As parents, you know how important it is to ensure your child’s safety while they’re in and around your house. Keeping children safe is something parents already do with many of the obvious home safety steps, such as keeping the doors closed and locked and monitoring your teen’s cell phone use. However, there are many hidden dangers that you may not immediately realize can be a risk.
Keeping Children Safe in a World Filled with Hidden Dangers
The water your kids drink, the toys they enjoy, and the humidity in your home can all pose threats to your children. This guide will inform you about many common hidden dangers and the steps you can take for keeping children safe in your home.
Safety During Playtime
Many hidden dangers present themselves when your kids are playing or exploring throughout the house. Before buying any toys for your kids, read the labels and ensure they’re appropriate for your child’s age. Many toys have small parts that can detach and become choking hazards. Younger kids are often fascinated with putting toys and items in their mouths, so check the labels to ensure that there are some variations of the words “non-toxic” so you know it won’t hurt your baby.
It’s not uncommon for many children to want to build forts in the home and hide their items in the drawers of dressers. So, keeping your kids safe from falling furniture and appliances is essential. If you purchase new furniture, try to find items with solid and wide bases that won’t easily tip over. No matter what, it’s also a good precaution to anchor all furniture to the wall. Also, be cautious of flat-screen TVs that can easily tip. When possible, mount them to the wall. Wherever you put the TV, tuck the cords away so they don’t become tripping hazards.
In addition to keeping kids from strangers and wild animals, there are other hidden dangers that you need to watch for when your kids play outside. Beware the sandbox. It can be fun to build castles, but the sand can be a breeding ground for parasites. Prevent your young children from putting sand in their mouths.
Also, carefully select the playgrounds your kids visit. Avoid areas with metal slides that can burn your kids in the hot sun. Your kids should also be careful on the monkey bars. If they don’t know how to use them, they could fall. If they need help, hold them as they go across.
Hidden Toxins
Regardless of how new your home may be, if you aren’t careful with what you buy and how you manage your property, you could be inviting in more hidden dangers.
Getting a dehumidifier is one way to keep your kids safe and make your house more comfortable, especially if you live in the South or other places with high humidity. Throughout the day, the device removes that humidity so you can stay cool without setting your air conditioning too low. In addition to being uncomfortable, constant moisture can lead to mildew and mold growth behind walls and on furniture and carpets. Mold is dangerous because it produces allergens and irritants that are dangerous for everyone, especially for adults and kids with pre-existing breathing issues like asthma.
There are other chemical issues around the home that you may not see as a threat. However, they may contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These compounds are chemicals that are found in many household products. Over time, they can lead to throat irritation, headaches, and potentially even cancer. Types of VOCs include:
- Ethanol – This is found in many laundry detergents.
- Benzene – It’s often in household paint.
- Acetone – An ingredient in nail polish.
- Butanol – A toxin that often emits from burning candles and BBQ grills.
When you’re buying products, especially those that will be near your children, complete your research. Your best bet is to find alternative products that are water-based or advertise that they don’t contain VOCs. Keep your children out of laundry rooms and other areas where dangerous substances may be kept.
Hidden Dangers In The Bathroom
You must be aware of oral hazards in the bathroom. Be extra cautious with medicine cabinets. Many dangerous items and substances can cause harm, from razors to adult toothpaste that should not be swallowed.
Old Supplements
The bathroom may also be where you store your old supplements and vitamins. Certain supplements can be deadly past their expiration date or if they’re not taken as directed. They can also be a choking hazard. It’s best to check expiration dates and dispose of old vitamins, which you can do by researching a local pharmacy and learning if they host take-back programs for expired medication. You can also put the medication in a leak-free container and throw it in the trash. Don’t flush medicine or supplements down the toilet, as they can pollute the waterways.
Drinking from the Tap
Many people habitually drink tap water out of the bathroom or kitchen faucet. However, caution is necessary. The water may look pure, but drinking from the tap can present many hidden dangers and toxins, such as lead, copper, and bacteria, including E. coli and salmonella. Before anyone in your family drinks out of the sink, have your tap water tested by a licensed professional. Continue to do so every year. The tech can also check if you have hard or soft water. Hard water can be a breeding ground for bacteria, so it may be time for a change.
While your home is generally a safe place, there’s a lot to look out for when it comes to the well-being of yourself and your children. Always read labels and do some research before a purchase. That way, you’ll have confidence that you’re doing your best to protect your family.
About the Writer: Miles is an independent writer with a background in business and passion for tech, psychology, news, and simply helping people live happy and fulfilled lives. He has lived and traveled all over the United States and continues to expand his awareness and experiences. When he is not writing, he is most likely mountain biking or kicking back with a cup of tea.
