Did you know that you house can actually make you sick? Have you experienced any of these symptoms?
- Respiratory symptoms like congestion, aggravated asthma or allergies and sinus infections
- Cognitive issues like foggy thinking, sleep disturbance and frequent headaches
- Emotional changes like feeling agitated or depressed
- Physical symptoms like stomach discomfort, muscle aches, fatigue, rashes and sore throats
All these could be indicators that your house is making you sick. Living in a healthy environment is important for a well-rounded life.
The signs that your house is making you sick:
Water damage
Water damage could be a result of a leaky window or a basement flood. Whichever the cause, water damage can greatly reduce the health of your home if not cleaned properly. “Ongoing leaks and water damage should be cleaned up properly so not to attract mold” recommends Your Cleaning Fairy. Mold can cause many health issues including chronic sinusitis and nervous system damage.
Spotting water damage
- Cracked, peeling paint on walls and ceilings
- Soft or warped walls or ceilings
- Warped flooring
- White mineral deposits of wood
High humidity
High humidity, above 45% is a breeding ground for mold. If the humidity at your home is that high, then you are most likely living in an environment with mold. The high humidity also affects the drywall and creates an environment where mold spreads behind the walls.
The high humidity also welcomes dust mites which cause allergic reactions, stomach issues and sleep disorders.
How to lower the humidity:
- Use humidity monitors to measure humidity levels
- Run fan vents when showering and cooking
- Open windows during seasons with drier air
- Purchase a dehumidifier and stop using a humidifier.
Dust
Dust is a nuisance because it carries irritating dust mites which disrupt nasal passages and eyes. Dust mites also put stress on the immune system and weaken it over time. Besides dust mites, dust brings in dirt from the outside containing pesticides and herbicides which are toxic to the nervous system.
Minimize dust by:
- Vacuuming often with a vacuum with a clear filter
- Using a HEPA filter in the HVAC system to minimize spread of dust. This ac repair Santee company can help you out.
- Leaving shoes outside the house
- Washing beddings and drapes often
Tightly sealed homes
Today’s houses are mostly sealed ultra-tight, preventing any sort of outdoor air from reaching the inside. This may reduce the energy bills but it poses a potential health problem. The toxins that are inside your home and in the air you exhale and the gases given off by appliances need to be filtered out by fresh outdoor air.
It is important to make sure that your home is well ventilated, naturally or mechanically to prevent poor indoor air quality.
Reverse the effects of a tightly sealed home by:
- Using natural ventilation like opening windows and doors
- Using mechanical ventilation with air-to-air heat exchange
- Utilizing fan vents to pull air outside when bathing and cooking
Your home is your safe haven. When you do not properly take care of it, it can really make you sick. Don’t take the chances with your health. Take care of your home to mitigate any chances of you falling ill.