Your home is your sanctuary. Unfortunately, it may also be home to these harmful substances that can impact your health.
Radon
Radon gas is a known carcinogen and is the leading cause of lung cancer in those people who don’t smoke. Why should you be concerned with radon in your home? It’s released as radioactive materials found in the soil break down, allowing the gas to come to the surface and even enter your home. Concerned homeowners should hire a professional to detect radon; fortunately, radon can be reduced by up to 99 percent.
Lead Paint
While modern paint has been illegal in the United States since 1978, some older homes may still contain lead paint. The government recommends leaving lead paint be because removing it can lead to airborne particles that are easily inhaled. This toxin can lead to cancer, strokes, stunted growth, and learning disorders, among other health issues.
However, leaving the paint as is may not be possible during a renovation. Homeowners can test lead paint by themselves or hire a professional to assess the level of lead in the paint. Removal requires wetting the paint to reduce the number of airborne particles and wearing a mask.
Allergens, Pollutants, and More
Indoor air can harbor so many invisible substances: mold, animal dander, pollen, dust mites, tobacco smoke, and bacteria, to name a few. Indoor air quality is impacted by everything from living in an urban area to having carpeting. Poor air quality can cause breathing problems, especially with family members who have asthma or allergies. Asbestos from insulation can even cause mesothelioma. Plus, those particles can damage your HVAC system.
Bacteria, Chemicals, and Minerals
Finally, the water you use to cook, bathe, and drink may contain bacteria or even pesticides that leach from plumbing fixtures or outside sources. At-home tests are quite effective at detecting these substances, and water filters can improve water quality if replacing your plumbing is not an option.
After identifying harmful substances in your home, you can work toward eliminating or removing them, whether that may be mold remediation or investing in air purifiers and filters to remove these substances from the air you breathe.