How to Reduce Toxic Exposure in Your Home: 11 Tips…
To survive, we breathe in air and ingest various food substances to keep our bodies alive.
However, dangerous chemicals and toxic substances can be introduced into the home by everyday household products.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), prolonged exposure to environmental toxins in your home can increase the risk of developing cancer and other serious health problems.
Good news is that buying safer non-toxic household products and following community safety guidelines can help control environmental exposure to toxins.
Therefore, taking stock of products in your environment becomes a responsibility that all must uphold to avoid exposure to ‘hidden’ household toxins.
Here are 11 practical tips to reduce toxic exposure and contaminants in your home:
1) Avoid using plastic containers to store and prepare food in your kitchen.
Safety Tip: plastics made of PVC contain chemicals such as BPA or DEHP which can leach into food and cause bodily harm over an extended period of time. Glass containers are a better choice because they can withstand extreme temperatures and do not contain harmful chemicals.
2) Ensure your home is well-ventilated while cooking, cleaning, or executing home improvement projects. Opening your windows removes stagnant air and circulates fresh air throughout your home.
3) Choose natural and eco-friendly household products and supplies for your cleaning needs.
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4) Read warning labels on household products and understand the potential hazards to your health. A sweet-smelling product does not equate safety!
5) Refrain from using recalled products from well-known brands especially if you suspect a product contains noxious chemicals.
6) Remove expired medicines, food, and other household products and follow appropriate disposal measures.
7) Practice proper hand hygiene to reduce bacterial contamination in your home.
8) Wear protective gloves or face masks to avoid absorbing harsh chemicals or fumes into your body.
9) Consult with a certified allergist if you suffer from environmental allergies or hives due to airborne allergens in your home.
10) Avoid the excessive use of scented candles, odorless bug sprays, and germ-buster air fresheners in an enclosed space.
11) A useful tip for asthma patients is to use High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) purifiers to remove airborne allergens such as pollen, smoke, pet dander, and dust mites.
Conclusion:
Reducing exposure to toxins in your home can be achieved by using natural household products and practicing proper hand hygiene.
Additionally, using HEPA air purifiers and conducting quarterly safety inspections on your home can help keep allergens at bay.