5 Hidden Dangers To Your Kids’ Health (And What You Can Do About Them)
5 Hidden Dangers To Your Kids’ Health (And What You Can Do About Them). You do everything in your power to safeguard the health and well-being of your little ones. You make sure that they eat a healthy, balanced diet and watch their consumption of sugary, fatty, and salty foods like a hawk. You make sure that, while they’re free to enjoy video games and digital devices, these are part of a range of activities and that they get off the sofa and into the great outdoors as often as possible. You even keep a close eye on the kinds of movies they’re watching and books that they’re reading to see how their values are shaped by the culture that they imbibe. Yet, while all of these are necessary and commendable, there are other threats to your kids’ health and well-being that lurk out of sight but are ever-present.
Here we’ll look at some of the hidden dangers to your kids’ health which can lurk in the home (no matter how well you try to make the most of it) and what you can do about them.
Tiny pests
You may not even know it, but your home may already be home to all kinds of tiny pests from cockroaches to rodents. And when these little creatures pee and poop on your home’s surfaces, it can release toxic compounds into your home, especially if you have little ones that crawl around on all fours. Identifying a reliable Pest Control company in your area and being on the lookout for signs of infestation can help keep kids safe.
Legionella and other airborne bacteria
Legionella is the bacteria that can cause legionnaires disease, which can be particularly harmful for those with weaker immune systems like small kids and the elderly. And the unfortunate truth is that legionella may well be living in your AC unit, especially if you haven’t had it serviced in some time. Annual servicing and changing the filters regularly can help prevent the communication of legionella via tiny droplets of moisture in your home’s air.
Food contamination
Food-borne baddies like listeria, campylobacter, and salmonella can be extremely harmful to kids’ health which is why it’s so essential to wash your hands when preparing food especially after going to the bathroom or playing with pets. Avoid unpasteurized meat, eggs, and dairy, and make sure that food is properly cooked before serving. Using an antibacterial spray to keep the kitchen clean is also essential.
Carbon monoxide
They call carbon monoxide the silent killer and it can be found wherever anything burns but ovens and fireplaces or even places where tobacco is smoked regularly can be a carbon monoxide risk for vulnerable young lungs. Investing in a carbon monoxide detector will set you back less than $10 but it could save lives in your home.
Molds and fungi
Finally, black mold in the bathroom and other warm, dark places can aggravate asthma and cause respiratory problems for little lungs. Fortunately, there are many bathroom cleaners on the market which make short work of black mold. Or, if you prefer natural solutions, baking soda and spirit vinegar are both great ways to remove this harmful fungus without filling your bathroom with potentially dangerous chemicals.