When one talks about improving their health, people automatically assume it means eating better or exercising. But, in the case of mental health, focusing on the positive aspects of your life and removing negativity is all that comes to their mind. While all the above are equally important, your living environment can also greatly impact your health and well-being. As the saying goes, ‘a cluttered space means a cluttered mind.’
A well-documented fact is that a body tends to heal better when its surrounding environment is clean and free of contaminants. But often, we are unaware of the pathogens and various forms of air pollution that exist in our homes. These pollutants can and will affect your health, ranging from clogged-up sinuses, severe allergies to a variety of symptom-causing illnesses.
So, with that said, here are ten household problems that can be a danger to your health and why it’s important to avoid them:
Poor Ventilation
Poor ventilation in a home can occur due to several reasons. In fact, if you look at the stats, the air inside most homes is more polluted than that outside, even when we consider things like smog, dust pollution, and other harmful contaminants present in the outside air.
The indoor air usually contains pollutants like dust, pollen, clothing fibers, and dander. They are usually floating around in the air, and we continuously inhale them within our house. So read more for added information. If not filtered out properly due to poor ventilation or damaged filtration system, they can cause problems in the sinuses and upper respiratory system. These include inflammation and excess mucus production in the lungs, allergies, and other breathing-related issues like asthma.
Even if you don’t develop any of these illnesses, having purer indoor air quality will keep you in better shape by lifting some of the burdens off your body’s metabolism. In addition to this, the indoor environment should maintain optimum humidity as humid air tends to provoke dust mites, hence leading to severe allergies.
A major indoor air quality contaminator is the air filter in a central AC/ heating system. A musty smell and a consistent dust collection (more than normal) are usually signs of an old air filter. Fortunately, its replacement comes at a reasonable price, and the effects are definitely worth the cost.
Structural Damage
It is important to renovate your home and keep it up to date. Reapplying paint and plaster, replacing old and rotting materials with new ones. For example, if you fail to replace the rotting wood from your floorboard or your stair steps, you’ll most likely be getting your foot stuck in there and falling on your face. Or worse, losing your balance and falling down the stairs. We, for once, would prefer, if neither scenario happened, don’t you agree? We mean, granted, falling on your face might seem hilarious, but you could end up with a concussion or, in a worst-case scenario, brain damage.
Old Galvanized Iron Pipes
Until the 1960s, houses were built with galvanized iron pipes for the plumbing system. The pipes are made of iron (ironic, right?), but they’re actually steel pipes with zinc coating around their interior. As time passes, zinc slowly erodes and eventually enters your water supply system.
Several problems arise from this erosion. The system can become clogged, and the water would reach its outlets at low pressure. The water coming out of taps will have rust residue in them, and though this poses no serious health issue, it can make water lose its soft feel and may leave residues in dishes and clothes.
The main concern, however, is the quality of the water. As the pipes corrode and build up rust, lead accumulation occurs within the pipes and eventually enters the drinking water supply. Lead is immensely dangerous to the body, even in small quantities. Several health issues may arise, depending on the amount consumed:
- Fatigue
- Hyperactivity
- Headaches
- Weight loss
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Metallic taste in your mouth
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Poor appetite
- Reduced cognitive abilities
- Reproductive problems
It is especially hazardous for children, who are still at the developing stage, and can cause permanent damage to their bodies, especially their nervous system.
Water Filtration
Sometimes people equip their homes with whole-house water filters, especially if you pump water from a well. The filter can clog with particles that filter out, and as new water runs through, it takes the contaminants with it.
Best to check and clean the filter regularly!
Mold
Molds are mostly harmless, yet some species are toxic to humans. The most susceptible are those with weakened immune systems. They have symptoms ranging from mild to severe, considering how long they’re exposed to the mold infestation.
Being ubiquitous in nature, humans have a strong immunity to the substance. But it would strongly affect the elderly, children, and people who are victims of other illnesses should take a mold infestation break out seriously. Getting rid of the infestation is not something you should do alone. Seek professional help and steer clear of people with weaker immunity. Ensure to carry out the cleanup properly, as even a speck of mold left behind can grow into an infestation again.
Before We Part!
So we hope that we’ve convinced you how important it is to consider your house or any sort of living space a part of your health and the key to your well-being. Now pay attention to these earlier warnings and solutions and live a healthy life!
