Lady PP' Heart of the Home
Health & Beauty

Testing Your Home For Health Hazards

by Julie Joyce
Family Safety 101

We have always been told "what you don't know can hurt you." And I always like to add that it is just as important to realize that what you DO Know can save your life! And what you need to know is if there are any dangers in your home that could pose serious health risks for your family.

Testing and detection are critical elements of any family safety plan. Various detection devices are easily available at most general stores. Various testing kits are now easily available and economical. Many pharmacy chains now carry a variety of home test kits. You can also find numerous test kits online.

Here is a basic checklist of what you should focus on detecting and testing for, to keep your family safe at home:

Detection and Hazard Testing Checklist:

# 1- First and foremost you should have working smoke detectors in your home. There should be a detector on every floor and outside or near every bedroom, laundry room and basement. Check your detectors at least once a month. Use a broom handle to quickly push the test buttons. Change your batteries two times a year, when you change your clocks. Early warning of a fire could be vital to your family's survival.

# 2- Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a silent killer. CO gas has no odor, taste or color and could be both health hazardous and deadly. A slow CO leak could be the cause of unexplainable health problems and an extensive leak could cause death. CO detectors should be near bedrooms, laundry rooms, and adjacent to rooms with heating sources.

# 3- Airborne mold spores can cause significant health hazards. Mold is likely the major cause of allergic symptoms and respiratory problems. However, some mold spores, such as Stachybotrys atra can cause more significant health risks and may be linked to serious pulmonary disorders.

Mold test kits can determine if there is excessive and distinctive mold growth airborne in your home. Indoor mold growth is compared to prevalent outdoor mold growth to determine if there is any unusual activity in your home. Any unusual mold activity can then be sent to a testing laboratory for additional evaluation.

# 4- Lead is especially harmful to children. Lead exposure and poisoning has been linked to learning disabilities and permanent damage to mental development. It can even cause death. Children (and adults) can be injured by lead exposure in water, paint products and in airborne lead particles. You can easily test your air, water, soil and surfaces in your home.

# 5- Radon is an invisible and odorless radioactive gas that can seep into your home through basement and foundation cracks as well as through drain pipes. Radon exposure can cause severe lung damage and life threatening disease. Over the counter test kits are available.

# 6- Asbestos fibers can be found in homes offices and school buildings. If the fibers become airborne and are inhaled, they can lead to very serious medical conditions and asbestos related diseases. You may also wish to inquire about testing and exposure risks at your child's school. Over the counter test kits are available.

# 7- Water is our most basic life sustaining nutrient. However, your drinking water can also harbor dangerous bacteria, chemicals, pesticides, etc. that could cause your family problems that range from digestive discomfort to severe illness. In addition to lead testing, you may test for pesticides, chemicals and harmful bacteria.

SUMMARY: As consumers take on an increasingly aggressive and independent approach to assessing their environmental and health risks; more tools are becoming available and accessible. Home test kits and detection devices are a critical first step in protecting your family from dangerous elements and situations. What you DO know can save your life!