Avoiding home risks should be a top priority, as issues that seem to be small can actually present a number of serious physical health risks that only present symptoms over time. Ranging from mildew and mould to falling and fire dangers, here are some simple ways to recognize and prevent common household hazards.

Mould and Mildew

Areas with excessive moisture and limited ventilation tend to be havens for mould and mildew. Basements, laundry rooms and bathrooms are the most common culprits for these silent creepers. However, they can often be spotted via unsightly greenish/grey growths on walls and can be sensed by their musty smell.

These home dangers should be resolved immediately, as they can cause sinus congestions, allergy exacerbation, lung infections, eye irritations and result in chronic respiratory issues. Prevention methods include using vents and dehumidifiers in moist areas and performing regular inspections. Fix any identified problems right away to prevent the need for a costly eradication for mould and mildew.

Falls in the Home

It's estimated that one-third of injuries reported are to due falls in the home. However, there are a few places that these situations occur within most: bathrooms, kitchens, and stairways. Take preventive action by securing rugs in place, especially those in damp areas. Install grab bars in tub and shower areas and near toilets. For those with mobility issues, including rails along indoor and outdoor stairways is a wise idea.

Fire Hazards

Fires can cause irreparable damage and can strike at any moment. Frayed electric wires, overloaded outlets and natural gas powered appliances are common culprits, as are unextinguished cigarettes and candles. Preventive measures include regularly checking electrical connections and circuit breakers to ensure they aren't compromised. Be sure to properly install smoke detection devices, fire alarms and have fire extinguishers handy in high-risk areas.

Lead in Water

Water is the most commonly utilized resource within most homes, so its quality and safety is of the utmost importance. New homes in Wood Buffalo constructed before 1980 have a higher risk of the presence of lead in their water due to lead piping that was common amid the industry at the time. Today, with the dangers of lead poisoning being far more understood, PEX piping has become the standard for those seeking to re-pipe their home to reduce lead in the home's water supply.

Re-piping the home can be very costly, time consuming and it does require some carpentry to be torn out and replaced. To lower lead poisoning risks, buy a home test kit to see how serious your issue may be, and then consider investing in a water filtration system to eliminate contaminants like lead from potable sources.