There are a number of hazards that can arise within a household, and Dallas County Community Health Educator Natalie Peters provides tips on how to protect yourself.

Peters tells Raccoon Valley Radio that health hazards that are commonly found in a home include lead, mold, radon, carbon monoxide, or dust. She notes that some of the effects from these chemicals can cause poisoning, worsening asthma, lung cancer, or even death. In order to prevent these into your home, Peters suggests testing a home for lead or radon if it was built prior to 1978. She elaborates on more safety advice.

“For mold, you can also fix leaks and water damage in your home right away, and then also use a dehumidifier in damp areas like basements or bathrooms. Be sure to install carbon monoxide detectors around your home, and then also to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, never use generators, grills, or gas heaters indoors. And then finally to keep some of those common allergens at bay, just make sure to dust and vacuum regularly, and then also wash bedding in hot water every week.”

Peters stresses that people should be doing a regular house cleaning on a weekly or bi-weekly basis, then a more thorough deep cleaning about once a month. She adds that for additional tips about health hazards safety, contact the Dallas County Health Department at (515)-993-3750.