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We do go on about the virtues of working from home, but rarely the problems and dangers. There are few statistics available, and OSHA doesn't cover the home worker, so you have to watch out for yourself.
Fire:
Christopher Wanjek at Live Science notes that thousands of fires start in home offices; the main cause appears to be jamming all kinds of appliances into single outlets. If you are taking over a bedroom, it is likely that all the outlets in the room are on one circuit. I just did a quick look under my own desk and found eight different items plugged into two power bars, and have a puppy that likes to chew on things. Not a good combination.
Air:
If your home office is in the basement, there could be concern about radon, the second-leading cause of lung cancer. Consider opening a window an exhaust fan or a heat recovery ventilator to bring in fresh air. Better still, get out of the basement.
Air quality can be a problem upstairs as well; look at Planet Green's detox your home office and ensure that you are not releasing VOCs (volatile organic compounds)—use green cleaners.
Laser printers and copiers make ozone and can release VOC's; in new LEED certified offices, they have to be in separate ventilated rooms.
More on Greening your home office in Planet Green:
Detox Your Home: In the Office, Part 1
Detox Your Home: In the Office, Part 2
Home Office Tricks: Practice the 20 20 20 Rule
Green Your Home Office
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