Tips for fumigating your home safely

Tips for fumigating your home safely

Before fumigating your home, you should be aware of the dangers associated with fumigation-chemical exposure in the event that hazardous chemicals affect a family member. Dangers linked to fumigation chemicals can be both short-term and long-term. Short-term symptoms include vomiting, sweating, itchy skin, diarrhoea or difficulty breathing. Long-term effects may include the development of boils or open wounds on the skin.

One of the best ways to avoid all these side effects is to dress like a professional fumigator if you enter your home very soon after the required time for the home to be safe has expired. Goggles, boots, overalls, gloves and a covering for your nose and mouth are examples of protective clothing you should wear. Never enter the home before this time, as protective clothing may not be sufficient to protect you from chemical exposure.

Before fumigators come to your home, make sure you have prepared your belongings to withstand chemical exposure. Some ways of doing this include sealing any medication, food or dental items in plastic bags to prevent them from absorbing chemicals.

Make sure you open and expose any furniture under plastic covers or clothing in plastic containers, as sealed fabric will slow down how quickly the chemicals aerate from the home. Open up any closed cupboards, vaults or cabinets, as this will also help your home to aerate after fumigation has taken place.

After fumigation is complete and it is safe for you to return, ensure that you aerate your home as much as possible. Open all doors and windows and turn on fans and air conditioners.