Dangers to Be Aware of at Home

Sometimes the human race can be very naive about the dangers in our immediate surroundings especially in our home since that is supposed to be the one place where we can feel safe from the rest of the world.

Now they are telling us that our pets, our plants and the everyday products we have come to use and trust could pose a health threat.

What do we do? Do we stop having pets and plants around our homes because of the threats they pose?

I would like to answer no to that question! We have lived long lives with these threats surroundings us, and we will continue to do so. But because we have live with them, doesn't mean we ignore their existence. That will not make the threat go away.

We just need to be aware of the dangers around our home, from the everyday items in our lives. The phrase, "ignorance is bliss," doesn't cut it when simple items can be a health risk.

It's more like, "knowledge is power," this way you become aware of the risk before you decide to bring it into your home. Then you can take the necessary precautions in protecting yourself and your family.

Just a few things to be aware of are...

Your Medicine Bottle

For years it was thought that the cotton in medicine bottles kept moisture from the pills. But in reality, the cotton is used as a packing solution to keep the pills from breaking while they are being shipped.

Once you open the bottle, remove the cotton, because it's this that can pick up germs and viruses from other users and spread them around.

Dog Diseases

Were you aware that your family dog could be making your family sick? Especially with sore throats. Dogs can transmit contagious diseases like streptococcal to humans. So if your family is constantly suffering from sore throats, have a vet check your dog, because when it is cured, your family will get better.

Dangerous Plants

Gardens and patios planted with lots of colorful flowers are beautiful, but some of the most beautiful plants can be poisonous to you and your pets. Here are just a few of the plants to be aware of.

Oleander, yew, daffodils, rhododendron, sweet pea, buttercups, Lilly of the valley and other types of lillies, and azaleas. The Azalea is my favorite and I'm just finding out that it is poisonous. Keep children and pets away from these plants.

Dangerous Reptiles

If you are your child wishes to have a lizard, or a turtle or even a snake for a pet, just be aware that these reptiles and most other reptiles can carry the Salmonella bacterium.

This bacteria is what causes Salmonellosis, a disease that could become fatal to children... if it's not treated in time. Also be aware that this disease is very hard to treat, even in the 10 day time frame of taking antibiotics.

Dangers Of Barbecuing

I've always known about this, and it seems very logical not to grill your food directly over charcoal briquette. Any cancer causing chemicals, toxins and charcoal dust is being transferred to your food.

Instead, put aluminum foil over the grill or wrap your food in it before you start cooking. You can also pre-cook any food that will take longer, the less time, the better.

Motor Oil Dangers

Mechanics aren't the only ones working on cars today. A lot of men and some women love doing the work themselves, and this includes changing the oil.

But it has been stated that motor oil may be carcinogenic, and you should not leave it on your skin for any length of time. Clean your hands and any other part of your body that has been exposed to it, including under your fingernails. Discard the old motor oil, the cans and any rags you don't intend to wash properly. Don't just toss everything in the trash, that's illegal.

Small Car Dangers

Okay, this doesn't mean you have to run out and get a new car, but from the claims filed by people who were injured in car accidents, small imported cars are listed as the most dangerous.

I would have thought any small car was dangerous. The next time you're in the market for a new car, you may want to consider purchasing a mid-sized car instead.

It's okay to have and use all these things in and around your home. Just educate yourself about the health risk that comes with owning them.

Dangers around our home happens to be a very common occurrence, but knowing what may be affecting your family's or your pet's health... could be the difference between life and death.