Whether we want to admit it or not, our bodies are over-burdened with indoor and outdoor air pollution. Much of the outdoor air quality is directly out of our control; the indoor air, however, is in many ways caused by the things we purchase. Everything from carpets, cleaning products, paint, and furniture all contribute to the depleted indoor air quality of our homes. Poor quality air is associated with synthetic chemicals that heavily depend on the petroleum industry for their ingredients. These ingredients can cause a laundry list of health-related problems that range in nature from headaches to cancer.
Below are 5 immediate measures you can take to help detoxify your home.
1. Use only HEPA Filter Vacuum Cleaners
Most conventional vacuum cleaners are unable to perform at the level of a HEPA filter. Conventionals only pick up the largest of particles and have the nasty habit of recirculating contaminated air back into your home. HEPA-equipped vacuums do neither and will help in purifying your home's air.
2. Open the windows
Unless you reside near a power plant or landfill, the indoor air of your home is most likely more contaminated than the air outside. Even on the coldest days, opening windows behooves both you and your home. In addition, many homes are far too dry in the winter which diminishes negative air ions in the air. Negative air ions are associated with healthy air-- think of what the air feels like in a forest or near a waterfall. Best of all, it’s free!
3. Shower Filter and Shower Liner
Most cities and municipalities use large doses of chlorine to disinfect the water from water-borne pathogens and bacteria. Chlorine comes with a host of risks, the most important being that chlorine reacts very easily with our bodies and organic matter such as leaves, dirt and sewage. This reaction creates a highly toxic byproduct that should not be inhaled during your 10 minute shower. Alternatives to chlorine are being researched, but until then it's up to the consumer to be your own advocate and make alterations. Avoid any shower curtain or liner made with PVC, a known carcinogen. Look for 100% organic cotton or hemp shower curtains instead. Check out a full line of products by Aquasana for water filters.
4. Conscientious about Cleaning Products.
I was recently asked if I noticed a difference when using greener cleaning products. Not only do I feel better, (no headaches or light headedness) but it is a very simple and cheap measure that decreases your already over-burdened body. I know some of you are fans of Windex and Fantastic, but you don't really want me to go into detail about the ingredients. For best products, check out the Environmental Working Group's website. They are a non-profit that researches as many products as possible, publishing their results online for all to see. Google it!
5.Take off your shoes and those of your guests as well!!
Our shoes can drag in the most obvious culprits of dirt and bacteria, and also the less conspicuous chemicals such as pesticides. If you purchase organic foods, you are well aware that USDA organic crops are not grown with the help of pesticides. However, dragging shoes over the carpet minimizes your efforts to live a healthy and pesticide-reduced lifestyle. Due to lawn care practices, pesticides are sprayed in many neighborhoods which increases the likelihood of contaminated shoes. Carpets and rugs act as a reservoir for toxic chemicals including pesticides. We must also remember that anything absorbed into our carpets also becomes circulated as part of the indoor air we breathe.
For more info on how to take care of your carpet, see the posting below on carpets.
For more info on how to take care of your carpet, see the posting below on carpets.
Next Post: Why you shouldn't use Febreze.
For more information on how to offset the harmful chemicals in your home and protect your family. Please contact Neill Alleva at neillalleva@me.com
be your own advocate when it comes to maintaining a healthy home.
Neill is currently working on his Building Biology Practitioner Certification at the
International Institute for Bau-Biologie and Ecology.
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