Results: Dangerous Situations--16
This group of hazards are found in or around the home. I hope you don't have any of these. I decided not to cut the length of this survey because some of you have found these interesting and helpful., and my conscience wouldn't let me shorten this one. What if something dangerous were to happen to one of you this week and I could have prevented it by including 6 rather than 3 situations? Those of you who find the surveys too long could just skip them. It's only 5 points! I may cut the length of future surveys, if I quit finding so many compelling dangerous situations.
1.
1.
Phthalate and VOC off-gassing from unvented 3D printers Hazard: Heating ABS or PLA filaments releases fine ultrafine particles and volatile organic compounds into indoor air. Solution: Operate 3D printers inside a dedicated enclosure vented directly outdoors or fitted with a HEPA/activated carbon filter. Do you have a 3D printer?
Yes
7%
•
57 votes
No
74%
•
633 votes
Not Applicable
20%
•
170 votes
2.
2.
Non-dust-proof light fixtures in high-chaff areas Hazard: Incandescent bulbs in attic spaces accumulate insulation dust directly on the glass, leading to localized hot spots and fire. Solution: Replace open-bulb attic fixtures with sealed, vapor-tight LED units Do you have an attic?
Yes
31%
•
270 votes
No
48%
•
414 votes
Not Applicable
20%
•
176 votes
3.
3.
P-trap blowout from chemical drain openers Hazard: Caustic drain cleaners cause an exothermic reaction in clogged pipes, melting plastic traps or spurting boiling chemicals back up. Solution: Use mechanical drain augers (snakes) instead of high-concentration chemical drain openers Do you ever use chemical drain openers, like Drano?
Yes
40%
•
344 votes
No
40%
•
346 votes
Not Applicable
20%
•
170 votes
4.
4.
Legionella bacteria growth in water heaters set below 120°F (49°C) Hazard: Lowering water heater temperature settings to save energy allows Legionella bacteria to multiply in the tank bottom. Solution: Maintain water heater temperatures at 140°F (60°C) and install anti-scald thermostatic mixing valves at faucets. Do you ever change the temperature of your water heater?
Yes
13%
•
110 votes
No
61%
•
524 votes
Not Applicable
26%
•
226 votes
5.
5.
Hantavirus transmission from aerosolized deer mouse urine Hazard: Sweeping dry mouse droppings in sheds or basements aerosolizes hantavirus, leading to severe pulmonary syndrome. Solution: Wet rodent droppings thoroughly with disinfectant before wiping with paper towels; never sweep or vacuum dry droppings. Have you ever had a mice problem?
Yes
32%
•
277 votes
No
48%
•
415 votes
Not Applicable
20%
•
168 votes
6.
6.
Endotoxin release from cool-mist ultrasonic humidifiers Hazard: Using tap water in ultrasonic humidifiers disperses minerals and bacterial endotoxins into the air as micro-fine dust. Solution: Fill ultrasonic humidifiers exclusively with distilled water and clean the basin with vinegar weekly. Do you use a humidifier?
Yes
19%
•
166 votes
No
61%
•
521 votes
Not Applicable
20%
•
173 votes
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