This article is from guest blogger Derek Lotts with SmoothDecorator.com on creating a toxin-free home!
Pollutants are all around us. Not just outside, but also in our homes. Whether we are aware of it or not, common household items contain toxic chemicals that are harmful for our health. They can trigger asthma, allergies, and even chronic disease. The only way to protect your family is to create a toxin-free home. Here are some tips on how to achieve that.
Bring in Fresh Air
A five-year study found that 20 toxic compounds had significantly higher concentrations inside homes than outdoors. This is because the air in our homes is often stale.
The cheapest and most efficient way to remedy the problem is to open your windows and circulate fresh air in your home. However, there are some rooms in the house that do not have windows, like bath or attic. Installing exhaust fans that ventilate outdoors will do the trick.
A five-year study found that 20 toxic compounds had significantly higher concentrations inside homes than outdoors. This is because the air in our homes is often stale.
The cheapest and most efficient way to remedy the problem is to open your windows and circulate fresh air in your home. However, there are some rooms in the house that do not have windows, like bath or attic. Installing exhaust fans that ventilate outdoors will do the trick.
Clean Out Your Cleaning Products
Check the labels on your house cleaning products for words like caution, danger, and warning. These indicate that the products you are using contain some elements that could be harmful to you and your children.
Research has found that there is a correlation between toxic cleaning products and certain types of cancer. Ironically, some of the most toxic products are air fresheners.
There are many simple kitchen ingredients that can be used for cleaning and are at the same time harmless. Vinegar, for example, is an excellent all-purpose cleanser.
Check the labels on your house cleaning products for words like caution, danger, and warning. These indicate that the products you are using contain some elements that could be harmful to you and your children.
Research has found that there is a correlation between toxic cleaning products and certain types of cancer. Ironically, some of the most toxic products are air fresheners.
There are many simple kitchen ingredients that can be used for cleaning and are at the same time harmless. Vinegar, for example, is an excellent all-purpose cleanser.
Eat Organically
Did you know that 60 percent of herbicides, 90 percent of fungicides, and 30 percent of insecticides that are commonly used in farming and agriculture are considered carcinogenic? Pesticides are known to be damaging to the nervous system, cause cancer, and disrupt hormonal balance.
Luckily, today we have an alternative in the form of organically-grown vegetables and meat from grass-fed animals. If you have a piece of land, even a small garden, grow your own vegetables.
This way you will be sure that the food you and your family eat is healthy. Also make sure not to store food in plastic containers. Plastics can increase your BPA levels by 1,000 percent in five days only.
Did you know that 60 percent of herbicides, 90 percent of fungicides, and 30 percent of insecticides that are commonly used in farming and agriculture are considered carcinogenic? Pesticides are known to be damaging to the nervous system, cause cancer, and disrupt hormonal balance.
Luckily, today we have an alternative in the form of organically-grown vegetables and meat from grass-fed animals. If you have a piece of land, even a small garden, grow your own vegetables.
This way you will be sure that the food you and your family eat is healthy. Also make sure not to store food in plastic containers. Plastics can increase your BPA levels by 1,000 percent in five days only.
Avoid Non-Stick Cookware
While at the kitchen, check if you have any non-stick cookware. If you do, ditch it all. The non-stick coating contains perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). This is a toxic chemical which releases multiple harmful gases into the air when heated.
There are alternatives to non-stick cookware such as enamelled cast iron cookware. If you still decide to use non-stick pans, do not overheat them, and discard them as soon as the non-stick coating is scratched.
While at the kitchen, check if you have any non-stick cookware. If you do, ditch it all. The non-stick coating contains perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). This is a toxic chemical which releases multiple harmful gases into the air when heated.
There are alternatives to non-stick cookware such as enamelled cast iron cookware. If you still decide to use non-stick pans, do not overheat them, and discard them as soon as the non-stick coating is scratched.
Use Toxin Free Paints and Finishes
Most paints and finishes contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These are major home pollutants that are known to cause irritations and health problems.
The problem is that they may continue to be released into the air for months or years after the paint or finish has been applied.
To be on the safe side, remove the paint from your furniture, doors, and windows, and repaint them with non-toxic paints. Paints that contain low levels of VOC and VOC-free paints are now easily found at any paint store.
Most paints and finishes contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These are major home pollutants that are known to cause irritations and health problems.
The problem is that they may continue to be released into the air for months or years after the paint or finish has been applied.
To be on the safe side, remove the paint from your furniture, doors, and windows, and repaint them with non-toxic paints. Paints that contain low levels of VOC and VOC-free paints are now easily found at any paint store.
Declutter Your House
Dust contains germs and bacteria, and just about any pollutant you can imagine. Having things lying around your home and gathering dust can lead to serious health repercussions. The easiest way to keep your house clean and your folks healthy is to get rid of all the clutter. Find a cheap rubbish removal service to help you with that.
Dust contains germs and bacteria, and just about any pollutant you can imagine. Having things lying around your home and gathering dust can lead to serious health repercussions. The easiest way to keep your house clean and your folks healthy is to get rid of all the clutter. Find a cheap rubbish removal service to help you with that.
How many toxic elements are there in your home?
._____________________________
About the author:
Derek is a hopeless romantic and awkward situation enthusiast from the land down under. He strives to find where his energy belongs. In his pursuit, he has gained the knowledge he is eager to share. Upcycling and making his home super cosy are his passion. Follow him @Twitter.
About the author:
Derek is a hopeless romantic and awkward situation enthusiast from the land down under. He strives to find where his energy belongs. In his pursuit, he has gained the knowledge he is eager to share. Upcycling and making his home super cosy are his passion. Follow him @Twitter.
RSS Feed
