Dangerous health hazards within a home

While most people are very comfortable in their homes, these often quiet, safe retreats can actually pose a number of serious health threats.

From dangerous chemicals to hazardous building supplies, it pays to be thorough and vigilant when it comes to a home. This is because these problems - and many more - could pop up anywhere, and all it takes is a little neglect or a new improvement project to unearth some scary situations.

That is why a home inspection is so important. A licensed professional can come into a house and take a look around. With a detailed report, homeowners will understand every possible danger and what they can do about them.

Common safety concerns in a house

Unfortunately for many homeowners, several safety problems are quite common around a house. If these are left unchecked, they could result in serious health issues for the residents. A property inspection could be the perfect solution to any lingering health questions.

According to Realtor Magazine, one concern that often appears is radon gas. This is both colorless and odorless, so it can be a little difficult to detect. The most frequent way radon gets into a house is through the basement, seeping up from the ground. The best way to learn if this problem is present is with a radon test. High levels over a long period of time could even lead to lung cancer.

Another problem encountered by homeowners is asbestos, the news source noted. This is a fibrous material that was once favored in building supplies as an insulator. However, it has been banned, but asbestos could still appear in older homes. Therefore, a home remodel could knock some of it loose and into the air, creating a serious health concern.

In addition, the house's water supply may be contaminated, Realtor Magazine explained. This might happen if hazardous chemicals are illegally disposed nearby, and then travel through the soil and into the water supply. Even a bad septic tank could lead to water contamination. Any homes in high-risk areas, such as near factories, may want to test the water. 

One of the best ways for homeowners to feel secure is with a home inspection. A thorough search and multiple tests can put the residents' minds at ease.

Be wary of mold

While all of those problems could sneak up on homeowners, it is also smart to keep up with regular maintenance to prevent mold. This problem can lead to itchy eyes, allergic reactions and even lung damage, according to The New York Times. 

Mold is often found near areas of high moisture, like walls, ceilings, carpets and fabrics. However, it could also grow in ductwork and other heating, ventilation and air conditioning components. Therefore, the winter could be a peak time for mold problems, because cranking up the heat could spread spores throughout the house.

Parts of a house that collect a lot of dust can be particularly vulnerable, the news source noted. This could include the air-conditioning coil and its fiberglass lining, for example. It is worth inspecting for actively-growing mold in these areas, because spores from other parts of the house could get caught up in these components. So, live mold means the HVAC unit has a problem, while other traces mean there is growth in another location.

If there is mold, homeowners should have the area cleaned thoroughly, The New York Times reported. It pays to catch this problem early, as well. Serious levels of mold inside the walls might require a drastic repair bill, and a total renovation. 

A property inspection professional can both test the air for this problem and perform a visual check. Either way, a report will be able to clarify any concerns homeowners may have about overall safety.