The bathroom is one of the most frequently used rooms in your home for occupants and guests. Because of this, it is important to keep the room free from as many health hazards as possible. Here are four of the most common health risks in your bathroom.
Plumbing Problems
The older the home, the more likely it is that there will be plumbing issues. Be sure to check your pipes frequently for leaks to avoid damaging your bathroom and causing mold. You should also be sure to check your shower temperature to make sure that the water heater setting isn’t going to cause burns. Finally, keep an eye out for clogged drains as this can lead to sitting water.
Slip and Fall
One of the biggest dangers of sitting water is slip and fall accidents—especially for seniors. Fortunately, many things can be done to prevent falls in the bathroom. One is to install handrails in the shower and next to the toilet. You should also have towels or rugs for your bathroom to help soak up excess water off the floor. There are also non-slip inserts that you can put into your shower or bathtub that will help to prevent falls.
Cleaning Products
The same chemicals that you use to clean your bathroom could also be causing adverse health effects for you and your family. Be sure to keep cleaning products out of reach of pets and children by installing childproofing locks on the cabinets. You need to check the ingredients that are in the cleaning products to avoid chemical reactions that can have deadly results, such as bleach mixing with ammonia to produce toxic chloramine gas.
Mold and Bacteria
The fourth of the common health risks in your bathroom are all of the germs, bacteria, and fungi. Germs and bacteria can grow on any surface, so it is important to regularly wipe your bathroom clean. The restroom is also a fertile breeding ground for mold and other fungi. If you are experiencing a mold infestation, there are many reasons not to DIY the cleanup.