodilator and steroid. Citizens of the U.S. and Canada can get coupon online to buy this prescription drug at a much lower price than local drug stores.


Poorly ventilated kitchen

Carbon monoxide is a deadly gas associated with electrical kitchen appliances and the gas stove. When released, they accumulate quickly and displace oxygen in the body; high levels can cause suffocation and loss of consciousness within minutes. For this reason, ensure your kitchen is adequately ventilated. Secondly, make effective use of your hood vent and open windows for proper air circulation. This will help dispel dangerous gases that are harmful to you, your family, and even pets.

Since you love your home, keep an eye out for these and more dangerous things that cause ill health. Be sure to address any problems you identify quickly to prevent any harm to your health.

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