For the past two years, many of us have been stuck inside our homes more due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, while staying at home has been a way to keep people from contracting the virus, there may be other things in (and around) your home that could still be making you sick. Here’s what you need to look at to make sure that your health isn’t being threatened in any way.

#1: Carpets

Most people are switching from carpet to other types of flooring such as hardwood, vinyl, laminate, or even rarer types of flooring like bamboo and cork. The reason is because carpet traps dust, dirt, pet dander, etc. and it can be really hard to clean— and it can also affect the air quality of your home. However, carpets can pose other threats with one being the material it’s made from. Carpets made from synthetic materials contain dyes, flame retardants, and stain guards that can cause serious health problems if your home isn’t properly ventilated.

Another threat posed by carpeted floors is an increased risk for a fall, especially by the elderly. Both carpets and rugs aren’t the best flooring material for those who have to get around with walkers, despite how comfortable they are. To ensure that your carpets and rugs aren’t hazardous to you or your family, make sure they don’t snag on items and that you’re deep cleaning them at least once a week.

#2: Furry Friends

More than half of all households in the United States have some type of pet, but many people may not realize that their furry friend can have a negative impact on their physical health— and it’s not just due to allergies. If your pet goes outdoors from time to time, there’s a good chance that they’re bringing bacteria, insects, and even parasites back inside with them. Make sure that your pet is cleaned thoroughly and often, especially if they spend time outdoors.

#3: Moisture in the Home

The majority of homeowners know how problematic moisture in the home can be, especially if it’s penetrating through walls or ceilings. Not only does moisture cause physical damage to your home, but it can also cause damage to your health. A moist environment is a breeding ground for mold and mildew, and while mildew isn’t always a threat to your health, mold almost always is— especially if you have asthma and/or allergies.

Symptoms of mold exposure include:

• Coughing
• Itchy/red eyes
• Runny nose
• Skin rashes
• Sneezing

Toxic mold can produce more serious symptoms, such as difficulty breathing and can even affect the nervous system. This is why it’s important to combat excess moisture in the home by having proper ventilation in moist areas of the home (i.e., the bathroom and the kitchen).

#4: Pools, Ponds, and other Standing Water

If you have a swimming pool, hot tub/jacuzzi, or even a pond in your backyard. If you don’t properly maintain these standing bodies of water, you’re at risk for bacteria, insects, and other infestations. If you already have some sort of infestation, it can be a nightmare to clean and it still may not be safe for swimming after you’ve attempted to clean it. The bottom line: maintain all bodies of water around your home, or drain them.

#5: Toxic Chemicals

Believe it or not, toxic chemicals can be lurking everywhere inside of the home, but the good news is that most are at such a low concentration that they pose no serious threats. However, you should still be aware of all recalls on both food and household items to ensure your safety. Whether it’s some type of bacteria, carcinogen (cancer-causing agent), or parasite, it’s important to not put your health at risk by continuing to use the recalled product anyway.

Unfortunately, not all products used in the home are pulled off shelves due to health concerns even though they pose an obvious threat to health. An example is the weed killer Paraquat, which is now only available for commercial use, even though its usage has been linked to the development of Parkinson’s disease. If you have used Paraquat in the past and have developed Parkinson’s disease, contact Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers.

Your home should be as safe as possible, especially if you’re spending more time inside the home than outside. Make sure that you don’t have any irritants or possible toxins lurking inside of your home, and if you have any symptoms that worry you, consult your doctor