You can recognize visible hazards in the home, such as sharp edges, fires, and cord damage, without using any test kits. However, you will not be able to recognize invisible hazards like carbon monoxide gas, radon gas, and lead without using the test kit.
You need test kits to detect the presence of unseen hazards.
In this article, I’ll show you the top nine home safety test kits you can use to detect invisible safety hazards around the home.
Nine Test Kits for Home Safety
radon gas
Radon gas is an odorless, tasteless, colorless gas that can cause lung cancer. According to estimates by the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), radon is responsible for 20,000 lung cancer deaths in the US each year. This gas can be found in common materials such as leather, paper, most paints, and building materials.
Mold
Mold grows by means of tiny spores. Tiny spores are spread through the air and cannot be seen by the naked eye. Mold can produce irritants, allergens and, in some cases, toxic substances.
carbon monoxide gas
Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that is odorless, tasteless, and colorless. When you breathe carbon monoxide gas, it will replace the oxygen in your blood and harm your safety. The carbon monoxide test kit will alert you when it detects carbon monoxide gas in the air.
Lead
Lead can be found in the air, water, soil, and in common products like paint, pipes, pottery, and batteries. It is toxic and can cause health problems such as growth retardation, hearing problems, hyperactivity, and premature labor.
bacteria
Escherichia coli and salmonella are the two most common disease-causing bacteria in humans. They grow in the kitchen sink, toothbrush, TV remote, dirty clothes, bathroom, doorknobs, handles, garbage can, and pet food bowl.
Water
The US EPA sets a quality standard for tap water. However, tap water contamination can still occur due to various reasons, such as sewage release and malfunctioning septic systems. You can use a water test kit to measure the quality of your tap water.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is classified as a human carcinogen. This dangerous chemical can be found in cigarette products, pressed wood products, glues, adhesives, and coatings on paper products.
Air quality
A poor ventilation system, the use of dangerous chemicals, an airtight building, or a problem with the air conditioning can cause indoor air pollution. The Air Quality Test Kit helps you monitor the air quality in your home.
allergen
According to about.com, an allergen is a substance that causes an allergic reaction. Some common examples of allergens are pollen, cat dander, and dust mites.