How healthy is your home? Do you have mold and mildew in the bathroom, basement and attic? Do you or your spouse smoke? Do you have a cat or dog? If you answered yes to any of these questions your home could be unhealthy. Black mold is a proved hazard. It can cause symptoms ranging from vomiting to chronic fatigue.

What about your bathroom? Do you keep your tooth brushes there? Do you use hand soap or liquid soap> What difference does it make? It makes plenty of difference where you keep your toothbrush. Germs from flushing the toilet can contaminate toothbrushes with n\microscopic bacteria. Don't keep your toothbrush in a holder because it seals in the moisture and bacteria thrive on wet dark non porous surfaces. Hand soap or bar soap should be rinsed off prior to use to eliminate bacteria that could be growing on the surface. Consider using a liquid soap instead.

Have a professional check your basement, bathroom or attic for black mold. Black mold is a dangerous health hazard. It grows in the moisture rich dank areas of your home like any other mold or mildew. Black mold can be destroyed using a water and bleach solution of 9 parts water to 1 part bleach. There are some very good commercial cleaners that may kill the black mold as well.

Smoking inside the home can expose other members of your household to the dangers of second hand smoke. The best way of avoiding the health hazards of exposure to second hand smoke is to smoke outside,stop smoking and or buy an air purifier. Second hand smoke can cause lung cancer and other respiratory ailments in nonsmokers.

Cats and dogs are wonderful to have but you also need to have extra care concerning grooming,disposal of wastes and allergies. Pets should be groomed regularly and treated for parasites. Never allow your pets to lick the face of a child or yourself due to the possibility of roundworm infections. Animal wastes should be disposed of. Animals can carry parasites which are transmittable to humans. Vacuum frequently to remove pet hair and dander, dust and other allergens that could cause allergic reactions or respiratory ailments.

Always disinfect bathrooms,sinks and eating areas with approved disinfectants. Never use a disinfectant labeled for use in the bathroom only in a food preparation area. Toxic chemicals could possibly contaminate a food preparation surface.

Don't forget to disinfect phones, door handles and other surfaces that human hands come into contact with.

Our homes can be hazardous but with a little care they can become safer.

Learn more about this author, Danette M. Scott.
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