Is Your Home Making You Sick?

You may not be consciously aware of it, but the environment that we live and breathe in contributes a large deal to our health. The indoor home environment is just as harmful to us as the outdoors. According to a WHO report, as much as 24 percent of diseases are caused by exposure to the environment globally. The most common of these diseases are diarrhea, unintentional injuries, malaria, and respiratory infections.

As many as 5 million lives could be saved by making the home environment safe and healthy alone.  What must you do to promote a healthier environment within your home and prevent sickness?

Is Your Home Making You Sick

Clean the HVAC System Regularly

Traces of water in the HVAC ducts become breeding grounds for bacteria and mold, contributing to a range of respiratory diseases such as coughing, allergies, asthma or headache. The bacteria from the air ducts can escape into the home air when you turn it on, making it a reason for sickness. It is recommended that you get the HVAC air ducts thoroughly cleaned once every few years.

Sewerage Leaks

Water leaks inside the home can again give rise to bacteria that can cause problems to those who suffer from asthma or have breathing problems due to allergy. Always make sure that there are no unseen leaks in the house. Check all the pipes in the basement and attic as well as inside the home in closets to make sure everything is dry. Get it fixed first thing if you detect a leak.

Use Clean Sheets

Dust mites are part of every home because they thrive on the warmth that our body provides when we relax on our mattress, favorite pillow, or chair. If you are not using clean sheets, these dust mites can cause allergies and asthmas so make sure you follow a regular cleaning plan where you vacuum once a week and change the sheets.

Observe Bathroom Hygiene

Your bath mat is again the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, mold, and dust bites, especially if you apply cornstarch after drying yourself on it. Think back to the last time you washed it and make sure that you do it more often if you want to prevent your family from being exposed to health affecting bacteria.

Cleanliness in homes is the number one factor that affects health. If you’re sleeping between dirty sheets and not washing the dishes and keeping the refrigerator clean, it can contribute to the accumulation of a lot of bacteria that can affect health negatively. A clean home environment with reduced likelihood of bacteria and mold formation will help you ward off all kinds of sicknesses, letting you enjoy your time at home as well as helping you keep the children healthy.

Make sure your home is clean and tidy to promote good health and prevent sickness.

Source: WHO