Why Some Homes Become Toxic

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If you are a homeowner, you often think of your property as a protective space. It is a place where you can retreat from the elements and pollution of the city. However, homes themselves can become toxic for various reasons.

In this post, we look at some of the ways your home could potentially be toxic and damaging your health. By the end of reading it, you should have a better understanding of what you need to do to fight back against this and reclaim the sanctity of dwelling.

Outdoor pollutants tracking in

One of the biggest problems you’ll face, especially if you’re an allergy sufferer, is outdoor pollutants tracking into your home. Once dust and other particles get inside, it’s often very difficult to remove them. Furthermore, many of them are allergens or dangerous chemicals from soil or traffic outside.

So, what do you do to prevent this from happening? We always recommend vacuuming regularly and also using deep cleaning on carpets every few months. This can prevent damaging particles from lingering or outgassing over time. Also, if you live in a building regulated by an HOA, you can ensure that the building itself is regularly cleaned. If dirt and mud build up on the outside, then they can much more easily track inside. Things like pressure washing driveways and cleaning siding can be a great way to prevent additional particles from entering your living spaces.

Smoke from cooking

It is also highly volatile and can damage the lining of your respiratory tract. Most particulates are things like heterocyclic amines and polyaromatic hydrocarbons. However, you can also run into carbon monoxide issues when you’re burning a lot of food. These toxins can linger in the kitchen and elsewhere in your home, exacerbating respiratory health problems.

To reduce smoke from cooking, fireplaces, or any other source in your property, look for alternative ways to do the same thing. For example, you could boil your food instead, or you could cook it in the oven and use an extractor fan to exhaust it out of your home. If you are cooking on the hob, something which is producing a lot of smoke, make sure that you prevent it from burning and that you make sure that any extractor hood or fan is on.

Poor ventilation

Another issue to look out for is poor ventilation on your property. Many energy-efficient homes are also highly sealed, allowing air to recirculate and increasing the number of particulates in the atmosphere. Ideally, your home should have fresh air intakes according to building regulations in your area. These should be in the attic and in other locations in the house.

When you install these, it can help for more efficient removal of gases given off by cleaning products and cooking as well as any new furniture or bedding that you might add. If you aren’t sure if your ventilation is sufficient, check with your HVAC provider to see if they can identify the vents in your home and how much air is being recirculated. They can tell you the volume that you need to exchange every 24 hours to stay safe.

Lead from old paint

The problem with lead paint is that it can chip and turn to dust that then gets into the atmosphere over time. The longer the exposure, the more particles will interact with your body, and it can be linked to developmental issues, which is a problem if you have children. The same is true for lead pipes – these can leach lead into the water that enters your home.

The solution is to go to professionals who excel in removing lead from properties. They have specialist approaches that remove lead safely and prevent it from getting into the atmosphere or any other parts of your home. They can also replace your piping with plastic alternatives that won’t leach.

Carbon monoxide from broken boilers

Carbon monoxide from broken boilers is a significant risk in homes across the country. Furnaces, water heaters and gas stoves all produce this invisible and toxic gas. However, when it gets into the lungs and into the bloodstream, it can be extremely dangerous. Mild symptoms include headaches and nausea. However, if you have a large exposure, you can fall unconscious. This is because carbon monoxide preferentially attaches to hemoglobin in red blood cells, meaning your body can’t transport oxygen around the body anymore, depriving it of essential energy.

To avoid this problem, install carbon monoxide detectors in all of the rooms in your property or close to appliances that are at risk of emitting carbon monoxide. Remember, the gas is undetectable because it’s odorless and colorless.

Refrigerant leaks

Another risk in your property is refrigerant leaks. If your HVAC system, freezer, or refrigerator starts malfunctioning, then it can lead to dangerous chemicals leaching into your environment.

Learning what causes refrigerant leaks is essential. Usually, it is a consequence of cooling systems expanding and contracting over time. As elements increase in size and then reduce in size, it fatigues the material, which can allow gases like Freon to leak out.

If you think that this is a problem, get your systems checked by a professional who understands refrigeration. Also, get their advice on the safest cooling and refrigerant liquids to use on your property.

Asbestos in old insulation

Finally, the biggest risk in your property is probably asbestos in old insulation. Builders used to use this because it took up very little space but also offered exceptional insulation for properties. It’s most commonly found in attics, although it can also be present in walls.

Homes that contain asbestos are dangerous because the material can eject tiny filament-like particles that get lodged in the respiratory tract over time. The body tries to fight these off, but it leads to scarring and eventually the development of very dangerous diseases. Disturbed fibers are known to lead to multiple types of lung disease and cancer. If your property is from the 1980s or before and you haven’t had asbestos removed, there’s a chance it’s there. In this case, get professionals to remove it for you.

*This article is based on personal suggestions and/or experiences and is for informational purposes only. This should not be used as professional advice. Please consult a professional where applicable.