We have little control over pollution outside.
Yet when it comes to our homes, we should be able to live in a healthier environment. Unfortunately, our lifestyle choices can cause a great deal of pollution in the indoor environment as well. Learn some ways you can prevent chemical pollution for you and your family in this post.
Toxins in your home exposes your family to relatively minor health irritants causing adverse health effects from eye irritation, nasal congestion, headaches, and dizziness, to major health risks such as cancer and damage to the liver or central nervous system. The young and the elderly are at a higher risk of developing these health conditions.
Chemicals and dust pollution exists everywhere in our homes, from the couch, in mattresses where you sleep, Teflon kitchen pans you cook with, hand washing soaps and liquids, and detergents, to the vinyl shower curtains, carpets, canned foods, and perfumes. Although it is difficult to eliminate the presence of chemicals in our home, we can do many simple things to live in a safer, healthier home.
4 ways you can reduce the presence of toxins in your home.
1. Reduce levels of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
VOC’s are harmful chemicals found in several home products like new carpets, paint, plywood and pressed wood products, air fresheners, deodorants, and tobacco. You can minimize exposure to VOC’s by
- Stop smoking inside the home.
- Avoid buying high VOC products like pressed wood. Instead, buy solid wood or old furniture.
- Improve the ventilation in your home. When possible keep the doors and windows open. Place an air-purifier in the house.
- Controlling the humidity can lower the presence of some VOC’s. Use a dehumidifier to keep the humidity levels in check.
2. Filter your drinking water
Even if you stay in an area where the water quality is good, there can be small traces of contaminants such as lead, chlorine, E. coli, pesticides in the water. Filtering the water can remove these pollutants. If you require your water to be tested we welcome you to contact us here.
3. Use chemical free cleaning products
Most standard home cleaning products have harsh chemicals that are bad not only for the health of your family, but also pollute the rivers and lakes when washed down the drain. As an alternative to this chemical products, try the following –
- Use natural home cleaning solutions such as baking soda, lemon, and vinegar.
- Use microfibre cloths to dust your home without the use of chemical sprays
- Switch to chemical free laundry powder.
- Use non toxic, environmentally friendly home cleaning products
4. Reduce toxins in your garden
- Ask your lawn service to use pesticides and fertilizers that contain fewer chemicals.
- Use only as much fertilizer as needed.
- Purchase a soil-test kit from your local garden store to determine when the fertilizer needs to be added. If you require your soil to e tested we welcome you to contact us here.
Towards healthier living, Carol Parr ♥
As Principal Consultant to Mitey Fresh since 1996, I have acquired knowledge of adverse health effects at the client’s properties and recommend effective strategies to reduce occupants’ exposure by eliminating and controlling as many sources of pollutants in order to create healthy indoor living environments that are as exposure-free and natural as practically possible.
Photo credit: SweetCrisis, freedigitalphotos
