Home-related illnesses and injuries are not unavoidable.
They can reduce or eliminate with some changes, such as:
- Proper design of new construction
- Modification of existing structures
- Changes in housing-related behaviors
Successful prevention of these injuries relies on integrating healthy housing knowledge by architects, building inspectors, property owners, maintenance workers, and residents. Many simple modifications can improve the safety and health of individuals at home.
In addition, these interventions can also improve the accessibility, availability, and environmental friendliness of homes.
Let’s discuss this topic in detail.
Improves Air Quality
Eliminating or reducing emissions from indoor sources and improving ventilation are essential to decreasing indoor air pollution levels. Emissions control is typically the most effective method.
Some of the best examples of this method include:
- Eliminating smoking
- Adjusting gas stoves to minimize emissions
- Using paints and coatings that emit low levels of volatile organic compounds
- Using low-emitting building materials such as wood products that emit low levels of formaldehyde
- Using cleaning products that emit low levels of air pollutants.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention
Controlling carbon monoxide sources in the home is essential to preventing carbon monoxide exposure. For example, gas grills, generators, and other fuel-burning appliances should never be used inside the home. Switching from kerosene heaters or wood stoves may not always be feasible, but doing so may help reduce particulates and carbon monoxide in the house.
Additionally, the installation and maintenance of carbon monoxide detectors can reduce the risk of death and injury from exposure to carbon monoxide.
Reduce Harmful Chemicals
Integrated pest control (IPM) is a safer substitute for exclusive reliance on chemical pesticides. This method uses less toxic baits and insecticides, which reduces the reliance on chemical pesticides in spider removal.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, controlling household pests involves eliminating their habitat, using preventative measures, removing food sources, and using appropriate pesticides when necessary.
Improve Mental health
Home design can significantly promote mental health.
For example, building designs with window placement that allow adequate light and natural landscape views may improve psychological well-being.
Similarly, some home design elements, such as front porches, can enhance social cohesion and support among neighbors.
Create your special wellness zones.
Creating personal wellness pockets can improve our overall well-being and calmness. For example, you may set up a meditation area in your bedroom with a singing bowl, candles, and crystals. You may have a dedicated cabinet or drawer in your kitchen that holds your favorite teas, herbs, and superfoods.
Similarly, you may set up a personal space for online dance classes to improve your dancing skills.
Moreover, your living room can have a cozy cushion next to a small table with a plant on top and some essential oils you like.
The main purpose is to create wellness zones and visit them when one needs to maintain a sense of balance and grounding.
Improves Water Quality
Homes with private wells or those connected to small community water systems should be aware of the following:
- Build wells away from septic tanks and other wastewater systems
- Avoid disposing of hazardous materials in wastewater systems
- know when and how to test wells
So, proper maintenance and protection of private wells involve regular inspections and annual disinfection with bleach or hypochlorite granules.
