Most people spend more than 50% of their time every day, inside their homes. Finding an interstate removalist and finding a professional cleaner forms the basis of healthy, affordable, accessible and safe home supports basic psychological and physical needs and protects the residents from injury and illness. As such, action must be taken to make sure housing conditions and homes are safe for the current and future generations.
The Connection between Health and Homes
There are several factors that influence safety and health in homes. These include safety and structural aspects of a home including design, construction and maintenance. There are also physical characteristics, water quality, air quality, resident behaviour, chemicals and the immediate neighbourhood surrounding the house.
The connection between illness and injury and housing features is clear. The safety and structural features of a home can increase blood lead levels, increase injury risks, and escalate other conditions. Poor quality of indoor air can contribute to cardiovascular diseases, asthma, cancers, and other medical complications.
Poor quality of water can contribute to gastrointestinal illnesses, among other complications such as cancer and neurological effects. Chemicals found within the home can lead to toxic effects and acute poisoning. All these are issues that are directly or indirectly influenced by the behaviour of the residents home’s physical environment.
How a Clean Home Promotes Healthy Families
Home-related injuries and illnesses are not inevitable. However, many housing injuries, illnesses and hazards derived from them can be eliminated or reduced through designing new construction properly, changes in behaviour related to housing, and modifications of current structures.
Success prevention and control of injuries and diseases that are housing related depends on how building inspectors, architects, maintenance and renovators, residents and property owners adopt healthy housing knowledge in their service delivery and daily activities. Many changes that are not complicated can promote safety and health across all families. Additionally, housing interventions can be applied to improve accessibility, environmental friendliness and availability of homes.
Reducing Allergens and Asthma through Home Cleaning
Indoor allergens like pet dander, dust mites, cockroach droppings and mold can lead to allergy and asthma symptoms, to majority of people who suffer from these conditions. Research has shown that there are more than six different allergens, found in 50% homes. Transported through the air, these allergens can be found on the floor, on furniture and other different surfaces within the house.
There are effective ways of home cleaning that can help reduce the presence of allergens. The cleaning process should be done by someone who has no reaction to these allergens. However, for people who suffer from allergens and they must clean their houses, it is advisable to use detergents or chemicals that have minimal chances of creating allergic reactions.
Allergen sufferers should make cleaning the home a regular routine. Some of the cleaning tasks that should be done frequently include reducing dust-collecting items, regular vacuuming of carpeted floors, frequent washing of bedding’s, maintaining counter surfaces clean, storing food in secure containers, and not leaving food scattered around.
Improving Air Quality through Home Cleaning
When home cleaning, the powerful chemicals used might leave behind a toxic effect on the lungs and skin. It is advisable to use pump products and avoid aerosols that can be easily inhaled. Room size cleaners can also be installed, especially in areas where the room items cannot be easily moved.
Two efficient and proven ways of reducing the levels of indoor air pollution are reducing or eliminating indoor sources of pollution and enhancing ventilation. The most effective way is through emission control. For example, this can be achieved through eliminating smoke, use of coats and paints that emit low amounts of volatile compounds, reducing the amount of emission created by gas stoves, using friendly building materials and use of cleaning products that emit minimal levels of pollutants.
Refrigerators and air conditioning systems should have an efficient ventilation rate to minimise the build-up of toxic gases at homes. Additionally, proper ventilation can be achieved through opening windows and doors, for a specific amount of time each day. Bathrooms and kitchens should have exhaust fans that promote air mixing and circulation, and reduces concentration of toxic gases.
Most residential air conditioning and heating systems are not effective in bringing the outdoor air inside. However, new building plans are coming pre-designed with mechanical features that allow natural ventilation to seep through.
Closing Thoughts
Healthy homes promote the well-being of an individual and families. It also reduces chances of hazards and illnesses and subsequently, the funds spent in health centres. It is therefore advisable to keep the home clean, free from any sources of pollution or hazards.