9 Ways Your Home May Be Causing Poor Health

If you currently have signs of illness, it may come as a surprise that your home is actually the culprit.

Various elements like toxins, mites, molds, pesticides, and gases can put you at risk of developing health problems.

You may not know, but some things you do around the house and some of the practices you use can already affect your overall wellbeing.

Before you or your family's condition worsens, find out what ways your home may be responsible for poor health. Here are some of them:

1. The HVAC system is dirty

The heating, ventilation and air conditioning system in your home usually provides comfort during the changing seasons. However, did you know that if not maintained, it can pose a health risk?

When your air conditioner lowers the temperature of your home, it often leaves water residue in the ducts, which are ideal breeding grounds for mold and bacteria.

The growth of mold and bacteria is often the cause of respiratory diseases such as asthma, coughs, and allergies.

So be sure to keep the ducts of your HVAC system clean. It is best to hire a professional to thoroughly clean and maintain your system on a regular basis so that it works well and does not cause or aggravate respiratory diseases.

2. Some household items breed dust mites

Dust mites likely thrive in old mattresses and pillows, dirty carpets and curtains, and even towels.

Dust mites are microscopic insects that live on heat and moisture and attack places that people frequently visit.

People who already have asthma or allergies can experience devastating reactions when exposed to dust mites.

Washing your sheets, pillows, towels, and curtains regularly in warm water therefore becomes an important routine to keep dust mites away. After washing these items, dry them thoroughly.

Make a habit of vacuuming your carpets and wiping your furniture as well. Use a topper for mattresses as an additional protective layer.

If your sheets, pillows, curtains, or towels are too old, too dirty, and incurable, don't hesitate to get rid of them. Work with professional garbage disposal services, as can be found at the url link here, so you can properly dispose of these items.

3. There are leaks

The presence of leaks in your home may seem like a tiny inconvenience at first, but don't ignore it as leaks can lead to the development of mold.

Remember, mold can be a serious problem for people with asthma and allergy-related breathing problems.

Regularly check the pipes, basement, closets, and attic to make sure there are no cracks that could cause leaks.

As soon as you see any signs of leaks, clean and dry the site and contact a professional immediately to carry out repairs.

4. Air fresheners are used excessively

For those who always want their house to smell nice, using air fresheners is not the healthiest method.

Remember that oil diffusers, scented candles, scented sprays, and plugin fresheners can contain phthalates, chemicals that can disrupt the endocrine system by affecting your hormones.

A surefire way to freshen up your home is to use natural essential oils, burn organic scented soy candles, open the windows, or add flowers around the house.

5. Bath mats are dirty

Aside from the kitchen, your bathroom is a part of the house that needs constant cleaning.

With this in mind, change your bath mats regularly to avoid the formation of mold and bacteria as well as the presence of dust mites.

In addition to regular cleaning, always dry your bath mats and prevent them from exposure to excessive water and moisture.

6. The refrigerator needs cleaning

Frost-free refrigerators often have an electrical coil in the freezer that melts frost. A tray or pan then collects the water, which evaporates with the help of the warm air given off by the compressor.

However, if dust builds up in the pan, your refrigerator may inadvertently blow that dust around your house. While newer refrigerator models no longer have a shelf, the coils on the back have to be dusted regularly.

Make sure you clean behind the refrigerator regularly. Read the manufacturer's manual carefully to find out if your refrigerator has a bowl to collect water for the best approach to cleaning.

7. The vacuum has no HEPA filter

While a vacuum cleaner can help keep your home up to date, it can also make you sick if a high efficiency particulate filter (HEPA) is not used.

These filters trap tiny particles that other vacuum cleaner models would simply blow back into the air. If you don't use HEPA filters, your vacuum may not be effective at minimizing dust, dander, and other causes of respiratory disease.

If you haven't already, switch to a vacuum cleaner that uses HEPA filters. Note, however, that some HEPA filters may not be HEPA filters.

These imitation filters may look similar to actual function, but are not the same as common standard HEPA filters. Always check that the HEPA filter for your vacuum has a serial number as this is an indicator that it may be authentic.

8. You use chemical-based cleaning products

It's no secret that cleaning products are often made with chemicals to make the solution more effective.

However, excessive use of these cleansing products can cause health problems such as headaches, eye irritation, and breathing problems, some of which can even be carcinogenic.

When using detergents, always wear gloves, dilute the product, ensure adequate ventilation and avoid using more than the recommended amount on the packaging.

To keep your home clean while minimizing health risks, switch to more environmentally friendly cleaning options like using a vinegar and water solution to clean glass or using baking soda as an abrasive. Use soap and warm water on other household items.

9. Most cookware is non-stick coated

Nonstick cookware is a common sight in most kitchens. However, did you know that these items use synthetic chemicals to keep food from sticking to the surface?

When exposed to high heat, these chemicals can be released into the air or even into your food, which can be harmful in the long run. Instead of non-stick cookware, switch to cast iron or stainless steel.

Conclusion

There are various everyday things in your home that can make you sick without you even knowing. Think about how your home may lead to poor health so that you can take the right steps to prevent you and your family from negatively affecting your health.

About the author:

Travis Hamilton is a successful blogger who writes about health, parenting, and home improvement on his blog. Travis also publishes videos to teach readers how to prepare healthy meals from scratch and exercise at home.