Some household hazards are obvious and imminent problems – where there is smoke, you can reasonably expect a fire.
Others build up gradually over time or present a silent threat triggered only under certain circumstances. It’s important to be aware of these risks to your family’s health and safety, but with our busy schedules, it’s all too easy to overlook the signs that require action.
Here’s a rundown of several hidden household hazards to watch out for.
1. Cleaning products
Improperly stored cleaning products can pose a safety risk to children and pets. Vaporizers pose a particular risk of eye injury, according to the National Capital Poison Center. Bleach is something you don’t want on your skin, and in your eyes it can cause permanent nerve and tissue damage.
It’s best to keep these products out of sight – and preferably out of reach of those who don’t know better. Keep spray nozzles in the closed position and protect your cabinets from children for added safety.
2. Medicines
As with cleaning products, improperly stored medicines can pose a poisoning hazard to young children – most of them haven’t come across anything they wouldn’t like to put their mouths on. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers these tips, among others, as part of its “Up and Away” campaign:
- Always store medications and vitamins, preferably out of sight.
- Be sure to turn the bottle caps to the locked position.
- Never try to convince your children to take medicine by telling them it’s candy.
3. Unsecured Furniture
You’ve probably heard a horror story about a television, shelf, or dresser falling on someone. Learn from their mistakes, or you or someone you love could become this horror story for someone else to ignore – at their peril. A ripped cord or an awkward stumble may suffice, not to mention more exuberant activities.
AnchorIt.gov provides guidance on finding and installing anchor kits and other safety restraints for different types of wall materials, such as drywall, plaster, and exposed brick.
4. Frayed electrical wiring or power cords
Years of pushing, pulling, bending, stomping on, or applying weight or pressure to cords tends to fray them. Cuts can also occur. Plugs can also bend or break, especially when they aren’t long enough and the cord has a tight, sharp angle.
Each of these problems can lead to electric shock and fire hazards. Handle your cords gently and watch them for any signs of strain. Right-angle or 90-degree outlets can help minimize bulky outlets jamming together, pinched cords, and other stressors.
5. Twinkling Lights and Electric Hums
These audible and visual signals mean that there is a risk of fire in your home. You may also notice unusually hot electronics or heat coming from power outlets and power strips or a slight burning smell.
You may be overloading your outlets or you may need a professional to fix a problem. The US Fire Administration offers several safety tips, including:
- Always plug major appliances directly into wall outlets; do not use extension cords.
- Always follow bulb wattage guidelines on fixtures or instruction manuals.
- Replace worn and old extension cords.
- Replace wall outlets when the plugs don’t fit properly.
6. Tripping of earth leakage sockets
Another sign of an electrical problem is a tripping ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet. These make an audible click or popping sound when they cut power to anything connected to them, and they won’t supply power until you reset them.
It can be annoying, especially if it continues. But if they shut things down, they’re doing their job and preventing an overload or short circuit, so don’t ignore them. Find and fix the underlying problem.
This government fact sheet explains in more detail how they work, and when and where to install or replace them.
7. Uneven steps and walkways
Everything from improper installation to temperature changes and age can cause uneven tiles, warped wooden steps, and other walking hazards.
It’s easy to overlook these issues because we usually get used to the quirks in our home. However, visiting friends and family lack this knowledge. Young children and older adults may not have the balance or muscles to catch up. And when we’re distracted — perhaps on the phone, in a hurry, or carrying something — it’s easy for us to slip up too.
Taking steps to level your floors and stairs can help prevent falls, which can be a very serious health risk.
8. Chimney buildup
Although fireplaces are meant to provide a safe place for fire, they do require maintenance – chimneys can also catch fire, as FEMA points out. This is due to a buildup of creosote, a brownish-black byproduct of wood combustion.
An annual inspection and cleaning of your fireplace is a good idea, and FEMA’s website includes tips for limiting creosote buildup.
Aside from the fire hazard, it’s probably not something you want to breathe either. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends using a HEPA filter in the same room as your home, which can reduce indoor particulate pollution by 60%.
9. Wall cracks
Cracks in your walls can simply be an eyesore caused by a house settling in, or they can be a dangerous structural issue that requires a professional. As with many things, the sooner you catch the problem, the less expensive it can be to fix it.
This guide from Angi can help you determine the severity of a crack based on its size and shape.
If you live in a snow-prone climate, take the necessary precautions to eliminate that extra weight on your roof and reduce the risk of collapse.
10. Puddles
Any moisture on the floor should be cause for concern. In the best case, there is a risk of slipping and falling. But dampness can cause or be a symptom of more serious problems, such as leaks, roof damage, or the next hazard on the list.
11. Visible mold
Mold grows in damp places and can be a sign of leaks or excess moisture. It can cause a runny or stuffy nose, itchy or watery eyes, labored breathing, and headaches. For people with asthma or weakened immune systems, this can pose a greater health threat.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development offers tips such as these for treating and preventing mould:
- Make sure bathrooms and kitchens have working ventilation fans.
- Use air conditioning or dehumidifiers to keep your home’s humidity level below 50%.
- Watch for water spots on floors, walls and ceilings.
12. Bubbling Paint
Bubbling paint can be a sign of a leak, dampness, or a plumbing problem. It can also be a sign of termite infestation, according to Orkin. Termites can cause or contribute to some of the other problems on this list, such as uneven floors and mold.