Atlanta: Can the Health of Your Home Affect Your Family's Health? Part 2

Continued from Part 1

The bathroom is one of the dirtiest places in the home. For people in Atlanta and everywhere else it is important to clean the toilets regularly and to clean all the surfaces regularly also. It is also important to replace toothbrushes at least every 3 months. Not only are toothbrushes vulnerable to collecting E.Coli germs, they are also vulnerable to picking up germs from where they are placed and how well they are cleaned after use. Oftentimes, toothbrushes are touching each other, because after use they are placed in a cup where they touch other tooth brushes. Another risk for bacterial contamination comes from when the toothbrushes are not cleaned properly after use. All remnants of toothpaste should be rinsed out of the toothbrushes to reduce the chance of bacterial infection.

Lead poisoning - Small children living in old Atlanta homes are most likely to suffer from lead poisoning. Many older homes were painted in lead based paint. Many children's toys have been recalled due to lead poisoning and other reasons. Lead is a natural element that is sometimes found in soil. If you live in an older home, or your baby's crib was handed down from baby to baby, there is a possibility your painted walls and baby furniture contains lead. It is important to clean all of the surfaces, including toys, regularly that your children may come in contact with.

Conclusion

Because there have been so much bad press about recalls of items manufactured in other countries, it may be best to avoid buying from those manufacturers. This includes vinyl lunch boxes, vinyl mini blinds and other items manufactured in other countries such as Mexico and some Asian countries.

Try to keep your home and all of its contents and surfaces clean. Teach your children how to brush their teeth and also how to care for their toothbrushes after brushing. Most pediatricians and family doctors will do blood tests which include screening for lead. If the levels are elevated, the doctor should talk to you about finding the possible sources of lead exposure.

If you live in the Atlanta area and are concerned about the level of lead in your older home, you can get your home inspected by specialized home lead inspectors.

Sources:

http://drbenkim.com/articles/lead-poisoning-signs-prevent.htm

http://medicmagic.net/dont-place-your-toothbrush-near-the-toilet.html

http://www.findmeaninspector.com/?D=25