You can recognize visible hazards around the home, such as sharp edges, fire, and cord damage, without using any test kit. 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 invisible hazards.
In this article, I’ll show you the nine best home security test kits you can use to detect unseen security hazards in your home.
Nine test kits for home security
radon gas
Radon gas is an odorless, tasteless, and 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 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 air, water, soil, and in common products such as paint, pipes, ceramics, 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 diseases caused by bacteria in humans. They grow in the kitchen sink, toothbrush, TV remote, laundry, bathroom, doorknobs, handles, trash can, and pet food dish.
Water
The US EPA sets a quality standard for tap water. However, tap water contamination can still occur due to various reasons such as the release of sewage 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, hardboard products, glues, adhesives, and coatings on paper products.
Air quality
A poor ventilation system, the use of dangerous chemicals, an airtight building, or an air conditioning problem 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.