These Harmful Substances May Be Lurking in Your Home

While we may believe we’re doing everything we can to keep our homes safe and habitable, many hidden dangers go unnoticed. From lead to asbestos, this guide covers some harmful substances you may not realise are lurking in your home.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are a category of chemicals that evaporate into the air and react with sunlight, which pollutes indoor air. VOCs may cause eye, nose and throat irritation in the short term, and cancer, liver damage, kidney damage, and nervous system problems in the long term. VOCs pose a particular risk to infants and foetuses. Formaldehyde is an example of a VOC.

Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is a smelly, colourless, flammable gas used in pesticides, building materials, textiles, cosmetics, and home goods. The ‘new’ smell of a mattress, piece of clothing, or car comes from formaldehyde. It is a carcinogen and suspected gastrointestinal, immune, nerve, reproductive, respiratory, and skin toxicant.

Lead

Lead is a toxic metal that can be found in the form of old paint on toys or walls, in pipes, or even in makeup. This neurotoxin accumulates in the body and can cause brain damage and behavioural issues. It is also extremely damaging to children and young women. It’s also worth noting that there is no safe dose of lead.

Chemical products

Cleaning products like bleach, oven sprays, liquid laundry capsules and toilet cleaners are chemicals. So are paints, glues, oils, pesticides and medicines. It’s important to remember that most of the chemicals you use at home aren’t dangerous if you use them properly. However, some chemicals need more careful handling than others. Some chemicals are particularly attractive to children or can be confused as food or drink if they are not stored in their original containers and safely out of reach. Labels can help you identify the more hazardous chemicals, tell you what the dangers are and advise how to use them safely.

Asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous silicate mineral. By breathing in asbestos fibres, you risk contracting an asbestos-related disease. This occurs when the fibres from disturbed asbestos become trapped in the lungs and over long periods of time, can cause inflammation, scarring and disease. While asbestos is now banned as a building material, it can still be found in many homes in the UK today.

Some common areas where asbestos can be found are:

●     Lagging around boilers or pipework

●     Insulating boards, typically in gas metre cupboards or behind panel heaters

●     Loose-fill insulation

●     As a composite in fuse boxes and switchgear

●     Floor and roof tiles

●     In textured coatings

If you’re in need of asbestos services, why not get in touch with Gowrie Contracts? As asbestos experts, we specialise in asbestos removal - you’ll be in safe hands when you speak to our asbestos contractors.