9 ways to make your home healthier
From petrochemical paints and harsh cleaning products to fire-retardant fabrics and cooking fumes, the toxins in our homes can quickly accumulate. And it’s our poor livers that ultimately have to deal with them.
Add to this the odd boozy night out or fried food indulgence, and it’s a recipe for a toxin overload. Thankfully, our bodies’ are (mostly) well-equipped to deal with the onslaught. But an onslaught it is.
It’s estimated that we’re exposed to hundreds of chemicals just from the morning shower. From the Sodium lauryl sulfate and parabens in shampoos, conditioners and shower gels to flouride and other endocrine-disrupting nasties in toothpaste, we ingest an enormous cocktail of chemicals through our skin, respiratory and digestive systems each day.
That’s before we even think about the VOCs (volatile organic compounds) such as benzene, formaldehyde and other carcinogens (cancer-causing chemicals) being off-gassed from furniture, flooring and fabrics and the chlorine, heavy metals and pesticides in tap water. It’s hard to avoid these toxins, but reduction is possible.
The more we can reduce the chemical cocktail onslaught, the better.for our health. Less exposure equals less detoxification for the body to deal with.
There are numerous ways we can make our homes healthier. Some are easier and less expensive than others. They don’t all have to be done at once either. If you want to make changes, start small and work up to larger projects.
Some swaps will even save money, particularly if you have an expensive scented candle habit. Some of the priciest candle brands use paraffin wax, which according to the experts at air purification company Blueair, contain the same toxins as diesel fumes. So what can you do?
9 simple ways to reduce toxins:
Be choosy when buying toiletries and cleaning products
Buying less toxic beauty or cleaning products doesn’t come cheap, and items marketed as ‘natural’ aren’t necessarily better. But if you can find the time, scan labels to see if products contain sodium laurel sulphate (SLS) or parabens and avoid them. Brands such as Bower Collective, Neal’s Yard Remedies and Faith in Nature are worth checking out. The app, Yuka is also an easy way to check the healthier ingredients from the harmful ones in beauty products (and packaged food) before you buy.
Sleep on a natural mattress and bedding
Wool, hemp, cotton, linen and other natural materials regulate body temperature, as they are ‘breathable. Foam is an insulator, so can cause increases in body temperature, resulting in poor sleep. Polyurethane foam is also manufactured from petro-chemicals, which will ‘off gas’ while you sleep.
‘The main chemical compound that goes into making foam is TDI, which is a known carcinogen,’ explains Adam Black, co-founder, Button & Sprung. ‘We believe that a naturally filled, pocket sprung mattress is the best option on the market.’
Naturalmat also offers good quality natural mattresses, made with wool and other naturally fire-retardant materials.
Opt for clay-based paints
Although much has been done in recent decades to reduce VOCs in paint, the majority are made with petro-chemicals. It’s a minefield of different claims from manufacturers. One brand that stands out is Earthborn, which makes clay-based paint. Made without acrylics and vinyls, there are no headache-inducing smells, or off-gassing toxic chemicals. ‘The ingredients in clay-based paints mean they have several unique attributes, which makes them better for a building and the people living there, especially allergy and asthma sufferers,’ says Jon Mee, Technical Advisor, Earthborn.
‘They’re virtually VOC-free, so no nasty smells, and the moisture-absorbing properties of clay mean that Clay-based paint can help regulate the humidity of a room, reducing condensation, mould and mildew making for a healthier home.
Open windows and fit extractor fans
Surprisingly, the air in our homes can be as polluted as the air outside, often more so according to some experts.
‘The research that has been undertaken so far on indoor air has provided evidence of links to increased risk of respiratory and cardiovascular illness, cognitive impairment, and cancer,’ says Wendy Thomas, product manager, Nuaire.
‘Removing the source of pollutants from indoor environments is not straightforward as sources vary hugely; from cleaning products and cooking to furniture and even the fabric our homes are made from,’ she continues. ‘What we do know though, is that good ventilation can disperse and expel indoor pollutants, and help prevent damp and mould from forming. Natural ventilation, such as opening windows every day helps considerably, but also be sure to use extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms.’
Install a water filter
Our tap water might be free of cholera, typhoid and other pathogens, but water companies don’t filter everything we’d rather not ingest, for example pesticides, xeno-oestrogens and heavy metals. They also add chlorine and other chemicals. A filter jug is a popular choice for most health-conscious people, particularly those aiming for their daily 2-litres of H2O. But even these have their limitations on what they can and can’t filter out.
Some health advocates, such as nutritionist Patrick Holford opt for under-the-sink water filter installation. Patrick’s filter of choice is the 2000 Water Filtration System. Water2 appears to be another good option.
6. Swap scented candles for an atomiser
Of course, if you love flickering candle-light, burn candles occasionally. However, in the winter, it’s easy to get into the habit of lighting scented candles everyday. So be mindful how often you light candles and swap to an oil diffuser if you want to fill your home with fragrance. Not only, does an atomiser not emit toxic fumes, it will fill diffuse essential oils, along with the botanical properties many of them contain. From stress-busting lavender to uplifting grapefruit, the choice, (and beautiful blends) are vast. Neom Organics, Tisserand and Neals’ Yard Remedies all offer top quality essential oils and attractive atomisers (with soft glowing lights).
7. Ditch non-stick pans
If ever there was a case against non-stick pans, the film Dark Waters (based on a true story) lays it bare. Coated in PFAS ‘forever chemicals’ (or the latest equivalent), these non-stick coatings emit toxins when the pans reach a certain temperature and apparently never leave our bodies or the environment. There are numerous campaign to get them banned, (France has actually managed it apparently) but in the meantime, most health advocates recommend ceramic (or stainless steel) pans instead.
8. Consider an air-purifier
If you really want to get serious about tackling indoor air pollution, the next step is an air purifier. Blueair claim their air-purifiers remove 99.97% of airborne pollutants, which is pretty impressive. They suggest putting the device(s) in the room(s) you use the most to reduce VOCs and particulate matter, and they highly recommend them for those with wood-burners or open fires.
9. Buy more plants
The case for indoor plants is strong. From their air-purifying properties (reported by NASA in a landmark study in the 80s) to their natural beauty, and stress-lowering qualities, a smattering of pot plants provides numerous benefits. The peace lily is a popular choice for its low maintenance requirements and ability to absorb formaldehyde and other toxins. Pop a plant next to your desk if you work from home, as well as recycling toxins, it’s said to boost productivity too!
Want to know more about natural health? Book a kinesiology treatment and start feeling better.