Toxins are chemicals in the environment that can be harmful to humans, and they are everywhere, including in our homes. From food items to drinks, things we clean our houses with, and the furnishings and paints we use to cover our walls.
Quarantine and remote work have increased the amount of time people spend inside their homes, increasing exposure to indoor toxins. According to the National Toxics Network in Australia, indoor air can be 20 times more polluted than the air outside your home, which is a rather dangerous revelation. Dust, inert gases, mold, humidity, foul odors, and a host of other toxins can make the air inside our homes unbreathable and unhealthy. So it’s essential to take steps to rid your home of hazardous chemicals that linger in the environment. If you’re looking for a place to start, try these tips below.
Check the house for asbestos
The risk of asbestos exposure is high in old houses. So if you’re living in one, you ought to be cautious! Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was extensively used in construction before being banned because of its toxic properties. The microfibrils of this silicate mineral are extremely dangerous when inhaled. Exposure can cause mesothelioma, a rare mesothelial cancer with a high mortality rate. You are better off getting your home inspected to ensure you are not at risk.
A quick search on the internet can hook you up with professionals to inspect your home. For example, residents in the South East Queensland metropolitan area can search for ‘asbestos removal Brisbane‘ to hire professionals for inspection and removal work. It’s best to avoid doing this yourself since you may not be properly equipped.
Improve the airflow in the house
Several air pollutants lingering in your home can lead to lung problems such as asthma, allergies, etc. These primarily include sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, and carbon monoxide. Not to mention, dust particles and pollen. Lousy ventilation can lead to further problems, such as creating mold in spaces and foul stenches. So remove these airborne menaces to purify your home.
Ventilation is the key to a healthy flow of air inside the house. Enhancing the airflow can make the air inside your home much more clean, fresh, and breathable. So remember to open up your windows to allow fresh air and light to flow in. You could also use air fresheners to add a pleasant smell. Regularly check the HVAC system and clean the filters to ensure dust is removed properly.
Make your own cleaning products
Homeowners tend to buy the cheapest cleaning product or the one that says “kills 99.99% germs.” Unfortunately, many household cleaning products contain toxic chemicals, such as chlorine and ammonia. Some products also contain carcinogenic formaldehyde and sulfates. These chemicals can produce gases that cause irritation in the eyes, lungs, and throat, and can also be deadly over prolonged exposure. Hence, the best approach is to use green cleaning techniques.
You can clean a surface with water and baking soda instead of commercial cleaning products. Avoid using bleach and products containing harmful chemicals, and replace them with mild detergents or a homemade cleaning solution. If you’re still keen on buying commercial cleaners, opt for eco-friendly options.
Avoid toxic sprays and cosmetics
Hairsprays, body sprays, perfumes, and mists contain toxins that are not good for your lungs. Using them every day can contaminate certain spaces within the house very quickly. Therefore, switch your products and purchase brands that are good for your skin and safe for the air.
Using homemade products for the skin is also an eco-friendly approach. If you are a regular buyer of skincare, always check the ingredients and make sure they are natural. Various companies such as The Honest Company, Desert Essence, Aveda, and many others use natural products.
Use fewer plastics
BPA or Bisphenol A is an endocrine-disrupting chemical that can create hormonal issues within our bodies and is dangerous to our health in many other ways. Unfortunately, BPA is also found in most plastic products that we use every day. Warming food in a plastic container or using baby bottles for milk can increase the probability of this synthetic chemical being absorbed into our bloodstreams. Therefore, try to utilize fewer plastic products and instead invest in things made from environment-friendly materials. These can include using Tupperware made of glass. If you buy from the store, ensure the product has a ‘BPA-free’ label.
Stop using air fresheners and candles
Some of the most toxic items in your home are synthetic scents. While they may smell pleasant, lighting a candle can emit as many toxins as a cigarette. Additionally, air fresheners contain chemicals including limonene, ethanol, benzene, and xylene, all of which are extremely volatile and harmful to your health.
Instead of using sprays to make your home smell fresh, replace them with candles you can make at home using essential oils. Candles made with soy wax or beeswax with an oil-based scent are not as allergic and headache-inducing as commercially available products.
Conclusion
It may be hard to completely rid your home of toxins that can negatively impact your health. However, small things can go a long way in helping us create a toxin-free environment within your home. Use the tips mentioned above to ensure you give your family a clean atmosphere to breathe in and a comfortable house to live in.