Our homes are safe havens, protecting us from the outside world. However, hidden dangers can turn our sanctuaries into potential hazard zones. From silent killers to structural threats, you must be aware of these risks to help keep your family safe. Below, we’ll outline 10 hidden dangers that may be lurking in your home and provide practical advice on how to identify and mitigate these risks.
Electrical Hazards: More Than Just a Shock
Whether it’s overwhelming a frayed extension cord with holiday lights or exposed outlets like the one taped to a conductive metal support in this flood-prone basement, electrical injuries pose a serious hazard. There are about 1,000 electrocution fatalities in the U.S. each year and over 30,000 nonfatal shock injuries. For adults, these mostly occur in the workplace, but for children, they almost always happen at home.
Outdated Wiring Risks
Older homes may have outdated wiring that doesn’t meet current safety standards and may not be able to handle the load necessitated by all the electrical devices we use throughout the day. Signs of outdated wiring include the following:
- Burning smell from outlets or appliances
- Flickering or dimming lights
- Frequent circuit breaker trips
- Warm or discolored outlet covers
Overloaded Circuits and Fire Hazards
Overloading electrical circuits is a common cause of house fires. You can do the following to prevent this:
- Avoid using multiple high-wattage appliances on the same circuit.
- Install GFCI (ground-fault circuit interrupter) outlets in areas prone to moisture.
- Replace frayed or damaged cords immediately.
- Use surge protectors for electronic devices.
If you’re unsure about your home’s electrical safety, consult a licensed electrician for a thorough inspection.
The Silent Killer: Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas that can be lethal if inhaled in high concentrations. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this silent killer claims more than 400 American lives annually and is responsible for around 100,000 emergency room visits and 14,000 hospitalizations.
Common Sources of Carbon Monoxide
The incomplete combustion of fossil fuels produces CO, so heating appliances are usually the culprit. Common household sources consist of:
- Fireplaces
- Furnaces
- Gas stoves
- Portable generators
- Water heaters
Notice the angle of the pipes in the water heater pictured above. CO wants to travel upward, but since the exhaust pipe is angled down, the gas is likely to back up in the pipes. Instead of venting safely through the chimney, it may escape back into the home through small cracks or gaps in the pipe fittings.
How To Protect Your Family
Do the following to safeguard your home against carbon monoxide poisoning:
- Install CO detectors on every level of your home.
- Ensure proper ventilation for fuel-burning appliances.
- Have your heating system and chimney inspected annually.
- Never use portable generators indoors or in enclosed spaces.
Structural Threats: When Your House Turns Against You
If the brackets and fasteners holding your deck together are as corroded as the one above, your backyard paradise is in danger of turning into a pile of tinder sticks. Water and weather can take a toll on metal fasteners and joist hangers, leading to corrosion and—worst-case scenario—failure. Two areas of particular concern are decks and chimneys.
Deck Collapses
Though there’s no national organization that regularly compiles statistics on this topic, one study we found reported 1,938 injuries and 33 fatalities from collapsing decks between 2000 and 2006.
You can do the following to help prevent such tragedies:
- Check for rot or insect damage in wooden components.
- Ensure proper attachment of the deck to the house.
- Inspect your deck regularly for signs of wear and damage.
- Replace corroded metal hardware with stainless steel or hot-dipped galvanized fasteners.
Chimney and Roof Dangers
Chimney safety is often overlooked, especially by this homeowner, who tacked on an addition while neglecting to compensate for the chimney height. Just one spark from the fireplace making its way up here could easily cause a house fire.
Neglected chimneys can also lead to flammable creosote and carbon monoxide buildup, as well as collapsing masonry. Here’s how to maintain chimney safety:
- Check for cracks or loose bricks in the chimney structure.
- Ensure the chimney is at least 2 feet higher than nearby structures, and 3 feet above the roof it passes through.
- Have your chimney cleaned and inspected annually.
- Install a chimney cap to prevent debris and animals from entering.
Gas Leaks: The Invisible Threat to a Home
Natural gas leaks can lead to fires, explosions, and carbon monoxide poisoning. Being able to detect and respond to gas leaks is crucial for home safety. Trying to seal leaky pipes with duct tape and a terry cloth towel, like this homeowner did, is not the way to go.
Detecting Natural Gas Leaks
If you suspect a gas leak, leave the area immediately and call your gas company or emergency services. Signs of a gas leak include the following:
- A rotten egg smell (due to added odorants)
- Bubbles in standing water
- Dead or dying vegetation near gas lines
- Hissing or whistling sounds near gas lines
Proper Ventilation for Gas Appliances
Ensure you properly vent all your gas appliances to prevent carbon monoxide buildup. This means:
- Angling exhaust pipes up, not down
- Checking vents for cracks and gaps
- Installing carbon monoxide detectors near gas appliances
- Keeping vents clear of debris and obstructions
Water and Electricity: A Deadly Combination for a Home
With the rise of phones and tablets, homeowners are unlikely to be tempted to install a TV in the bathtub any longer. However, even if you bathe without watching your favorite TV show, you should take extra precautions with electricity in areas of the home where water is present.
Bathroom Electrical Safety
You can do the following to enhance bathroom safety:
- Ensure all wiring conforms to your local building codes, including installing GFCI outlets.
- Keep electrical devices away from water sources.
- Make sure all electrical outlets are properly grounded.
- Never use electrical appliances while in the bathtub or shower.
Kitchen Appliance Precautions
Here are some precautions to take in the kitchen:
- Keep appliances away from the sink and other water sources.
- Never touch electrical appliances with wet hands.
- Regularly inspect appliance cords for damage.
- Unplug small appliances when not in use.
Home Fire Hazards: Beyond the Obvious
Even homeowners who are well aware of common fire hazards may make careless mistakes, like this pile of lint that’s been allowed to build up near the water heater’s pilot light. What follows are some other risks to watch out for.
Dryer Lint
According to the National Fire Prevention Association, of the approximately 15,970 home structure fires that happen every year, 92% involved clothes dryers. About a quarter of those started with the ignition of dust, fiber, or lint. You can do the following to prevent this from happening:
- Clean the lint filter after every use.
- Hang-dry items of clothing stained with flammable chemicals or substances.
- Have your dryer professionally serviced periodically.
- Regularly check and clean the dryer vent pipe.
- Replace accordion-style exterior vent ducts with rigid metal ducts.
- Replace cracked dryer vent pipes or patch them well with foil tape.
Flammable Materials Storage
Avid do-it-yourselfers (DIYers) often have a surprising number of flammable chemicals around the house, and improper storage of these materials can create fire hazards. Follow these guidelines if you have these items around your home:
- Dispose of oily rags properly in a metal container with a lid.
- Keep flammable materials in their original containers with tight-fitting lids.
- Never store propane tanks indoors.
- Store paints, solvents, and other flammable liquids in a cool, dry place away from heat sources.
Home Pest Infestations: More Than Just a Nuisance
While pests are often considered mere annoyances, some can create serious health hazards to homeowners. Bats, like those depicted above, actually pose only a small risk of rabies, but their droppings contain a fungal spore that can cause histoplasmosis if breathed in. Pests can enter through surprisingly small gaps and holes, so pest eradication methods always need to be combined with prevention measures to keep critters out for good.
Disease-Carrying Rodents
Rodents can spread diseases through their droppings, urine, and saliva. Do the following to help prevent infestations:
- Keep your home clean and free of crumbs.
- Seal entry points around your home’s exterior.
- Store food in airtight containers.
- Use traps or consult a professional pest control service if you suspect an infestation.
Dangerous Insects and Arachnids
Most insects and spiders are not actively harmful to humans and prefer to be left alone. However, you need to take some infestations seriously as soon as you spot them. Be aware of the following:
- Aggressive stinging insects (such as wasps and hornets)
- Destructive termites and carpenter ants
- Disease-carrying mosquitoes and ticks
- Venomous spiders (like black widows and brown recluses)
Pro tip: Water and food sources, as well as potential shelter, draw in nearly all types of pests. Regular pest inspections and maintaining a clean, clutter-free home can help prevent these unwanted guests.
Toxic Air in the Home: Breathe at Your Own Risk
We’ve already addressed some causes of indoor air pollution, but you may have additional pollutants lurking in the basement or storage area—like this moldy cabinet.
Mold and Its Health Impacts
While all of us have some mold spores in our homes, a buildup can lead to respiratory problems and a substantial worsening of allergy and asthma symptoms, especially for children. In severe cases, mold can even lead to anaphylactic shock. Do the following to combat mold:
- Clean and dry water-damaged areas within 24–48 hours.
- Control moisture levels in your home, especially in bathrooms, basements, and crawl spaces.
- Fix leaks promptly.
- Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens.
Pro tip: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) doesn’t differentiate between “black” and other types of mold—you should clean them all up promptly. If the moldy area is less than 9 square feet, you can take it on yourself as long as you wear respiratory protection. Larger areas should be left to mold abatement professionals.
VOCs in Paints and Household Products
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde and benzene, found in many paints and household products, can cause headaches and respiratory issues. Over a lifetime, they can potentially increase cancer risk. Do the following to reduce exposure:
- Choose low- or no-VOC paints and other materials for home improvement projects.
- Ensure proper ventilation when using products containing VOCs. If possible, leave these DIY projects for the spring and summer months when you can open windows.
- Only buy as much paint, solvent, adhesive, or caulk as you need for a particular job.
- Store paints and chemicals in well-sealed containers.
Chemical Dangers in the Home: Hidden in Plain Sight
Many common household products contain chemicals that can be harmful if misused or improperly stored. Storing paint cans without covers, as seen above, is particularly egregious.
Cleaning Product Hazards
Here’s how to safely use cleaning products:
- Never mix different cleaning products, particularly bleach and ammonia.
- Opt for the least harsh products that will get the job done.
- Read and follow label instructions carefully.
- Use them in well-ventilated areas.
- Wear protective gloves and eyewear when necessary.
Proper Storage of Household Chemicals
Store chemicals safely by:
- Disposing of unused or expired products properly
- Keeping them out of reach of children and pets
- Separating incompatible chemicals
- Storing them in their original containers with labels intact
Fall Risks: Accidents Waiting To Happen
Falls are a leading cause of injury in the home, especially for older adults and young children. According to the CDC, fall injuries by older adults are responsible for 3 million emergency room visits and 1 million hospital admissions per year. While you can never completely eliminate fall risks, no matter your age, you can pay attention to problem areas around the home.
Stairway Safety
Here’s how to reduce stairway risks:
- Ensure proper lighting on stairs.
- Install handrails on both sides of the staircase.
- Keep stairs free of clutter.
- Use nonslip treads on wooden stairs.
Preventing Slips in Bathrooms
Bathrooms can be particularly hazardous due to slippery surfaces. You can improve safety in your bathroom by:
- Ensuring adequate lighting
- Installing grab bars near the toilet and in the shower
- Using nonslip mats in and around the bathtub or shower
- Wiping up spills immediately
Our Conclusion
Our homes protect us, but they can harbor hidden dangers that threaten our safety and well-being. Being aware of these potential hazards and taking proactive steps to address them can significantly reduce the risks to ourselves and our loved ones. Regular home maintenance, proper use and storage of household products, and staying informed about potential dangers are key to creating a safer living environment.
