This month, we are going to take a good look at the different parts of your home and where potential health dangers could hide. In our first article on healthy homes, Cedrina Calder, M.D. (pictured) looks at the hidden and organic hazards.
Winter is here, and people are spending more time at home to escape the cold weather outdoors. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average American spends most of their time indoors. About 70% of indoor time is spent at home, so you can imagine how much more this increases during the colder months. People tend to think of their home as a haven. But…is it safe? No, not if you don’t take the proper steps to ensure that it is. Your home environment can put you at risk for illness and injury. It is important that the necessary steps are taken to make it as healthy as possible. Take a look at these common home hazards and what can be done to address them.
Moisture
The problem: Normally, mold grows outdoors but it can grow indoors if there is enough moisture inside to grow. Indoor mold is a health hazard because mold releases tiny airborne particles. Inhaling or touching mold particles can cause allergic reactions and breathing problems in adults and children. Reactions include itchy or red eyes, sneezing, runny nose, coughing, wheezing, and skin rash. Mold can also worsen asthma symptoms and cause attacks.
The solution: To address a mold problem, clean up mold and control moisture inside the home. For small areas, you can remove mold yourself using soap and water or a household mold cleaner. Call a professional if the mold covers a large area, is due to extensive water damage or involves the heating and cooling system.
Always address moisture right away. Clean up water spills immediately and fix any water leaks. Quickly dry wet or damp areas. Keep the indoor humidity level below 60%. Vent dryers to the outside. If necessary, use air conditioning and/or a dehumidifier. Clean air conditioning drip pans and make sure drain lines are open and flowing. Open windows and use vent (bathroom) and exhaust (kitchen) fans when showering, cooking, and using the dishwasher.
Dust Mites
The problem: The buildup of dirt and dust causes allergies, breathing problems and can worsen asthma. Allergens that trigger these problems are most commonly from dust mites. Dust mites are tiny bugs that live in carpet, furniture, fabric, and bedding. They feed off dirt and moisture. Exposure to the feces or the mite itself can cause allergic reactions.
The solution: Regularly vacuum carpeting and upholstered furniture. Wash bed linens and toys made of fabric in hot water. Use dust-proof pillow and mattress cases. Keep indoor humidity low.
Pests
The problem: In addition to being a nuisance, pests can cause health problems. Exposure to roaches and mice has been shown to increase asthma attacks in children. Roach particles and feces collect in dust causing allergic reactions. Mice can carry disease and their urine can cause allergic reactions.
The solution: Keep pests out by sealing any holes or cracks. Limit the availability of water or food which they need to live. Clean up water spills, food spills, crumbs, and grease. Wash dishes right away. Keep your home clean. Keep trash in a covered container and empty it regularly. Store pet food in a sealed container. If possible, avoid use of pesticides and poisons, and use traps instead.
Safety Hazards
The problem: Older adults and children are affected the most by household injuries. Common household injuries include falls, fires, burns, poisoning, choking, suffocation, and drowning. Using household products like cleaning products and pesticides may cause eye, nose, or throat irritation, breathing problems, or even cancers and death in some cases.
The solution: Household injuries are preventable by first recognizing any potential safety hazards and then addressing them. To prevent falls, use handrails, keep floors clear and in good repair, and use assistive walking devices if needed. Install and maintain smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Keep a fire extinguisher accessible. Use all products according to the label. Do not use pesticides labeled for outdoors inside the home. Keep your house well-ventilated when using chemical products. Do not mix any products unless instructed by the label. NEVER mix bleach and ammonia or Liquid Plumber and Drano. These two combinations create a toxic gas that can cause death.
Keep children safe. Use baby gates in doorways and staircases. Use electrical outlets and plugs around children. Store chemicals away from children in cabinets that are child-proof. Supervise children at all times. Check water temperature before bathing a child. Test children for lead, clean toys, and clean up paint chips. Keep guns and ammunition separate and locked up. Do not buy toys with small parts that could potentially cause choking.
Poor Ventilation
The problem: Poor ventilation decreases the quality of indoor air by increasing levels of air pollutants inside the home. Sources of pollutants are mold, dust, pet dander, chemicals, gases like radon or carbon monoxide, and secondhand smoke. Exposure to these pollutants can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, irritation of the eyes and airways, allergic reactions or asthma, breathing problems, and some can cause cancer.
The solution: Maintaining good air quality is important for everyone, especially those with asthma, allergies or lung disease. Keep your home clean by sweeping, mopping, and dusting. Change the air filter for your Heating, Ventilation, and Cooling (HVAC) system regularly. Clean dust from vents. Clean up pet hair. Avoid smoking indoors.
To learn more about healthy homes, visit the Tennessee Department of Health website: https://www.tn.gov/healthyhomes
For part two of our healthy home feature, please click here.
About the author: Dr. Cedrina Calder is a medical doctor and fitness guru. She specializes in Preventive Medicine and is currently completing her residency training and Master of Science in Public Health degree at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee.
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