Locking Up: Test Your Home Safety Knowledge

The U.S. government declared lead to be the greatest environmental threat to children. Even low concentrations can cause problems with your central nervous system, brain, blood cells and kidneys. It's particularly threatening for fetuses, babies and children because of potential developmental disorders.

A double cylinder lock is one that requires a key on either side of the door. You should definitely get this for doors that have glass panes within 40 inches of the door to prevent burglars from reaching inside to unlock.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can be harmful to one's health in high concentrations, will emerge from new carpet after installation.

It depends. Asbestos is hazardous and might need to be removed. However, if the asbestos product is in good shape or used in an out-of-the-way area, you may be better off leaving the asbestos in place. It may just require sealing or covering. Either way, make sure to get a professional to do the job.

Our drinking water has become polluted by industrial wastes, pesticides, lead and bacteria. A home water-filtering system can help screen out many of the pollutants in tap water, but not all of them. Bottled water isn't 100 percent safe, either. Today's Food and Drug Administration requirements only specify that bottled water be as safe as water that comes out of the tap.

Pressed wood products like wood paneling may emit formaldehyde. This is because the glue that holds the wood particles in place uses urea-formaldehyde as a resin. It can be dangerous, possibly setting off watery eyes, burning eyes and throat, difficulty breathing and asthma attacks.

The American Red Cross reports that 80 percent of all deaths due to fire take place when the family is sleeping. The cause is not the fire itself, but rather smoke inhalation and lack of oxygen.

PBDEs are found in a variety of flame retardant consumer plastics. We can inhale them through air and dust or ingest it by eating animal products that contain it. Studies have linked PBDEs to learning and memory problems, lowered sperm counts and poor thyroid functioning in rats and mice.

If the product ingested is caustic like lye, bleach, toilet bowl cleaner or other corrosive household chemicals, you will be told not to induce vomiting, but to dilute the substance with water as rapidly as possible.

If you're changing a light bulb that has broken off from its base, you should turn off the circuit breaker beforehand. Also, running cords under the rug or carpet can cause shocks and fires from people walking on them.