With that in mind, we have produced a handy infographic which highlights the potential dangers, ill effects and remedies posed by your home. With a little help from this infographics you should be able to keep your family safe from all the bacteria, fire hazards and nasties that you can find lying around your house.
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Health Hazards on the Roof
BIRD DROPPINGS
Health hazard posed: Cryptococcosis (potentially fatal fungal disease).
Solution: Scrape clean with an appropriate tool.
Health Hazards in the Bedroom
FLEA BITES
Health hazard posed: Intensely itchy. Scratching can result in secondary infection.
Solution: Dab the skin with essential oils like cedar wood or lavender oil to deter fleas.
BED BUGS
Health hazard posed: Bites cause red, itchy bumps.
Solution: 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.
DAMP WALLS
Health hazard posed: Can cause asthma in young children and the elderly. Eye, nose and throat irritation.
Solution: Ensure that bedroom is well ventilated and that condensation can get out.
DUST MITES
Health hazard posed: Cause of allergies, asthma and eczema.
Solution: 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.
Health Hazards in the Bathroom
MOULD ON BATHROOM WINDOWS AND TILES
Health hazard posed: Can cause problems for asthma and allergy sufferers. High levels of mould more serious and harmful to anyone exposed.
Solution: 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.
DRYING CLOTHES INDOORS
Health hazard posed: Increases moisture in air, causing a breeding ground for mould spores.
Solution: Use an outdoor washing line where possible. Alternatively, use a tumble dryer or open a window.
TOILETS
Health hazard posed: Water droplets can contain e-coli bacteria from urine and faeces in water.
Solution: Flush toilet with the lid down. Keep other bathroom necessities out of close proximity.
SHARING TOWELS
Health hazard posed: A warm, wet towel is a home for viruses, bacteria and fungus which can be spread to other users.
Solution: Each family member should have their own towel. Use a hot wash and cold rinse to remove bacteria.
DIRTY SHOWER HEAD
Health hazard posed: Bacteria, viruses and microorganisms grow on unclean shower heads which will then be in the water you shower in.
Solution: Leave the shower to run for a few minutes before you get in. Clean the shower head on a regular basis.
WET SURFACES
Health hazard posed: Slipping and falling.
Solution: Using rubber mats will help to cut down on injuries.
Health Hazards in the Kitchen
UNCLEAN FOOD PREPARATION SURFACES
Health hazard posed: Gastroenteritis , diarrhoea.
Solution: Clean daily with an antibacterial spray or warm water and washing up liquid. Use cream cleaners for more stubborn stains.
GREASY OVEN HOOD/FILTER
Health hazard posed: Fire risk.
Solution: Clean the hood regularly, or replace it if it’s very dirty.
GRANITE WORKTOPS
Health hazard posed: Emits radon gas.
Solution: Buy radon testing kit from local hardware store.
NO FIRE EXTINGUISHER
Health hazard posed: Fire risk.
Solution: Buy fire extinguisher which works on ordinary combustibles, flammable liquids & electrical fires.
DIRTY DISHES
Health hazard posed: Can lead to food poisoning & gastroenteritis, salmonella, MRSA, flu, impetigo.
Solution: Wash your hands with warm soapy water before and after contact with food.
COCKROACHES
Health hazard posed: Eat and contaminate food. Cause of allergic reactions.
Solution: Trace source of cockroaches and treat with insecticide. Call a professional exterminator if infestation is significant.
MICE
Health hazard posed: Rodents carry many diseases – including salmonella, leptospirosis, lyme disease and brucellosis.
Solution: 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.
Health Hazards in the lounge
OVERLOADED/DAMAGED WALL SOCKETS
Health hazard posed: Fire hazard & potential for electric shocks.
Solution: Fire hazard & potential for electric shocks.
SMOKING
Health hazard posed: 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.
Solution: Encourage smokers to quit. Failing that, ventilate house well and make use of an air filter. Vacuum house regularly. Smokers should wear clean clothes.
FIREPLACE
Health hazard posed: 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.
Solution: 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.
HANGING PICTURES ON WALLS
Health hazard posed: Potential electric shock or fire.
Solution: Do not drill holes into walls where you aren’t sure what’s behind the plasterboard.
LIGHT FITTINGS
Health hazard posed: Fire damage or overheating.
Solution: Install the correctly rated bulb.
Health Hazards Outside the Home
NEEDLES
Health hazard posed: Can spread HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, tetanus and suphillis.
Solution: Request a collection of medical waste from your local authority or a specialist cleaner.
PET FAECES
Health hazard posed: Spreads parasites such as hookworms, tapeworms and salmonella. Ingestion of related infected material can cause toxocariasis (especially in children), kidneys disorders and intestinal illnesses.
Solution: Pick up pet stools on a daily basis.
GARBAGE BAGS
Health hazard posed: General ill health as a result of skin contact, ingestion or inhalation.
Solution: 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.
FUNGI
Health hazard posed: Can cause nausea, abdominal cramps or diarrhoea if ingested. In extreme cases can cause hallucinations, liver failure or death.
Solution: Make sure children are supervised in the garden. Get rid of infected plants and let soil dry between waterings.