Tips To Find Out If Your Home Is Making You Sick

When you haven’t felt great for a long time but can’t put your finger on why, your mind can go crazy with the possibilities. Fibromyalgia? Lyme disease? Lupus? But anxiety can make your symptoms worse, so be kind to yourself and start your research calmly and systematically. You can begin by ruling out at least one culprit: your environment. Use these tips to find out if your home is making you sick.

Look for Mold

The Problem

Any place in your home with moisture can be a breeding ground for harmful mold. Mold can be in your HVAC system, plumbing or basement or near unseen leaks. It could also be growing because the air in your home is too humid.

The Repercussions

People have a variety of reactions to mold, including worsening asthma, itchy eyes, upper respiratory problems, and skin sensitivities. Other possible health links are being tested.

The Solution

Have your air ducts professionally cleaned every few years, and buy a humidity monitor to keep your levels between 40 and 60 percent. Check your home for any spots where leaking water has accumulated. If you find moisture, call a plumber.

Tame Dust Mites

The Problem

Every home has dust mites, and without preventive measures, they can multiply exponentially. They feed on the dead skin cells in dust and can accumulate by the hundreds of thousands in bedding, curtains, mattresses, carpets, and upholstery.

The Repercussions

These pests are tiny, but they can severely affect someone with asthma and allergies. Over time, they can even weaken your immune system.

The Solution

Wash any fabrics in your home—even stuffed animals—often with hot water, and buy protectors for your mattress and pillows. An allergist can test you for any severe reactions to different kinds of mites.

Test for Asbestos

The Problem

You may not be feeling the effects yet, but if you’ve been renovating your home, you should make sure you haven’t stirred up any toxic dust or fibers. Asbestos lurks in many building materials, including popcorn ceilings. Have you been cleaning out the attic? You might have come into contact with asbestos-contaminated vermiculite in the insulation.

The Repercussions

Prolonged exposure to asbestos can cause respiratory problems and mesothelioma.

The Solution

Call an abatement company to get the area tested.

Detect Any Radon

The Problem

Radon is a radioactive gas you can’t see or smell. It’s been found all over the country from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. It can seep into your home through cracks in the foundation or through your water supply.

The Repercussions

The Environmental Protection Agency has determined that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer.

The Solution

One of the best tips to find out if your home is making you sick is to test your suspicions. You can test your water quality, your air quality, or for any suspected presence of mold. In this case, you can buy a radon testing kit from the American Lung Association or your neighborhood hardware store.