Lead Contaminated Toys Pose Risk To Children

Chew (Photo credit: quinn.anya)

There are so may things in this world that can be detrimental to our health that it seems like we should always be on the look out for risks, but sometimes they come in the unexpected places. For example, recently there have been a spate of recalls of children's toys due to dangerous levels of lead paint despite its use being discontinued in the US for many years. Unfortunately, because we live in a global market, often our goods are produced in other countries and that means that they may not meet the standards we hold in regards to safety.

If toys contain lead or lead paint then they can be dangerous as they expose children to lead. Young children have a habit of putting toys in their mouth and so they risk small amounts of lead getting into their body and if the object contains to much lead then this can be bad. Most children do have a small level of lead in their blood and are naturally exposed to lead on a daily basis. However, even low levels of additional lead can be dangerous especially to very young children.

According to official sources, the worst culprit when it comes to lead poisoning is lead based paint in older buildings because when it chips or peels it can send up dangerous lead dust. Lead can also contaminate soil and drinking water. Additionally, glazed pottery and jewlery may be treated with lead based glaze. However, perhaps the most concerning is the toys with lead based paint. If you suspect that your child has been exposed to such toys then the first step is to take the toy away from your child. If you are concerned about exposure then get your child checked out by a doctor. Children with low levels of lead may exhibit no apparent symptoms, but when the levels are above 40 micrograms/dL the symptoms include abdominal cramps, constipation, lethargy and in the worst cases seizures.

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Minimizing The Health Risks of Water Damage

Česky: Pitná voda - kohoutek Español: Agua potable (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

If you have experienced flooding in your property then you may already know that aside from the physical water damage, you will also need to pay heed to the potential health risks that it brings with it. There are a number of ways that you can minimize not only the extent of the damage, but also the hazard to your health.

When flooding is brought about by natural causes such as heavy rain or an overflowing river, then there will be a very high likelihood that the flood water is contaminated from mixing with water from sewage and drainage systems. This type of water is known as 'grey' water and is rife with bacteria and micro-organisms. That means it is very important to ensure that all harmful bacteria is killed and that the area is treated to ensure that the germs do not spread following the flood. Stagnant water it is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and will also attract insects like fleas and ticks all of which can spread disease, so it is essential that the problem is handled appropriately.

If the flooding is down to burst pipes or water supply problems, then it is not to say that contamination won't occur. In my experience, it is always best to assume that the flood water is contaminated which is why I would never attempt to clean up flooding on my own. I always call in a professional who is equipped to deal with the potential problems.

Some precautions you can take are to not drink anything other than bottled water until local authorities give the all clear and to ensure your water supply has been decontaminated. Never underestimate the health risks that come hand in hand with flooding.

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No Tears For Katy

My niece is heavily into body piercing, and she came home and told my brother that she is now intending to get a new body modification called a 'dermal teardrop'. My brother wasn't really sure what this was and asked me to tell him if it was actually safe or not since he knows I have done a fair amount of research into piercings and what not. However, I wasn't too sure about this one so I had to do a little research!

I already new that dermal anchors were a method of surface piercing where the anchor is surgically placed under the skin and the jewelry screwed onto a protrusion so I figured it must be something like that. On further investigation I discovered that a dermal teardrop was exactly that, but located just below the eye so it looks like you are crying a diamond! It sounds pretty right? However, there are of course ugly side effects!

Any time you mess with the eye region, it makes me nervous. The eye is very delicate, and it actually does not take very much to make you blind! In the case of the dermal teardrop the biggest risk – like with most body modification – is actually infection. However, this type of body modification is prone to 'inward traveling infections'. In most situations, if a piercing becomes infected it begins on the skin surrounding the wound. The body is programmed to produce a duct to push the infection out through the pores. However, with a dermal teardrop the infection tends to grow in reverse which can often lead to the infected duct bursting below the skin and allowing the infection to reach the bloodstream. This means the infection can quickly spread throughout the body very quickly and is often fatal.

Some more minor risks with this dermal teardrop include heavy bruising. Any body modification usually results in some bruising, but around the eyesocket is delicate and often the dermal teardrop procedure results in dark bruising lasting around 2 weeks. Not a good look for a teenage girl! Then of course we have implant rejection risks. If the body decides to reject the implant (after all any piercing is a foreign object) then the area can become irritated and the skin will peel away until the implant comes to the surface. Again, not a good look – I hear zombie chic is so last season!

So after relaying this to my brother who in turn told my niece.. Katy is no longer indulging in a dermal teardrop. Not only because her father forbid her, but because she actually wasn't aware of the risks and decided against it herself. There is a lesson there. If you want a body modification, do your homework!

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Smoke Damage Leaves More Than Odor

Smoke odor is often trapped following a fire and lingers on your clothing and textiles. However, it is not only smoke odor which is a concern following a fire in your home. Smoke inhalation is a very common health matter for victims of any fire, along with the firefighters who save them. Smoke inhalation is the primary cause of death in victims of indoor fires and can cause devastating injury and death.

Smoke inhalation is actually a situation in which you inhale hazardous smoke. The ailment is usually clinically diagnosed by bronchoscopy, blood testing, chest x-ray, blood gases, or pulmonary functionality assessments. Smoke inhalation could potentially cause irregular chest sounds along with a reduced pulse rate. Smoke inhalation is a major determinant in the mortality of fire victims. Smoke inhalation is a serious, life-threatening injury, and treatment should be given as soon as possible. Smoke inhalation is best avoided by preventing structural fires. Smoke inhalation is responsible for a large number of the deaths caused by structural fires each year. Smoke inhalation is more commonly associated with fire deaths than burns. Smoke inhalation may result in such substantial irritation that the air passage is occluded by swelling in the pharynx.

Smoke damage not only causes an unpleasant odor, it can also ruin photos, artwork, and electronics. Smoke damage is classified by the type of smoke that caused the damage. Smoke damage is not something a homeowner ever plans on dealing with. Smoke damage can be devastating to business owners, book collectors, or anyone with important personal books or documents.

Smoke damage can wreak havoc in your home. Smoke damage may be an extremely distressing issue to experience if it becomes bad enough. Smoke damage will also create soot damage.

Smoke damage is a covered peril in most homeowners policies. Smoke damage is not only unsightly but also hazardous to one’s health. Smoke damage is among the most significant complications with regards to an expert restoration job.

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Improvements That Increase Safety In Your Home

(Photo credit: Rick Scully)

Any homeowner will tell you that owning and maintaining a home is both expansive and time consuming. On average, homeowners spend between 1 and 3 percent of their home's value on repairs and improvement. There are many ways to reduce costs and make your home more valuable thanks to home improvement: go over these tips before you start planning your next home improvement project.
Make sure to verify with your contractor's insurance company to make sure that they are actually insured. Unscrupulous contractors may try to hoodwink consumers by presenting an expired insurance card when asked for proof of insurance.

The first thing to consider is safety. If you live in an older property it is advisable to have the building assessed by professionals for both asbestos and lead based paints. Often these substances are found in older buildings and while they are fairly safe when left as they are, if they are disturbed during remodeling work they can get dangerous for everyone in the building.

When renovating, a smart homewoner will spend his money on good quality materials and fixtures instead of expensive decor and furniture. There's a simple reason for this--decorative items and furniture get moved out along with the homeowner when the house gets sold. You want to add value to your home, and by buying durable products that remain there, you do that.

Stained wood is more aesthetically pleasing than painted whenever you're replacing baseboards. The classic look of finished wood complements virtually any home decor style. Stained backboards also serve the benefit of defending against stains and marks, which can increase its longevity. There are many colors of stain to match your decor.

Things like painting or adding a deck to your home can improve your home's quality by a lot. Decks could give you a great place to entertain your guests and you could use it in a hot summer day to relax.
Check the credentials of any professional you employ for any home improvement projects. You must be sure that they have the qualifications to do the job correctly and that the job will be completed using the highest possible standards. The easiest way to verify a contractor's bona fides is by checking his credentials with the relevant licensing authority.

Making sure that your gutters are clean is a great way to improve your home. When your gutters are clogged with debris, the water is trapped and can cause leaks. This may end up causing the wood to rot. It is important to maintain clean gutters at all times!

Adding an extra bathroom can really increase the value of your home. It is easy to understand that an additional bathroom is handy, particularly when each bathroom is on a different floor of the home. It is very likely that multiple household members will need access to the bathroom simultaneously. You must ensure the bathroom is properly installed to avoid leaks which can lead to water damage and mold.

Always keep safety at the front of your mind. While it may seem silly to wear a hardhat in your own home, if a chunk of drywall were to fall, you would at least be protected. Having hardhats, goggles, and breathing apparatus can help to keep you healthy while you take care of your home.

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The Threat Posed By Sewage Spills

English: Protective Clothing. Workers in protective clothing to guard against contamination from hazardous waste. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Just hearing the word 'sewage' conjures up vivid images of disgusting, sludgy matter. We all know exactly what it is and where it comes from, so it is horrifying when a burst sewage main means that you are faced with a sewage spill inside of your home. It's not just the fact that it is human excrement, it is also the smell and yet so many are still careless when it comes to cleaning it up. The fact is, sewage can pose a major health risk to us. It contains a multitude of pathogens and allergens which can transmit a variety of diseases.

Sewage is actually considered to be a bio-hazard and it must be handled very carefully. A sewage spill is not something you would attempt on your own. It requires protective clothing and specialist disposal procedures. Exposure to sewage can result in chronic respiratory illnesses and many other viral, fungal, bacterial and parasitic health conditions. Contact with raw sewage or sewage contaminated waters can cause infections on the skin and ingestion of these materials can result in serious stomach illnesses. The many bacteria and viruses which live in raw sewage are also able to enter the blood stream via the smallest break in the skin which includes any cuts or grazes. These illnesses can be severe and in many cases fatal. This is why it is important not to take any risks where sewage is involved.

I will admit to being overly cautious about my health. Whenever I have experienced flooding, which used to be fairly regularly when we lived in Georgia, I would always assume that the water was potentially contaminated with sewage. I would rather call in the professionals who have the equipment and protective clothing than risk contracting one of the many diseases that sewage contamination is linked to.

Let's Talk About Mold

Mold is found everywhere, indoors and outdoors, but is normally found indoors at levels that do not affect most healthy individuals. Mold is usually found where humidity and moisture levels are high, such as basements, kitchens and bathrooms. Mold can develop when the combination of the right temperature, mold spores, moisture and a food source are present. Mold was able to grow because it has a moisture source.

Mold is constructed from mold material surrounding temporary part material which defines the mold cavity. Mold is naturally occurring and can develop on virtually any material if the conditions which foster mold development are present. Mold spores can survive harsh environmental conditions, such as dry conditions, that do not support normal mold growth. Mold can begin to grow in as little as 48 hours in conditions of elevated temperature and relative humidity. Mold spores are in the air at all times but are dormant unless activated by elevated temperature and humidity.

Mold spores are constantly moving through the air - both indoor and outdoor. Mold spores are very tiny and lightweight, and this allows them to travel through the air. Mold is a common problem in many homes, and even conscientious homeowners can sometimes run into a mold problem. Mold has certainly made its way into people's homes as well as the headlines recently. Mold is extremely common in homes and buildings and will grow anywhere there is moisture.

Mold will not grow if moisture is absent. Mold spores will not grow if moisture is not present. Mold may begin growing indoors when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet. Mold is caused when microscopic, airborne spores land on moist surfaces and spread rapidly. Mold is an infestation caused on surfaces exposed to water.

Mold is almost everywhere, but it is not health to live where mold is growing. Mold can damage your home, possessions and health. Mold can be especially serious, since it can cause structural damage to your home, as well as health problems. Mold is dangerous and it can cause many health problems than carbon monoxide, termites, radon or asbestos. Mold may not cause health effects, or it may lead to symptoms in people who are sensitive to molds.

Mold can have harmful effects on human health. Mold may be present in a building and result in health effects without being visible. Mold is being dubbed “the new asbestos” in the building industry. Mold is the second leading cause of outdoor airborne allergies, with pollen being the first. Mold that grew in conjunction with moisture damage was the leading cause of occupational rhinitis.

Mold can also cause structural damage to your home by weakening the wood frame. Mold can grow on wood, ceiling tiles, wallpaper, paints, carpet, sheet rock, and insulation.