The sanctuary of the home is sometimes invaded by dangers from unexpected sources.

Toxic products, carbon monoxide and mold are all hazards that can suddenly bring harm to you and your family. Eliminating or at worst minimizing problems that might arise should be a goal for every household. Here's how to get started:

Products: According to The American Association of Poison Control Centers, a poison is anything that someone eats, breathes, gets in the eyes or on the skin, that can cause sickness or death. Poisonous products include medicines, vitamins, personal care products, cleaners and some types of plants. They must be stored in their original containers and labeled clearly.

Ensure that poisonous products are stored safely, well away from the reach of children and separate from food preparation and storage areas. But you should also know what to do in case of accidental exposure. Follow these steps immediately:

• Getting fresh air is the first step if a poison has been inhaled.
• When poisons come in contact with the skin, remove any clothing around the contact area and rinse the skin for several minutes.
• Call your local poison control center. You should have this number posted with other emergency numbers next to your phone.

• Unless the poison control center or health care professional advises, do not administer liquids, food or ipecac syrup, because doing so could damage the lungs or throat.
• When removing materials or chemicals from the eyes, flush them for 15 minutes with lukewarm water.

Carbon Monoxide: Unseen problems may be lurking as silent threats. Carbon monoxide is one of those threats. It cannot be heard, seen, smelled or tasted.

Furnaces, open fires, car engines and hot water heaters are all potential sources for harmful carbon monoxide. Accumulations can occur through faulty appliances, neglected maintenance and bad ventilation. The result from exposure to high levels can be headaches, nausea and death.

To be secure that this issue does not exist in your home, install carbon monoxide detectors to warn you of threats. The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends that you install the detectors near sleeping areas on every level of your home or in each bedroom. Keep in mind that carbon monoxide units do not replace the need for smoke detectors.

Mold: This hazard is more easily detected because it can be smelled or seen. Sore throats, nasal congestion, upper respiratory ailments and allergy symptoms can all be produced by indoor mold. With prolonged exposure, serious complications can develop.

Whatever the age of the home, mold can be a problem. Poor ventilation, leaks and plumbing failures can all contribute to producing mold, which can show up as dark stains in various shapes and textures. To eliminate mold, thoroughly dry the area, remove the stain with a non-ammonia cleaner and water, then disinfect everything.

Check your home for hazards often and make prevention and preparation for problems high priorities. Develop a fire escape plan, maintain an up to date fire extinguisher, know how to respond to weather emergencies and keep a well supplied first aid kit. The better prepared you are, the less likely you and your family will experience harm.

Miriam Kenovas edits the Home Front newsletter, produced at http://www.fcihome.com .

Disclaimer: The information on this website is presented for educational purposes only and it is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Nothing listed on this website should be considered as medical advice for dealing with a given problem. You should consult your health care professional for individual guidance for specific health problems.