When you have a family, you try hard to keep them safe. Unfortunately, there are times when dangers are hidden from view, which makes it much more difficult to protect those you love. To be extra safe, it’s a good idea to check for these three hidden risks that may be lurking in your home.
1. Clogged Vents
If anyone in your household suffers from persistent allergies or respiratory symptoms, the cause may be inside your walls. Air ducts and vents collect huge amounts of dust, pollen and lint over time. As air moves through them, it spreads these microscopic contaminants throughout your entire house.
Vents can be hazardous in other ways, too. For example, dryer vents are one of the leading causes of house fires. Clear dryer vents St Louis MO are much safer than dirty and clogged ones, so have the hoses cleaned or replaced at least once per year to minimize the risk of fire.
2. Toxic Mold
Mold doesn’t always show up as black spots or a musty smell. If there are any leaks in pipes or moisture accumulates in your basement, you could have a problem without even realizing it. Testing for mold is relatively straightforward and can be a good idea if you suspect mold may be causing health issues in your family.
3. Lead Paint
There are two main sources of lead contamination in homes: older paint and the water supply. Testing the water is relatively straightforward, and can be done with an at-home kit. Lead paint can be harder to detect, but if your house was built before the mid-1970s, it probably has lead paint in it somewhere. Left alone in good condition, it is relatively harmless. However, contact with disrupted paint can lead to lead poisoning. If you suspect lead paint, have a remediation professional remove it.
Dangers can be hidden in plain sight. Knowing what to look for is a good first step to removing these hazards from your home.