Home Health & Safety Glossary

Essential terms every homeowner should know about fire safety, air quality, water testing, and environmental health. Get clear, actionable explanations backed by science.

Showing all 34 terms

Home Maintenance

Air Filter Replacement

Regular replacement of HVAC filters to maintain air quality and system efficiency - typically every 1-3 months

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Cleaning & Hygiene

Air Purification Systems

Devices that remove contaminants from indoor air using HEPA filters, activated carbon, and other technologies

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Indoor Air Quality

Air Quality Analysis

Professional testing service that measures indoor air contaminants and provides health-focused recommendations

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Safety & Security

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Silent killer gas from faulty appliances that causes over 400 deaths annually in the US

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Cleaning & Hygiene

HEPA Vacuum Cleaners

High-efficiency vacuums that capture 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns or larger, including allergens and fine dust

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Home Maintenance

HVAC System Maintenance

Regular maintenance of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems to ensure efficiency and healthy indoor air

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Fire Safety & Smoke Damage

Heavy Metals in Dust

Lead, arsenic, and cadmium contamination in household dust from wildfire smoke, often above health guidelines

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Indoor Air Quality

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

The overall healthiness of air inside your home, affected by pollutants, humidity, and ventilation

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Home Maintenance

Insulation R-Value

Measurement of insulation's resistance to heat flow - higher R-values provide better energy efficiency and comfort

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Pest Control & Prevention

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

Holistic, low-toxicity approach to pest control that emphasizes prevention and targeted treatments over chemical spraying

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Energy Efficiency

LED Lighting

Energy-efficient light bulbs that use 75% less energy and last 25 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs

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Surface & Environmental Testing

Lead Paint Testing

Professional testing to identify dangerous lead-based paint in homes built before 1978

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Water Quality & Safety

Lead in Water

Toxic heavy metal contamination in drinking water that causes developmental problems, especially in children

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Surface & Environmental Testing

Microplastics in Home

Tiny plastic particles smaller than 5mm found in household dust, air, and drinking water that can accumulate in the body

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Indoor Air Quality

Mold Spores

Fungal particles that grow in damp conditions and can cause respiratory problems and allergic reactions

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Pest Control & Prevention

Natural Pest Deterrents

Non-toxic methods to repel pests using essential oils, physical barriers, and environmental modifications

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Cleaning & Hygiene

Non-Toxic Cleaning Products

Chemical-free household cleaners that effectively clean without harmful fumes or residues that affect family health

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Fire Safety & Smoke Damage

PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons)

Cancer-causing compounds from wildfire smoke that persist on indoor surfaces for 40+ days

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Water Quality & Safety

PFAS Contamination

Forever chemicals in drinking water that don't break down naturally and accumulate in the body over time

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Fire Safety & Smoke Damage

Post-Fire Cleanup

EPA-guided cleaning process using HEPA vacuuming, wet wiping, and MERV-13 filters to remove wildfire contamination

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Safety & Security

Radon Mitigation

Systems that reduce dangerous radon gas levels in homes, typically lowering levels by 90-99%

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Indoor Air Quality

Radon Testing

Measurement of cancer-causing radioactive gas that seeps into homes from soil and rock

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Smart Home Technology

Smart Home Hubs

Central control devices that connect and manage all smart home devices through a single interface

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Safety & Security

Smart Home Security Systems

Integrated technology systems that monitor and protect your home with remote access and professional monitoring

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Smart Home Technology

Smart Smoke Detectors

Connected smoke and carbon monoxide detectors that send smartphone alerts and provide voice announcements

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Energy Efficiency

Smart Thermostats

Programmable temperature control devices that learn your schedule and can save 10-20% on heating and cooling costs

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Smart Home Technology

Smart Water Leak Detectors

Wi-Fi connected sensors that detect water leaks and send instant alerts to prevent costly water damage

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Energy Efficiency

Solar Panel Systems

Photovoltaic systems that convert sunlight into electricity, potentially eliminating electric bills for many homeowners

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Fire Safety & Smoke Damage

Soot Load

Fine black carbon particles smaller than 1 micron that penetrate deep into lungs and HVAC systems

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Surface & Environmental Testing

Surface Contamination

Toxic residues on household surfaces from smoke, chemicals, or environmental pollutants that require specialized testing

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Pest Control & Prevention

Termite Inspection

Professional assessment for wood-destroying insects that cause over $5 billion in property damage annually

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Fire Safety & Smoke Damage

VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds)

Toxic chemicals like benzene and acrolein from wildfire smoke that cause headaches, nausea, and respiratory issues

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Water Quality & Safety

Water Filtration Systems

Home water treatment technology that removes contaminants to provide clean, safe drinking water

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Water Quality & Safety

Water Quality Testing

Comprehensive laboratory analysis of drinking water to identify contaminants and ensure family safety

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