Image by RoSPA
Radon plagues nearly 1 in 15 homes in the US. We’ve said it many times before, but we’ll say it again – it’s also the second leading cause of lung cancer right behind smoking. The gas is odorless, colorless and tasteless – not that you would want to taste it anyway – and is seemingly impossible to detect other than with a certified testing kit.
For the most part it seeps into a home through cracks in the foundation, walls or floor. Most modern homes have been designed to include radon resistant features, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they are completely protected. Just the fact that homes are insulated so well, means the gas is trapped inside a home once it gets inside.
Radon is likely not the only hidden danger in your home, however.
Of course, there are other gases you need to worry about like Carbon Monoxide. Carbon Monoxide is often produced when fossils fuels are burned – which means it can come from a barbecue grill, gas-powered generator or even a heating system. It is responsible for more than 400 deaths every year in the United States, and more than 20,000 emergency room visits. Just like radon it can be monitored using a simple detector or test kit.
What are a couple of other common dangers hidden in your home?
Water
Believe it or not, open backyard pools are the leading cause of death for small children aged 14 or younger. In the blink of an eye a small child can wander into areas of the home they’re not supposed to be, and the backyard is not an exception.
If you have an open pool – and small children – you should consider installing a child-proof fence around it. Even shallow pools or small wading pools can be a danger. You should take action to protect your children from open water, because you never know what can happen. Even a portable pool can be a potential danger, always drain them when your children have finished playing.
Between 1995 and 2005, 147 children under the age of 6 drowned at a residential location.
Garden
It’s difficult to imagine a beautiful garden posing a threat, but it’s actually pretty common. You’d be surprised at how many common plants and flowers are toxic and deadly when ingested. Curious pets or small children could easily wander into a garden and sample something that looks bright and colorful – not knowing that it will severely harm them.
For instance, Castor Bean Plants are quite common among gardeners yet the beans actually contain a toxic ricin. If a small child or pet were to ingest one of the beans none the wiser, they would die quickly.
Water Hemlock is another common plant that is incredibly deadly. Always research the plants you nurture in your garden. If you do, in fact decide to grow something potentially dangerous be sure to keep your garden locked away and inaccessible to small children.
There is Much More
We’ve only listed a couple common dangers that may be lurking in your home, but make no mistake about it – there are plenty more. Tons of things can be lurking nearby such as old wiring, exposed electrical sockets, household chemicals, fire hazards and the list goes on. Be sure to monitor your home for these dangers, especially when you have small children exploring the vicinity.
