27 Health Hazards in the Home

27 Health Hazards in the Home How You Can Easily Prevent Them DAMP WALLS BIRD DROPPINGS FLEA BITES Can cause asthma in young children and the elderly. Eye, nose and throat irritation. A Cryptococcosis (potentially fatal fungal disease) A Intensely itchy and scratching can result in secondary infection. Scrape clean with an appropriate tool Dab the skin with essential oils like cedar wood or lavender oil to deter fleas. Ensure that bedroom is well ventilated and that condensation can get out. DUST MITES BED BUGS A Cause of allergies, asthma and eczema. A Bites cause red, itchy bumps. Wrap mattress in plastic. Wash all clothing and bedding in hot water. Be wary of using pesticides as a last resort as they come with their own health risks. Vacuum regularly with high filtration vacuum cleaner. Wipe all surfaces with damp cloth on a weekly basis. Reduce humidity by opening windows. Use extractor fans in bathrooms and kitchens. MOULD ON BATHROOM WINDOWS AND TILES DRYING CLOTHES INDOORS A Can cause problems for asthma and allergy sufferers. High levels of mould more serious and harmful to anyone exposed. A Increases moisture in air, causing a breeding ground for mould spores Keep bathroom dry and within 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit. Install an exhaust fan or dehumidifier. Keep a window open to aid air circulation. Clean bathroom regularly. Use an outdoor washing line where possible. Alternatively, use a tumble dryer or open a window SHARING TOWELS DIRTY SHOWER HEAD A Bacteria, viruses and microorganisms grow on unclean shower heads which will then be in the water you shower in. A Warm, wet towel is a home for viruses, bacteria and fungus which can be spread to other users. Each family member should have their own towel. Use a hot wash and cold rinse to remove bacteria. Leave the shower to run for a few minutes before you get in. Clean the shower head on a regular basis. WET SURFACES TOILETS A Slipping and falling A Water droplets can contain e-coli bacteria from urine and faeces in water. Using rubber mats will help to cut down on injuries. Flush toilet with the lid down. Keep other bathroom necessities out of close proximity. OVERLOADED/DAMAGED WALL SOCKETS LIGHT FITTINGS Fire hazard& potential for electric shocks A Fire damage or overheating Only plug in devices which are absolutely necessary. Check with registered electrician to be safe. Install the correctly rated bulb FIREPLACE SMOKING A Other people in home inhale second hand smoke which increases risk (especially to children) of developing cancer, heart disease, breathing problems and asthma. Also causes fire risk and odour issues which are expensive to clean. A Poorly maintained wood fireplace can lead to smoke damage and pose a house fire risk. Gas fireplaces may emit deadly carbon monoxide. Electric fire poses a risk of shock if wires are exposed. Encourage smokers to quit. Failing that, ventilate house well and make use of an air filter. Vacuum house regularly. Smokers should wear clean clothes. Wood fireplaces should be kept clean and well maintained. Gas fireplaces should have yearly safety checks as well as a carbon monoxide detector for the home. Ensure that electric fires are in good, clean working order and that damaged parts are replaced. UNCLEAN FOOD PREPARATION SURFACES GRANITE WORKTOPS A gastroenteritis , diarrhoea A Emits radon gas Clean daily with an antibacterial spray or warm water and washing up liquid. Use cream cleaners for more stubborn stains. Buy radon testing kit from local hardware store NO FIRE EXTINGUISHER DIRTY SPONGES A Fire risk A Contain disease causing bacteria Buy fire extinguisher which works on ordinary combustibles, flammable liquids & electrical fires Microwave for 1 minute to kill bacteria GREASY OVEN HOOD/FILTER DIRTY DISHES A fire risk A Can lead to food poisoning & gastroenteritis, salmonella, MRSA, flu, impetigo Clean the hood regularly, or replace it if it's very dirty. Wash your hands with warm soapy water before and after contact with food. MICE COCKROACHES A Rodents carry many diseases – including salmonella, leptospirosis, lyme disease and brucellosis. A Eat and contaminate food. Cause of allergic reactions. Wash all areas which have come into contact with rodents using hot bleach water. Use mouse traps and make sure to wear protective clothing when removing dead mice. Call a pest control specialist if in doubt. Trace source of cockroaches and treat with insecticide. Call a professional exterminator if infestation is significant. FUNGI GARBAGE BAGS A Can cause nausea, abdominal cramps or diarrhoea if ingested. In extreme cases can cause hallucinations, liver failure or death. General ill health as a result of skin contact, ingestion or inhalation. Make sure children are supervised in the garden. Get rid of infected plants and let soil dry between waterings. Prevent or eliminate exposure to any harmful substances. Wear appropriate protective clothing when disposing of garbage. Call a specialist cleaner to dispose of hazardrous waste or sharps. PET FAECES NEEDLES A Spreads parasites such Ingestion of related infected material can cause toxocariasis hookworms, tapeworms salmonella. A Can spread HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, tetanus and syphilis (especially in children), kidneys disorders and intestinal illnesses. Request a collection of medical waste from your local authority or a specialist cleaner. Pick up pet stools on a daily basis. f facebook.com/cleansafeservices CleanSafe E twitter.com/WeAreCleanSafe You Tube youtube.com/user/WeAreCleansafe EEEI EEEE