7 Home Hazards You Should Never Ignore

Mold

While you might just think of mold as that black stuff that shows up in your shower when you don’t turn the fan on—and that goes away with bleach—mold exposure is truly dangerous. According to Sabrina Solt, NMD, it is one of the biggest hazards in your home. “Mold isn’t just gross—it’s a serious health disruptor. Long-term exposure has been linked to brain fog, fatigue, respiratory issues, and gut dysbiosis.”

So, how can you tell if your home has mold? “Mold loves moisture, darkness, and poor ventilation,” says Solt. “Common hiding spots include under sinks, behind drywall after leaks, inside HVAC systems, around window frames, in basements, and under carpets. Even your washing machine seal can harbor mold if not cleaned regularly.”

Keep in mind that once you’ve identified the source, it will likely require professional remediation. 

Note that if you’re a renter, it’s likely your landlord is required to cover any costs involved in mold removal, according to Brooke Soliz Bremmer, ESQ, habitability attorney with Sweet James.

Infestations

While seeing an occasional bug is unpleasant, chronic infestations can be deleterious to your health. “Rats, mice, cockroaches, and bedbugs don’t just make life uncomfortable—they carry disease and trigger asthma and allergies,” warns Bremmer.

So, if these unwelcome guests keep coming back (even if you set out traps), it’s crucial to call in an exterminator.

Broken Windows

Was there a recent hailstorm, or did your neighbor’s kid crack your window during backyard baseball practice? While this is certainly inconvenient, you need to replace that broken window as soon as possible. “Broken windows or unsecured entry points are security risks, but can allow in moisture, pests, or prevent proper ventilation,” notes the attorney.

Lead Paint

Did you recently move into an older home filled with charm? It could also be filled with a major health hazard: lead from old paint. “Lead-based paint is common in buildings built before 1978. Lead dust from chipping paint is toxic, especially for children, causing developmental delays and neurological damage,” Bremmer explains.

While you might not think much of this because the home has likely been painted many times since lead paint was banned in 1978, layers of paint can crack or chip,  exposing you and your family to lead dust. 

So, if your paint is looking a little old, think of this as the perfect excuse to give your home a fresh coat.

Asbestos

The presence of asbestos itself isn’t dangerous, but Bremmer tells me, when disturbed by leaks, repairs, or renovations, the fibers can become airborne and cause long-term lung damage or even cancer. “This material is often found in popcorn ceilings or insulation in buildings pre-1980.”

So, keep this in mind whether you are doing something minor like installing a ceiling fan or something major like a gut renovation of your kitchen. If your home has asbestos, you cannot do these DIYs yourself, and you will need to call in pros for asbestos remediation.

Are you a renter? Your landlord is required to inform you, per EPA and OSHA guidelines, if there is asbestos behind your walls.

Old Carpet

Old carpet is unattractive, but you might not realize it can also be quite dangerous. Bremmer suggests replacing it if you have health issues. “Old carpet with a dust mite or allergen buildup can trigger asthma, eczema, or allergy flare-ups. This is especially common in long-term rentals where carpets aren’t replaced.”

If that isn’t in your budget, having a professional deep-clean your carpets can help until you are able to replace them.

Ungrounded Electrical Outlets

You might not give a second thought to what type of outlets you have, but ungrounded outlets can be very problematic, reveals Bremmer. “Especially in older buildings, these outlets can cause electrical shock or appliance damage. Not having grounded outlets near water (bathroom/kitchen) is also a major oversight.”

So, how do you know if an outlet is grounded? It’s easy—grounded outlets have Test and Reset buttons. If those are missing, the outlet isn’t grounded.