Guest Author - Donna Coogan

If you're like most people, your home is the largest investment you'll make in your lifetime. Our homes are the one place we invest a lot of time, effort and money to create a haven that we can safely enjoy. In order to make sure we are truly safe, it is important to be aware of dangerous, toxic and often invisible hazards that could be lurking in our home.

This article is a small overview of two offlink sites listed under the Home Safety subject area of the BellaOnline Home Improvment site that is worth reading. The information found at these sites could save your life or the life of a loved one in your home.

Carbon Monoxide Headquarters

http://www.coheadquarters.com/CO1.htm

Everyone knows that carbon monoxide is the silent, invisible gas that kills. But, even if it doesn’t kill, it can cause terrible and often irreparable harm to your nervous system if you are exposed to it. This site provides invaluable information for everyone. There are FAQs and links to lots of articles about carbon monoxide poisoning. There are also pictures of carbon monoxide alarms that you should have in your home.

The article titles may sound scary and this site may sound dramatic, but I really think it’s worth investigating. It’s important that you understand the signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning so you understand its potential harm and can take steps to protect yourself. This is especially important if you have a gas stove, furnace, and fireplace or live in a small townhouse attached to other units with these things.


Radon, Lead Paint, Ground Water, Formaldehyde

http://homeplans.hsh.com/articles/environment/hazards.asp

We can all be exposed to environmental hazards in our homes. It’s important to understand what these are and how to avoid them or what to do if you are exposed. The site defines each hazard, shares how to check for them, how to recognize them and what the government is doing about them. The site also provides a telephone list of State Radon Offices and important addresses to write for brochures and other information about each hazard.

Please don’t assume your home is safe – take steps to know for sure. The older your home is, the more likely you have at least one if not more of these dangers in your home.