Household Hazards: 9 Dangerous Things Potentially Lurking in Your Home

Around 53.6% of all injury-involved accidents occur at home, which shows it’s important to know the main culprits so you remove the risks.

You may not realize it but you’re surrounded by household hazards that you use daily. Perhaps you’ve got a little one or want your home to be a safe space, but you’re unsure where to start.

Sounds like you? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here are the nine most dangerous hazards in your home.

1. Knives

One of the most dangerous items you can have is knives. Regardless of your age, these pose a threat as they’re sharp and if they’re mishandled, they can leave behind deep cuts. But you can prevent this by storing and locking sharp kitchen tools away so children can’t reach them.

Also, point the knives and forks down in the dishwasher to prevent any accidents.

2. Stairs

If you’re unsure of unsafe things at home, consider your staircase. There are around 12,000 annual deaths as a result of a stairway accident so we must find ways to prevent this.

For instance, make sure your staircase has solid handrails, is on fixed flooring, and there’s enough lighting so you can easily navigate them. Also, remove any toys or items near the stairs because someone may trip over them.

3. Chemicals

Check your cleaning supplies closet and you’ll find a wealth of dangerous chemicals. So store your laundry or dishwasher detergent and only bring them out when you’re using them.

Further, be mindful of using furniture polish as it’s flammable so keep them away from candles. And if the chemicals absorb into your skin, then it puts you at the risk of skin cancer.

Also, nail polish remover is one of the most toxic things you can own. Most bottles contain acetone, a harmful substance that can kill you if you ingest it. If you do need a remover, find an acetone-free version as it’s less toxic.

You should also check cleaning supplies for sulfuric acid as it’s often found in dish-washing liquids, laundry detergents, and even hand soaps. Before buying products, check the label and learn about sulfuric acid safety to prevent any accidents.

4. Extension Cords

Never have extension cords snaking around your room as they’re a major tripping hazard. When they’re not in use, store extension cords and keep them away from children as they may get tangled up in the wires.

And you must never use ones that are cracked or frayed as they could spark and give you an electric shock.

5. Bathtubs

You wouldn’t think that bathtubs are dangerous, but it’s easy to slip when you’re bathing. To avoid this, lay down an anti-slip mat so that you can enter and exit safely.

Another issue is that young children, especially toddlers, can drown in baths so never leave a young child alone. It’s possible to drown in several inches of water so be mindful about how much you put in. And always test the water with your elbow to ensure it’s the optimal temperature for bathing.

This goes for swimming pools too. Make sure no one runs around the pool as it’s a slip risk, and never leave children alone especially if they’re not confident swimmers. As they’re learning, give your little one flotation devices to prevent any accidents.

6. Prescription Pills

Keep medication locked away so that children can’t access them. You should also inform teens about drug abuse and explain how you should never consume medication unless you’ve got a prescription.

Remember to discard any expired prescription medication and track how many pills you have, so you’ll know if any have gone missing. And you must never mix medications as it could lead to an overdose, so always read the labels or ask your physician how much to take.

7. Wood Stove

Wood stoves are a popular choice for heating homes, but they can be dangerous.

If you do use one, make sure it is properly ventilated so it doesn’t cause a house fire or lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. Plus, wood stoves increase the number of harmful pollutants so never use them around children or the elderly.

Gas-powered space heaters are also dangerous to have in your home. These release toxins and, again, put you at the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, so avoid using them.

8. Air Conditioners

AC units aren’t dangerous unless they leak. This can lead to refrigerant poisoning which can cause heart palpitations and even cut off oxygen to your lungs. To prevent this, buy a leak repair kit or hire an HVAC professional immediately to fix this for you. It’s better to hire ac repair Las Vegas professionals for these kinds of repairs as doing so by yourself can be dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing.

9. Lead-Based Paint

One of the main safety hazards of hazardous items is lead-based paint. Homes built in the ‘70s are covered in this and when it flakes, it lets off toxic particles that result in poisoning. This means you may experience abdominal pain and neurological changes which can be fatal.

But even if you have regular paint at home, keep it out of the reach of children.

The Top Household Hazards

Hopefully, after reading this article, you now know the top household hazards.

Make sure you’re mindful navigating stairs, know basic bathtub safety rules, and always store chemicals or cleaning supplies in a safe space. You should also lock your prescription pills and sharp objects so children can’t reach them. Good luck!

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