Is Your House A Health Threat?

A home should be a calm, welcoming haven, and for most of us,it is. But any house, no matter how well cared for, can also be dangerous. Household accidents cause at least 20,000 deaths every year; poisoning and falls are the top two culprits. Our simple guide is designed to make your house safer- a place you can not wait to come home to!

Your Air:

~ Test for radon. Exposure to this invisible, odorless gas is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the country, behind smoking.

~ Make a clean-air investment. A high-quality air filtration system will neutralize most floating germs, as well as dust, some mold spores, and other pollutants that may contribute to allergies and asthma, especially in kids.

~ Go low-Voc.Volatile organic compounds are chemicals emitted by a variety of products, including some paints, carpets, furnishings, insulation, and even permanent markers. Look for low-Voc labels on paints, finishes, carpets and furniture.

~ Ban smoking. A fireplace is cozy, but studies show that smoke from fires or stoves can contain pollutants similar to those in auto exhaust. Help keep your air clear by burning only dry, well seasoned wood.

Your TV:

~ Clean the clicker. A much-used remote control harbors nearly as much bacteria as a toilet's flush handle.

~ Stablize your screens. Last year, more than 14,000 children visited emergency rooms because a TV or other heavy piece of furniture fell on them. Check that the mounting apparatus of your TV is secure.

~ Switch them off once in awhile. Studies show that parts of our brain light up when the TV is turned off.

Your Floors:

~ Remove your shoes. Lead is uncommon in most homes, unless we track it in. People can pick up lead particles on their shoes, which could happen, say, by walking past construction sites. These and other contaminants that cling to your soles can be transferred to the floor, where children play.