Thanks to a serious increase in building codes across the country, the modern apartment is one of the safest dwellings one can live in. Since the average apartment building is constantly being inspected and looked at by the owners and maintenance people that work there, any problems that come up are usually dealt with quickly, but sometimes, there are health risks we may not think of that could be affecting all of us.

One of the most common health problems in any building is bugs. While most of us look at insect infestations as simply a bothersome and disgusting annoyance, it can actually be a health hazard if the infestation is too large. There are many illnesses associated with bugs that can be traced to living among large amounts of droppings or from gases released by termites, so if you find an insect infestation in your apartment, report it to management as soon as possible. If immediate action is not taken, contact your local renter’s rights group to see what your options are.

Another sneaky health problem that affects many modern day apartments is mold and mildew. While you may be responsible and neat, there is no telling what your neighbors are doing on the other side of that wall. If you see signs of mildew or mold in your bathroom or in another part of your apartment, make sure you tell someone right away, because, often times, what you see is only the tip of the iceberg. There are many health concerns associated with mold and mildew, so don’t hesitate to contact your landlord.