Hidden hazards at home

As Spring Market advances, some of the DMVs are beginning to see more inventory and days increase in the market. This makes the inspection of a professional home a routine part of your contract offer. A thorough home inspection will help you understand safety issues early and is an opportunity to learn about the operation and maintenance of your home items.

Beware of flickering lights, frequent tripping breakers, and discolored outlets. These are signs of potential electrical hazards. Outdated wiring, overloaded outlets, and electrical appliance failures can lead to electrical fires.

Structural issues are often overlooked until it’s too late. A crumbling foundation, weak or damaged stairs, loose railings, and uneven flooring can cause travel and falls. Flood damage caused by leaks or floods can weaken the integrity of floors and walls, creating a risk of collapse.

Toxic chemicals often have no obvious warning signs and can pose a serious threat to health and safety. Understanding and dealing with these risks is important to maintain a safe living environment for you and your loved ones.

Household products such as cleaners, pesticides, air purifiers, and even cosmetics can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These compounds, if inhaled regularly, can cause health problems in the range of headaches, respiratory problems, hormone destruction, and in some cases cancer. To minimize these risks, homeowners should choose low or VOC-free products, ventilate regularly, and consider investing in air purifiers.

Formaldehyde is another common toxin found in pressed wood products, insulation, and certain paints. Long-term exposure can lead to chronic respiratory problems and is associated with cancer.

Another possible carcinogen, radon gas, is common in DMVs. Your home inspector can perform a radon test. Or, many hardware stores have DIY kits. If the level is above the EPA standard, a professional repair company can install a system that extracts radon and safely passes outdoors.

Carbon monoxide (CO), a colorless, odorless gas, is produced by gas stoves, heaters and fireplaces. Exposure can lead to headaches, dizziness, nausea and even death. Install a CO detector near the bedroom to ensure that all fuel combustion equipment is properly maintained and ventilated.

Additionally, older homes may still contain asbestos, insulation, floor tiles, or roofing materials. When renovating an old home, it is important to test your asbestos before you begin work, as in the event of disturbance, asbestos fibers will become airborne and can become extremely dangerous if inhaled, leading to serious diseases such as mesothelioma.

Mold and mold thrive in wet, inadequately ventilated areas such as bathrooms, basements and leaky pipes. While some molds are harmless, others can cause allergic reactions and respiratory problems, which can worsen conditions such as asthma. Black mold (Stachybotrys chartarum) is famous for producing mycotoxins that can lead to serious health problems.

Signs of mold include musty smell, visible growth on walls and ceilings, and excessive humidity. To prevent mold growth, a dehumidifier and steam barriers must be used to quickly secure leaks and control moisture levels to ensure proper ventilation. Serious infections may require specialized mold repair.

Although it was banned in residential paints in 1978, lead-based paints still exist in millions of older homes. Lead exposure is particularly dangerous for children, causing developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems. Adults don’t have immune system. Lead can cause hypertension, kidney damage and reproductive problems.

Even dust from aggravating lead-based paints is dangerous. The EPA recommends professional lead testing of homes built prior to 1978, especially if renovations are planned. Certified ablation experts can safely remove or encapsulate lead paint.

Heating devices, fireplaces, unmanned candles and improper use of cooking accidents are common causes of household fires. Smoke alarms and fire extinguishers are essential for early detection and response. Test your smoke detectors every month and replace the battery at least once a year.

A safe home for adults may not be safe for children and pets. Small objects, unsecured cabinets, toxic plants, and open staircases can pose serious risks. There are essential precautions along with child protection such as outlet covers, safety gates, cabinet locks, and safe storage of chemicals and drugs.

The good news is that many of these risks can be reduced through awareness and behavior. Here are some simple steps to improve your home’s safety:

• Perform a thorough safety audit using checklists available online.

• Ensure proper ventilation to reduce indoor air pollutants.

•Regularly check for signs of leaks and flooding.

• Clear cleaning and chemical products out of reach of children.

•Educate all household members about emergency procedures, including fire escape and first aid.

Our homes should protect us, not pose a threat to our happiness. By identifying and addressing these toxic and unsafe issues, we can turn our living space into a truly safe haven.

Valerie M. Blake I’m a licensed associate broker in DC, Maryland and Virginia and RLAH @Properties. Call or text her on 202-246-8602, email her via dchomequest.com or follow her on Facebook therealst8ofafffairs.