Health always has been everyone’s number one priority, and we were all aware of this fact before. But it seems that the current pandemic has made us more cautious and made us take greater than ever care of ourselves. We wear face masks every time we go out and practice social distancing. We feel safe and secure when we come home, and nothing can endanger us in our sanctuary, right? Unfortunately, this is not always true. Sometimes your home environment maybe not be as good as you think.
Here are a few reasons and telltale signs your home may be making you sick. If you suspect this may be happening in your home, best to have, it inspected by a professional.
1. Water leaks
Indoor leaks are bound to happen from time to time, regardless of how carefully you maintain your property. The dishwasher may malfunction, a leak under your kitchen sink can accrue, or a water pipe may burst somewhere in the wall. The source of the problem is irrelevant, but you should have it fixed as soon as possible. Depending on the leak’s location, it can contribute to stagnant water and a foul smell.
You will be able to tell there are water leaks in your home. You will start noticing apparent signs, such as decaying floorboards, peeling wallpaper, ceiling discoloration, watermarks, and unpleasant odor in some house areas. If you don’t see any of these but still believe something is wrong, check your water bill. If your monthly water consumption is higher than usual, there is undoubtedly somewhere a hidden water leak.
2. Cockroaches
Sure, occasionally, we all find cockroaches and a few ants in our homes, especially during the warmer months of the year. However, if this happens too often, you may have a problem on your hands. First of all, getting rid of these critters is not easy, and in most cases, you will probably need help from a cockroach control expert. Secondly, seeing these around your kitchen is not only off-putting but having cockroaches anywhere in your home can also be also hazardous to your health.
For example, cockroaches feed on rotted food and garbage, and then they crawl over your counters or utensils and spread harmful bacteria. Cockroaches are most active at night, and it may take some time for you to notice their presence. You may put food on the kitchen counters and use utensils without knowing cockroaches have been crawling all over them. The most common health problems cockroaches can cause asthma and allergic reaction. They are attracted to ear wax and may easily creep into your ear while sleeping. You would be surprised how often this happens. Read this blog post from Pestworks to understand how cockroaches can affect your health and more.
3. HVAC system
Your cooling and heating system can also be the source of problems, and there may be two reasons for this. Firstly, after using the air conditioning to cool down the house, there may be water left in the ducts if the appliance is not working correctly. Then, the next time you turn the device on, the spores will quickly spread around your home, and you will inhale them. As you know, a dump environment is the perfect breeding ground for all sorts of bacteria and mold.
High humidity can also cause symptoms, such as coughing and sneezing. It would be best to keep the humidity 60% in your house if possible. Depending on the area where you live, it may be challenging to control the damp environment, so investing in a dehumidifier may be a wise decision you make.
4. Dust
Dust can accumulate pesticides from the outside, making it even more hazardous. Dust will significantly decrease the air quality, and your entire family will be breathing it in every day. Living in dusty surroundings is never pleasant, and it will also encourage dust mites. It is well documented that dust mites weaken our immune systems. Therefore it is crucial to get rid of dust from every room as thoroughly as you can. That means you should vacuum regularly, change the sheets and wash kids’ soft toys frequently. It also may be a good idea to adopt no-shoes in a house rule. This way, you will significantly minimize the number of outdoor spores and particles inside your home. Lastly, the previously mentioned HVAC system can contribute to dust spreading around quickly, so you might want to consider investing in a HEPA filter.
5. Mold
Finally, mold is probably one of those issues homeowners want never to occur. Not only mold can be hazardous but getting rid of it can also be quite expensive and challenging to eradicate. The problem is that mold can grow in the walls for months, if not years before you start to notice visible signs. People most affected by mold are young children and the elderly. If you start seeing your children are only coughing when home, it may be high time to have a professional inspection.
There are some obvious signs of mold, such as stains on the walls and a musty odor. Also, if you have recently had a burst or leaking pipes, you should inspect those areas first, then move to the basement and the attics. In the end, it would help to check the crawlspace. People don’t often go into these areas, which is why mold goes unnoticed for some time. If you notice any damp patches and unventilated regions, it would be best to call a professional immediately. They will assess the severity of the issue and advise you about the next steps you need to take.
Wrapping up
These are some of the most common signs to draw your attention to and issues that can make you sick in every household. Even if there are no early warning signs and problems, but you are experiencing fatigue, nausea, runny nose, and sore throat, something may be going on that deserves your immediate attention.