Look for these hidden health hazards in older homes

Home ownership is a big part of the American dream, but it’s also the big American responsibility. Here are some hidden issues to look for in the home you are considering buying or that you’re already living in, courtesy of Associated Content:

1. Clogged dryer exhaust ducts. Regular vacuuming of the dryer’s exhaust will help prevent the lint from catching fire. Dryer lint can also accumulate and possibly ignite in the exhaust ducting under the floors or behind the walls. Use a DIY dryer duct cleaning kit remove lint those hard-to-reach ducts.

2. Dirty chimneys. If you want to avoid your chimney flue exploding in flames, clean it out at least once a year. If the creosote is allowed to build up, a single floating ember could cause an explosion.

3. Mice droppings. When cleaning up mice droppings, wear latex gloves and a HEPA face mask and wet down the flooring before cleaning to avoid Hantavirus. This deadly disease is breathed in while cleaning up after the rodents.

4. Water heaters. Lower the temperature of your water heater to 120 degrees to avoid accidental burns, especially of younger children, and lower energy costs.

5. Lead paint. If your home was built before the 1970s, check with your city's hazardous waste office first to learn the safe way to prep an old house for a new paint job to avoid environmental and health hazards.

6. Radon gas. One out of 15 homes in the United States has high levels of cancer-causing radioactive Radon gas, which originates from the uranium found naturally in the soil. Test for Radon with a DIY testing kit but call in a professional to fix any problems you find.

7. Bad DIY wiring. A home inspection by a certified inspector will catch a not-to-code wiring job and other unsafe DIY improvements in an older house.

8. Carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide – an odorless, colorless and flammable gas poisonous to humans and their pets – can build up from a faulty gas furnace or oven, a camp stove or even a chimney. Fixing the escape of CO gas into your home is a job for the professionals, but a home owner can install CO alarms throughout the home to protect its occupants.

9. Icicle buildup on the eaves. Melting icicles can drop from the eaves of a house and injure unfortunate souls who are standing around. Avoid injury from icicles by knocking them off with a shovel.

10. Squirrels. Attic dwelling squirrels love to nibble away at all the electrical insulation, which increases the risk of home fires. Check the roof and eaves periodically for signs of gnawing by critters, and then repair open areas with steel mesh after the squirrel has been trapped.