In the bathroom you have an assortment of chemicals, cleaners, and soaps. But did you know that there are many items and materials in the bathroom that are causing health problems and possible damage to your bathroom? Here’s a list of common bathroom hazards that you can probably find in your bathroom right now.
”Not all chemicals are bad. Without chemicals such as hydrogen and oxygen, for example, there would be no way to make water, a vital ingredient in beer.” - Dave Barry
The Usual Suspects
As a homeowner, it’s important to run a bathroom risk assessment every now and then. There are some materials that you know aren’t good for the health of you and your home. While somewhat obvious, what you might not know is that the American Red Cross and the EPA recommend using extreme caution when handling the following types of products.
- Paint thinners
- Bleach
- Home medications
- Gases
- Drain cleaners
- Bowl cleaners
- Deodorants
- Detergents
- Germicides
Hair
Unfortunately hair is a common issues for any shower or bath drain. Over a long enough timeline, it will clog the drain, the pipes, and your plumbing. So be sure to take care of this bathroom hazard before it gets to be an issue. If it’s too late, simply call in a plumber.
Bathtub Reglazing
If you’ve had your tub refinished don’t hop in the shower right away. The process creates methylene chloride, which should be extremely well ventilated before attempting to use. Otherwise the chemical compound can cause dizziness, fatigue, or worse, chemical burns. So make sure this bathroom hazard has time to air out.
Lead
Obviously more of an issue for older homes, be sure to check up on your water piping from time to time. Broken or corroded pipes might release lead into your water supply, which can lead to a variety of health issues for people. So if your piping system is older, be sure to have a plumber look at it. It could be one of the more preventable bathroom risks.
Air Fresheners
This is more of a health related issue than anything else. Some air fresheners do a bit more harm than good as they can contain volatile organic compounds (VOC’s), formaldehyde, and benzene. So use with care as these damaging bathroom materials might hurt your health.
Mold
Unfortunately any area of the home exposed to that much humidity will be susceptible to mold and mildew growth. And because mold can be damaging not just to your home, but also to your health, you’re going to want to get that taken care of. So having new safety measures in the bathroom will go a long way in preventing the spread of mold, such as:
- Frequent cleaning
- Proper ventilation
- Dehumidifiers
- Attic fans
- Simply keeping a window open
Mold is something that you do not want in your home, and needs to be removed ASAP. But did you know the cost for services changes based on where you live? For example, in Chaparral, NM the average cost for mold removal is slightly lower than in Cape Coral, FL. Want to get a more accurate estimate for free? Get in touch with a homeyou pro near you!
Soap Scum
This buildup is both unsightly and unsafe. While it’s just gross to look at, it also increases the chance that you could slip in the shower. Fortunately this bathroom hazard is easier to deal with than most because it’s just a scrub away from safety. So remember to clean your bathrooms regularly, or call in for help if need be.
Notice anything growing in your bathroom? Have that professionally removed. Get a free estimate today!
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