5 ways your new home can be detrimental to your health

So you have found the right housing agency like Movoto.com and have settled on a house you like. Everything looks pleasant to the naked eye. You spend a lot of time at home, and it should not be a reason you or your loved ones fall ill. Before you sign that contract, do your research and have an inspector check for some of these hazards.

Presence of Pests

Not only are pests unsightly, but they can also be bad for your health. If you are sure you still want the house, you can request pest control to eradicate some of these pests:

a)    Wasps – They are a menace, particularly during summer. I am sure you would like to enjoy your sweet drinks or a picnic outside without worrying if you might be stung by a wasp. While the sting is generally harmless, some people are allergic, and a bite can make them experience anaphylactic shock. Be sure to inspect the premises for any nests.

b)    Rats – They are not only pesky but also unsightly and unsavory. They like to nest in foundations, under cupboards and floorboards, and in sheds, among other places. They spread diseases through their saliva and urine. Fleas on mice can also spread diseases. Owning a cat can help you control this particular pest.

c)    Ticks – These arachnids are small and parasitic, and you can find them in wooded areas or fields. They survive by burrowing into the warm flesh of humans and animals like your four-legged pets. They secret toxins into the blood of the host. In humans, they are responsible for Lyme disease, tularemia, and tick-borne relapsing fever, among other conditions. They can also lead to paralysis for your pets.

d)    Spiders – Some poisonous spiders are indigenous to some areas. They can be found inside the homes or in the yard. If you decide to live in such an area, stay on high alert and spray pesticides to keep them out of your home

e)    Cockroaches, ants, and termites –These pests are tiny but annoying. Cockroaches leave feces, saliva, and parts of their bodies that can trigger asthma and allergic reactions. Ants and termites will make nests and tunnels in the wood which can structurally compromise your house if not noted in time.

Presence of Asbestos

Asbestos poisoning is a genuine concern. Breathing in the fibers can cause them to get lodged in your lungs and aggravate the lung tissue. It also weakens respiratory function and health. The worst part about these asbestos fibers is that they are undetectable by the human eye. You should be particularly wary if your house was constructed before the 1980s as it was used in drywall manufacturing. It was also used in the plumbing fixtures, vinyl floor tiles, attic insulation, boiler, and fireplace insulation, among other places. It is carcinogenic. Prolonged exposure can lead to diseases such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. An inspector will determine if the house has asbestos and advice you accordingly.

Presence or Susceptibility to Mold
 
Mold accumulates in damp, poorly ventilated buildings. Your house may not have mold now, but you may be living in an area with a propensity for it. Such regions include cold and warm climatic zones. Dampness occurs in houses that lack proper ventilation and insulation and that are overcrowded. Inhaling mold spores and fragments can lead to inflamed airways, wheezing, nasal congestion, coughing, throat irritation, and chest tightness. Research cleaning methods that deter mold growth, such as using bleach and keep your house properly ventilated.

Lead paint

Lead paint was mainly used in homes built before the 1970s. Lead paint in itself is not harmful. Chipping in lead paint is the problem. The lead chippings are especially toxic to pets and children when ingested and can lead to lead poisoning. Lead can get into drinking water when corrosion of plumbing containing lead occurs. This can be exacerbated by water, which has high acidity and low mineral content. Because lead can bioaccumulate in the body, the EPA has set its maximum contaminant level in drinking water at zero.

Proximity to industrial parks and companies

Find out if your home is in the high, intermediate, or control exposure zone to industrial parks. The smoke and chemicals released as waste by industries can contribute to acute respiratory diseases, asthma, conjunctivitis, and dermatitis. Research shows that cancers such as non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma are higher in neighborhoods near manufacturing plants and refineries, especially those producing benzene. Industries that produce benzene include coal and petroleum industries and those that manufacture plastics, pesticides, and detergents.

A good property inspector will be able to spot some of these things. Your research will uncover the area’s proneness to the rest. Take care of what you can and be well prepared or duly warned for the rest before making that purchase.

This is a guest blog entry.