People are spending more and more time in their homes, as such there is an increased risk for something to go wrong that is actually quite unexpected. While virtually everyone knows of the importance of fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, there are many other overlooked household dangers that aren’t given as much attention.

Let’s take a look at some of the most problematic household dangers that you might not be thinking about on a day to day basis. Overlooking these dangers could increase your risk of disease and even death! That is why this might be the most important article you read all day.

Overlooked Danger #1 Toxic Carpeting

Carpeting may be comfortable, especially on a cold winter morning, but carpeting is also a potential breeding ground for bacteria, mold and a warehouse storing a variety of allergens. Making matters even worse is the fact that carpeting can degas toxic chemicals for years.

The simple fact is that carpeting is a fixture in most homes. If you can’t remove your carpeting, then consider buying a rug cleaner and using it frequently. Soap and hot water will usually do the trick, so there is no need to buy a chemical rug cleaning solution. Carpet, since it is built into the house, tends to fade into the background like the walls themselves. But keeping your carpet as clean as possible and even replacing it every few years is a prudent move, especially if you have small children and/or pets!

Overlooked Danger #2 Air Quality

In general, indoor air quality gets overlooked by most people. The same people that will invest heavily in buying the very best food and exercise equipment and gym memberships will often completely, or almost completely, ignore indoor air quality. Recent medical studies have shown that there is a link between air pollution and diseases such as Alzheimer’s.

Air quality plays a role in health and while you can’t do much about outdoor air pollution, you can do a great deal about the indoor quality of your air. Investing in air purification systems such as those made by IQAir, which have been proven to trap airborne particles, bacteria and viruses is a prudent step.

Likewise, frequently changing your home’s HVAC filters, buying air cleaning plants, such as the durable and low maintenance snake plant, and opening windows when you burn food during cooking are all steps you can take to improve your indoor air quality. Additionally, purchasing an air quality monitor such as those made by Dylos, which measure the number of air particles in an area, is another good step. Inexpensive air quality monitors don’t reveal the specifics types of particles in the air but they will serve to give you a general idea of your indoor air quality. The importance of protecting your indoor air quality is difficult to overstate.

Overlooked Danger #3 Electromagnetic Fields

Just as indoor air quality is often overlooked, the same holds true for electromagnetic fields. This is definitely something most people never consider. But with the increased amount of gadgets and technology in our homes, the EM fields can actually get rather out of control.

Further, homes with old wiring or homes with poorly installed wiring (in which wires are coiled up within the walls), can produce dangerously high electromagnetic fields. Exposure to high powered electromagnetic fields can be dangerous to one’s health and may pose a potentially strong danger to young children.

The first step in addressing this problem is to buy an electromagnetic field detector. These detectors will tell you where you have the strongest electromagnetic fields. All homes have areas that have higher EM fields, such as the area immediately around your refrigerator for example, but the key is to know where those areas are and to check them. It is especially important to check areas where you spend a good deal of time, such as around your bed, home office, favorite chair or child’s bedroom. Like poor air quality, EM fields may be invisible. But powerful EM fields, especially with prolonged exposure, are not a good idea.

Overlooked Danger #4 Unlocked Cabinets

Unlocked cabinets can pose a significant danger for children and even animals. Kitchen cabinets can store everything from knives to medicine to cleaning products. Properly locking your kitchen cabinets so that children and pets are unable to enter is a smart move and one you are not likely to regret.

Overlooked Danger #5 Using Space Heaters Wisely

Space heaters are a popular way to heat areas not effectively reached by a heating system, but they can also be dangerous. Not only are space heaters a potential source of high EM fields, but they are also fire hazards.

One of the best ways to safeguard against a space heater related fire is to purchase a high-quality space heater. Dyson’s Cold+Hot Fan has many built in safety features that help make it a good space heater choice.

Overlooked Danger #6 Radon-Odorless, Tasteless and Potentially Deadly

As radon is tested at the time of a purchase of a home, this danger may be something you have considered. But what if you live in a rental unit or it has been decades since you bought your house? You should never assume that you don’t have radon. Until you perform an actual radon test, you simply can’t know whether or not you have a radon issue. Radon is colorless, odorless and over time it can damage lungs. If you do have a radon issue there are many ways that it can be addressed including a radon mitigation system which pulls radon out of your home and releases it outside.

The best way to avoid problems is to tackle them head on and in advance. Thinking about what you eat and drink and making sure that you get enough exercise are all great ways to protect your health, but the fact is that this is only the start. Living a healthy life and being healthy means protecting you and your family from threats seen and unseen. While this isn’t always easy it is, of course, worth the time.