Home Tests to Keep You Healthy

[flip_it_fast]

It doesn't much matter whether you have a new home or an old one, anything can go bad or be bad. It's that simple. Just because something is new doesn't mean it isn't faulty.

There are a lot of dangers that can exist in a house that you would most likely never know existed and they can be very harmful- even deadly.

Here are some tests that you should do periodically to ensure you and your family are safe.

Radon Test.

Radon is a radioactive gas and it is odorless, tasteless and colorless. It is the cause of 21,000 lung cancer deaths per year.

formed from the decay of uranium found in virtually all soils, rises through the ground and sneaks into your home through cracks and other holes in your foundation. Once inside, it can get trapped and build up, especially during winter months when windows are closed.

You can buy a test kit for $20-$30 dollars. You just follow the kit's instructions and then mail it in for testing. Nearly every 1 in 15 homes have elevated radon levels.

Carbon Monoxide.

Carbon monoxide gets trapped in a house when a furnace vent or chimney flue gets blocked, says air-conditioning contractor Bobby Ring. Most newer, high-efficiency models shut off when a blockage happens, but that's not the case with older models.

While you are out getting your radon tester pick up a carbon monoxide detector for about $40. It works just like a smoke alarm. 500 needless deaths occur each year because of it.

Dryer lint.

This one you don't have to spend money on. Most of us and I would hope all of us check the dryer lint screen inbetween every load to keep it clean. But how many people regularly pull out their dryer and check the vent and duct? Not too many probably and it's just an accident waiting to happen. Almost 16,000 structure fires start this way each year. The lint builds up and eventually catches fire. Just pull the dryer out and clean the vent and duct of lint.

[flippinout]

The radon and carbon monoxide testers are a must when it comes to home safety.

And the facts you pointed out about dryer lint are also great things to look into. Plus, if there is any kind of link in the dryer vent to the outside, a lot of lint can end up covering the floor under the dryer.

I pull my dryer out several times a year and use my shop vac and brushes of different sizes to make sure I get all of the lint and dispose of it.

[flip_it_fast]

Thats awesome that you do that. Most people don't though and they run a high risk of death or injury not to mention the loss of their home and all of their belongings. It's a simple thing to do to keep yourself safe.

Here are a couple more things to look out for while your checking off the other things on the list.

Mold.

Mold isn't anything to mess with. It can sneak up on you and cause a lot of health problems including asthma-like symptoms and even death.

Mold doesn't occur because of moisture on the outside of the house but because of moisture inside the house that can't get out.

Bathroom venting and roof venting is essential to keep mold out of the house. You want to check anywhere that mold might lurk. Under your sinks, bathroom cupboards and so on. If you find mold in an area larger than 10 feet then you really should consult a specialist. If it's a smaller amount than you can clean it yourself using a detergent and water and then dry it thoroughly. Some people say to use bleach but believe it or not it won't completely kill the mold.

Lets not forget about the toxic duo- lead and asbestos.

Before you launch into any home project — whether it's a small painting job, new flooring or a kitchen remodel — you need to know what you're ripping into. If your home was built or remodeled before 1978, you should test for lead paint or asbestos-laden building materials before you begin any work.

While lead an asbestos are fine as long as they are left alone they are dangerous if inhaled or ingested. Lead causes damage to the nervous system and asbestos fibers get into the lungs and can cause cancer.

You can purchase do-it-yourself lead test kits at your home improvement store and you can buy ship away asbestos tests there as well.

[homealone]

It's rather surprising to learn of some of the dangers that can lurk around a persons home with out them even knowing that they are there.

Cleaning the dryer lint is something I do every other month to prevent build up. The last thing I want is a fire.

Though something I really need tog et on the ball over is radon testing. That is something I haven't done and something I really should do.

Thanks for the reminder. This is something I will get done very soon, because I don't want it in my home causing illness.