According to statistics, 156,300 preventable injury-related deaths happened in homes and communities in 2020, an 18.9% increase compared to the 131,400 preventable injury-related deaths recorded in 2019. This number is alarming, especially for parents or guardians who want to ensure their family’s health and safety at home.
The first step to ensuring your home is safe from safety hazards is identifying what these hazards are. With this information, you can create and implement strategies to ensure your family’s safety. This article will help you in that step as it presents some of the most common safety hazards in your home.
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Talcum Powder
Talcum powder is from talc, a mineral that contains oxygen, silicon, and magnesium. It absorbs moisture well and cuts down friction, which is why it’s commonly used to prevent rashes and keep the skin dry.
However, the Food and Drug Administration has banned talcum powder. According to the agency, cancers have been linked to talcum powder as asbestos contaminates talc. Asbestos is commonly used in manufacturing and construction and sits on the lower regions of your lungs, where it can cause lung cancer and fibrotic lung disease.
Protect your family from the health risks of talcum powder by using tapioca starch or cornstarch as an alternative. Both products protect the skin against chafing and help absorb moisture.
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Fire
More than 26% of reported fires between 2015 and 2019 occurred in residential properties. During the five years, there were 2,620 civilian deaths and 11,070 civilian fire injuries. Many reasons can cause house fires like decorations, candles, smoking, chemicals, and appliances.
Fortunately, there are many ways to reduce fire hazards at home. You can invest in smoke alarms and test them regularly to ensure they’re working appropriately. You can also decrease flammable clutter, such as paper and old boxes at home, never leave cooking unattended, and maintain chimneys and fireplaces. Follow the advice of professionals in commercial property management in Cleveland.
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Poisoning
Some household items present poisoning risks. For example, bleach can severely irritate your eyes, throat, skin, and nose and even damage the stomach when ingested. Mothballs, on the other hand, can cause headaches and dizziness when ingested.
One of the best ways to protect your family from poisoning is to lock away poisonous products. If you have kids at home, store these products in hard-to-reach areas, such as your overhead kitchen cabinet or garage. It’s also important not to put these items in storage near food products as your household might mistake them for something drinkable.
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Carbon Monoxide
You should also protect your family from carbon monoxide poisoning. It is caused by inhaling combustion fumes and causes breathing problems, chest pain, coma, and convulsion. Aside from affecting people in your home, carbon monoxide can poison your pets.
Don’t run a car or truck inside a garage attached to your home to protect your household from carbon monoxide exposure. You should also avoid burning anything in a fireplace or stove that isn’t well ventilated because this causes carbon monoxide to build up in the air.
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Allergies
Molds are common in homes, but do you know that they can adversely affect your family’s health in the long run? Molds can trigger severe allergy symptoms in individuals who have hypersensitive immune systems. Although molds are tiny, airborne spores, the body recognizes them as invaders and triggers your anti-bodies to respond.
Some common symptoms of mold allergies are sneezing, runny nose, postnasal drip, and watery eyes. Some also experience dry, scaly skin and itchy eyes, nose, and throat after being exposed to molds for long periods.
Keep your home mold-free by removing them from hard surfaces using soap and water or a bleach solution (one gallon of water mixed with one cup of laundry bleach). You can also hire professionals to remove molds from the interior and exteriors of your home.
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Drowning
When not well-monitored and secured, pools and bathtubs can become hazards at home. This is especially true if you have children who love to be in the water around the clock. Drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury deaths for children ages 1-14.
For your little ones to enjoy the people without endangering their health and safety, constantly supervise them when bathing. Your pool should be fenced and gated to prevent children from entering the pool areas without your supervision.
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Falls
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one of five falls causes serious injuries, such as head injuries or broken bones. These types of injuries will make it challenging for the person to move, complete daily activities, or live on their own.
Falls can happen for many reasons, including wet floors, poor lighting in the room, and carpets not being appropriately secured. Some people also fall at home when they lose their balance as they go down the stairs or reach for storage areas.
You can fall-proof your home by having handrails on both sides of your stairs, lighting all rooms correctly, and keeping areas clean and dry. Everyone at home should also practice moving more carefully, especially before using the railing on the stairs.
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Sharp Objects
You’ll be using several sharp objects in your home. For one, your kitchen will likely store different types of knives to make cooking easier and more enjoyable. And while very helpful, these sharp objects can pose serious risks, especially in children’s hands. They can accidentally cut themselves or harm other people in your home.
To prevent such mishaps, keep knives and other sharp objects inside a drawer with a safety latch. Keep glass objects, such as bowls and glasses, in cabinets far from your children’s reach. Appliances with sharp blades, like food processors and blenders, should be locked inside a cabinet.
Prioritize Safety
You can maintain or improve your home’s safety by taking note of the information presented here and following the safety precautions advised. Implementing changes around the house will require time and effort, but the result — a safer environment for the family — will be worth it!
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