23 small ways to make your home more dangerous

It's time to split these bad habits before someone is hurt at home.


Whether you pay a mortgage or write rolling checks, your home is probably among your greatest monthly expenses. Unfortunately, for many people,These big invoices Are not the only sources of stress at home. In many cases, potential threats are hiding throughout this supposed sanctuary, transforming it into a dangerous home that can affect not only your bank account, but your health.

With the help of experts, we have gathered ways to make your home inadvertently a more dangerous place and how to stop.

1
Do not clean your plush trap and dryer frequently

white hand holding dryer lint
Shutterstock / David Smart

A little fuzz on your plush trap may seem not seeming serious, but leave it there could result in serious problems.

In addition to allowing the accumulation of moisture, which can cause mold, "plush accumulation or other debris blocking the vent can cause growth of bacteria or harmful gases such as carbon monoxide," saysJason KapicaPresident ofDryer Wizard.

In fact, according to theFederal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), 2,900 dryer fires each year cause about five deaths and $ 35 million fromProperty damage.

2
Do not have your CVCP system maintained professionally

cleaning hvac interior
Shutterstock / C5 Media

Do not let a faulty air conditioning unit pose a risk for you or someone else. According toInternational Electrical Security FoundationAir conditioners were responsible for 7,400 fires in 2010 and claimed 29 lives. Units of poorly installed windows can also cause serious trauma or even death to people walking under them should come off and fall.

3
Put your devices too close to each other

crowded kitchen counter
Shutterstock / Kazoka

If you do not have a lot of space featuring, you will better put your devices when they are not used instead ofFuck your kitchen.

"It is important to leave some unoccupied space around [household appliances] so that they can ventilate correctly and avoid a risk of potential fire," saysPoint of view Home security specialistKrysten Holland.

4
Extension of execution under carpets

extension cord on red rug
Shutterstock / Sasha_NKPLV

Although the expansion cords left to open can present a journey risk, run them under a carpet as a way to conceal them from the view is not the best solution.

"Hidden under a carpet, they become a threat that can both translate you andPlace your house on fire, "Holland said. According to theInternational Electrical Security FoundationThe extensions come from about 3,300 fires from the house each year that lead to 50 deaths and some 270 injuries.

5
Relying on extension cords like a permanent solution

overloaded power strip
Shutterstock / New Africa

Extensions offer a convenient way to power multiple devices at a time, but it also comes with an increased risk of potentially dangerous electrical problems.

"A heavy dependence on extensions is an indication that you have too few points of sale to meet your needs," saysBrianne Deerwester Security Safety Foundation International, which recommends having an authorized electrician add outlets.

6
Connect extended extensions in each other

white hands plugging two green cords into one another
Shutterstock / Kai Dunn

Do you think your extension can handle another plug? Still think. Although they are generally classified to handle devices, the extensions of the piggylection mean they "could overheat and cause a fire," says Deerwester.

7
Replace two-part shutters outlets

three prong outlet with cord plugged in
Shutterstock / Isabel Eve

Have three-part selling points can facilitate theConnect your large devicesBut, but the replacement of your two shutters with three components is not a simple exchange. In fact, this could be dangerous.

In doing so "is a danger for occupants who now believe that the plugs are grounded," explains the inspector of the houseAndrew Watlon, Owner ofCommon Concerns Home Inspections. However, wireless earth, an overloaded output has the shock potential and cause an electric fire.

8
Permanently seal the vents

white man opening heating vent
Shutterstock / Serenethos

Of course, these unused vents can make your home brighter and more noisier than you wish, but seal it completely could put you in danger.

Coverage vents "denote the condensation problems on the road", which can possibly lead to the growth of toxic mold or rot that can cause structural problems, saysStephany Smith, part of the Handyman crew at the home improvement company based at U.K.Fantastic handyman.

9
Broadcast lead paint from your walls

stripping green paint with metal scraper
Refuge

Yes, lead paint can present aDanger of serious health for everyone In your home, but the solution to this problem is not as simple as moving it away.

If you try sand or chemically banding the lead paint of your walls ", you only close the toxic particles in the air and pollute your home," says Smith. Instead, hire a professional to do test and reduction work so that you can limit contamination.

10
Delete handrails

wooden staircase without railing
Shutterstock / Vadim Ovchinnikov

You may be eager to open the visibility lines of your home by saying to these large banners who manage the stairs to hit the road, but this can be a dangerous proposal.

"Whether for children, the elderly or anyone, a stair railway is incredibly important for the safety of your home," saysTonya Bruin, CEO of the home improvement company based in OttawaTo do - done, which notes that this can increase the risk of a serious fall - even fatal. In fact, a 2018 study published in theAmerican Journal of Emergency Medicine Discovered that from 1990 to 2012, nearly 25 million patients were treated for staircase injuries.

11
Using the oven cleaner

gloved hand cleaning oven
Shutterstock / Iurii Stepanov

Since the oven cleaner is supposed to get rid of the food that has been baked for weeks for weeks, it's quite caustic and corrosive - get it on your skin can easily cause chemical burns. And using the self-cleaning mode of your oven after spraying the oven cleaner, it can fill your home with ultra hot chemical fumes, causing respiratory distress and other serious health problems, according to the 1995 research published in theJournal of Accident and Emergency Medicine.

12
Cleaning with bleach

Hand with rag wiping down stainless steel stove top range
Refuge

Jel-water is a powerful product capable of causing chemical burns and, in case of accidental ingested, serious internal bleeding and even death. Just clean with bleach can also have real dangers. According toCDCJavel is a major cause of inhalation injuries and is known to damage the lungs and cause long-term health problems.

13
Use a dirty sponge to wash your dishes

dirty sponge in sink
Shutterstock / Myibean

Although you use it to clean your dishes,your kitchen sponge is one of the dirtiest and dangerous things in your home. A 2006 study published inJournal of University Biology of Saint Martinnotes that bacteria found on sponges includeE.COLI,Salmonella,Klebsiella pneumoniae, andEnterobacter Cloacae.

14
Do not wash your pillows

yellow pillow
Shutterstock / IEANG

The pillow that you rest your head every night is probably grumpy with germs that could make you sick. In a 2005 study published in theEuropean Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, researchers wrapped 10 pillows and found various species of bacteria, the most common beingAspergillus fumigatus, which causes fungal infections;Aureobasidium Pullulans,acommon allergen; andRhodtorula Mucilaginosa, which can infect everything from your skin to your lungs. To make sure you are able toSleep peacefully and safely, make sure to wash your pillowcase at least once a week.

15
Or stuffed animals of children

dirty stuffed animal
Shutterstock / MC_CM

If you do not wash your child's stuffed animals, you're about to start. For a 2007 research paper entitled "Home environmental health risks" published inThe Online Journal of Nursing QuestionsThe pesticides at home can settle on the stuffed animals and toys of children, which, when absorbed, can cause all of nausea to convulsions.

16
Leaving candles without supervision

candle burning by window sill with cup of steaming hot coffee
exit

TheNational Fire Protection Association Reports from 2012 to 2016, an average of 23 pieces related to the candle occurred at a given day. Keep your home safe by making sure that the candles are completely muffled, the matches are properly eliminated and you never let a candle that burns in a room, you are not in or when you sleep.

17
Do not secure your television

hanging wall mounted tv
Shutterstock / Naypong Studio

Even if you consider yourself very convenient with a Finder stand, you may want to check the installation on this flat screen TV you have mounted on your living room wall. TheU.S. Consumer Product Safety Committee (CPSC) notes that from 2014 to 2016, about 30,700 people went to the emergency room to be treated for peak incidents. If in doubt, use special television straps when hanging from your TV and make sure your wall mount is securely anchored.

18
Leaving your pool easily accessible when it is unattended

uncovered pool
Shutterstock / Sylv1rob1

Having a swimming pool may seem to be the ultimate luxury, but in some ways is also the ultimate responsibility for home security.

According to a 2018 report prepared by theCPSC, 45% of the estimated non-current drowned injuries suffered in a swimming pool or spa between 2015 and 2017, involving children under the age of 15, occurred in a residence.

The good news is that there are corrections easy to this potential danger. Install protective fences around your pool and use a pool cover when you do not swim.

19
And do the same thing with your bathtub

full bath tub
Shutterstock / Flashgun

Do not let this bubble bath relax so much that you decide to make a snooze in. According toCDCThe drowning of the bath accounted for about 10% of fatal and non-fatal drownings from 2005 to 2009. In addition, children under 5 are the most likely to suffer from a serious drowning incident, so do never leave your children Unattended during the bath time and make sure you drain the bathtub when you go out.

20
Using a wood stove

A wood stove next to a rocking chair home hazards
Refuge

Although a wood stove can make your space feel like a charming rustic cab, it may not be worth it in the long run. Incorrectly ventilated stoves can put you at risk of a homemade fire or carbon monoxide poisoning, and theAmerican Pulmonary Association Lists exposure to wood smoke as a potential risk factor for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

21
Using a space heater

space heater weird old household objects
Shutterstock / hello_ji

Do not letYour pursuit of coziness You land in the hospital. A 2018 report of theNational Fire Protection Association notes that an 86% of 86% of home heating fire deaths and 78% of injuries were caused by space heaters from 2012 to 2016. So, if you own one, make sure it is far from flammable materials, clean it regularly and unplug it when you leave the room or go to bed.

22
Grill too close to your house

man grilling things burglars know about your home
Refuge

Before youPlace the bbq this summerMake sure these security rules committed to memory: Always make sure your grill is away from home or that you could accidentally deform your coating or create a fire, make sure the coals are completely out when you The pack for the night, turn off the propane once you have finished grilling and never grill inside or you risk risking carbon monoxide poisoning. If you forget, you might be one of the almost19,000 people injured or killed by grilling each year.

23
Air air spray

Room spray
Refuge

According toAmerican Pulmonary Association, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are harmful substances transmitted in the air,Any causing cancer to pollution. Believe it or not, many of the aerosol spray products you have at home, including your cleaning supplies and air sanitars, contain these toxic VOCs. Whenever possible, the American Lung Association recommends opting for aerosol aerosols that do not contain these ingredients or other harmful ingredients.


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