Keep hazards out of your home

A home should be clean, safe and secure - not a place that puts family members at risk of infection or exposure to harmful substances. However, says Dr Piet Botha, chairman of the Nationlink estate agency group, the truth is that many families today are facing more danger than they think, even when their homes are well-secured against crime.

"The trouble is," he says, "a lack of awareness about how easy it is for people to transfer workplace hazards to their homes, and about what precautions are needed to keep them at bay."

Fatal and non-fatal cases of pesticide poisoning are regularly reported and homeowners do need to know that, used incorrectly, these substances can cause a variety of health problems, especially in children. "Of course those working in gardening, landscaping and agriculture need to be especially cautious about transferring pesticide residue on clothing that is worn during the working day.

"But pesticides are not the only harmful substances that can poison your home. Lead and other metals, biological agents and industrial chemicals have also been linked to home poisoning cases." "So whenever possible, exposed clothing should be left at work and not worn in the care or taken home. For this reason, most companies where dangerous substances are used provide lockers and change facilities."

The same applies to exposed tools and equipment and the cardinal rule here is to ensure that hands and any other exposed areas are thoroughly washed before returning home, says Botha.

He also emphasises that, as frightening as all these potential exposures may seem, they can be eliminated. "With safe practices family members can be permanently safeguarded from workplace hazards and your home can be the haven it is supposed to be".