Realtors® Mary & Bill Watkins  ~  Jackson Mississippi Real Estate

There are harmful gases that we can't see that can cause us harm each and every day that many homeowners don't think about.  We would like to point out some dangers around the house and how to keep safe.

The natural invisible gas radon can seep up from the ground into our homes.  This is a natural gas in the environment that can pose a health risk for many.  Many people don't know this, but exposure to radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the nation.

Homeowners can check for problems in their area by visiting the Environmental Protection Agency website and viewing the state by state Radon Zone Maps.  If it is determined that your home is in an area that has high potential for radon gas, you should then purchase a radon test kit.  The radon test kits will measure the level of radon gas in your home for accuracy.  If there is a problem, have it corrected immediately.  The Environmental Protection Agency can give you advice on what to do to help you correct the problem of radon gas.

Carbon monoxide is another harmful and deadly gas.  It is also odorless and colorless, making it hard to detect.  Carbon monoxide is generated from combining things of combustion such as propane and natural gas, diesel and gasoline, wood fireplaces and gas inserts, fires and other forms of combustion.

Because carbon monoxide is odorless and invisible, it is extremely harmful.  Every homeowner should have a CO detector in the home.  This is the only way of knowing if you are being exposed to carbon monoxide before it's too late.  Purchasing a plug-in or battery powered CO detector will do.  There are also units that contain both smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors together. 

When installing a CO detector, be sure to install one on each level of the home and make sure it is near at least one bedroom.  Write the date on the back of the alarm so you will know the date you purchased it.  You will need to replace the detector every 10 years.  Until then, replace the batteries every six months and clean the detectors regularly by gently vacuuming or blowing them with canned air.  CO detectors can be placed anywhere in the room since carbon monoxide doesn't rise like smoke.  So feel free to plug it directly into the wall.

We hope this advice keeps all homeowners safe for many years to come from these harmful gases.

Find more homeowner advice here.