Threats to your home aren’t always visible, and can’t always be detected by a standard home security system, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t pose a risk to you and your family when you’re at home. Standard home security systems alert you to break-ins on your property, and are often expanded to include fire and smoke alarms, carbon-monoxide detectors, and flood detectors. Supported by a dependable direct response team, these home security systems can mean the difference between life and death when disaster strikes. However, a very serious, though less visible and more gradual, threat to many families’ health are airborne pollutants and radon. Especially in large cities in warm climates, air pollution is a very real danger that can lead to health problems such as asthma, bronchitis, and even cancer. Though most people are aware of outside air pollution caused by exhaust fumes and industrial waste, not everybody realizes that if you live in an area with high air pollution, your indoor air quality is likely to be higher than outdoors. Spaces with little to no ventilation, combined in warm climates with recycled air from air-conditioning, often have high concentrations of air pollutants that your home security system, even if it includes carbon monoxide detectors, won’t register. Additionally, in moist climates or spaces with little ventilation, the risk of mould is extremely high. Mould produces airborne spores that can trigger severe allergic reactions in vulnerable people, such as infants, pregnant women and seniors. To minimize the risk of health problems due to air pollution, make sure every room in your home is ventilated well. If you have a home security system, you’ll probably close all doors and windows at night, but you should always air your home thoroughly when you wake up. Radon, a natural form of radiation in rocks and earth, seeps into homes through the foundations and walls in high-risk areas. Long-term exposure to radon causes cancer, and has cost thousands of lives over the years. Luckily, you can buy radon test kits that allow you to test the radon level in your home. If it’s high, your best option is to call a qualified radon mitigation contractor to install a radon reduction system. These highly effective systems can reduce the radon level in your home by 99%, greatly reducing your risk of lung cancer. By taking the time to look at the threats you can’t see, you and your family can breathe easier.
