‘Tis the season for spring cleaning your home! Home is where you spend time relaxing; it is your safe haven. Right? Not always. Unfortunately our oasis of calm can be the cause of many health issues. The harmful effects of toxins found within our homes actually has a name: Toxic Home Syndrome. Toxic Home Syndrome has actually been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and cancer.
The toxins found in our homes include mold spores, chemicals, gases, pet dander, mites and pesticides. The more you are exposed to them, the greater the damage to your health. Experts advise that homes should be well ventilated in order to lower the build up of toxins. This comes at a time when homes are insulated to an inch of their life for the purpose of being more energy efficient. We are all pretty much living in sealed boxes, breathing in pollutants everyday.
Mold
Mold can become a serious issue in homes that are not well ventilated. Once the microscopic spores enter your home, it is very difficult to control. Thankfully there are experts such as Bactronix who can offer a thorough, eco-friendly solution to mold issues. To even begin to eliminate toxins in your home, you have to be made aware of and understand them.
Lead
Homes built before a certain date are likely to contain paint with lead as an ingredient. We are more aware of the toxic properties of lead now, so steps should be taken to remove traces of lead-based paint from your home. Paint needs to be removed carefully as flaking paint can be breathed in. Lead is silent, but so harmful to adults, and especially to our children! This is why pediatricians do a finger poke at babies’ one year check ups! Lead in our systems is scary stuff that needs to be handled immediately!
Pesticides
Bugs and insects are annoying and there are many commercially produced pesticides designed to eliminate them. If the bugs die when they come into contact with the chemicals, what do they do to you? Within the home you are better manually getting rid of the insects. Pesticides and weed killers used in the garden are another huge source of toxins. The chemicals lay on the lawn for ages and are then trodden back into your home. Pesticides have been linked to causing cancers such as Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Essential oils such as peppermint oil are often a great, all natural option for eliminating pesky bugs in your home!
Household cleaners
We clean our homes in order to make our surroundings sanitary and healthy. Unfortunately most commercially produced cleaners contain toxic chemicals. Research the type of cleaner you use. There are non-toxic cleaners available which use natural substances such as essential oils. Young Living thieves cleaner is a GREAT option! You could even make your own cleaner! There are plenty of tips available on the internet, it’s amazing what a little baking soda, vinegar and lemon juice can do!
Dust and dander
Many people are sensitive to the tiny particles of dust within our homes. Dust and the associated dust mites can trigger allergic reactions and respiratory problems such as asthma. Dust your home regularly using a non-toxic cleaner and vacuum thoroughly. Blankets (including your little one’s favorite blanky) and soft furnishings harbor dust and should be washed regularly in hot water.
Pet dander can also cause problems for those who are allergic. Try to keep pets out of bedrooms. If you’re like me, this is next to impossible because they’re members of the family! If this is the case for you too, just be sure to vacuum up hair regularly. Dander can stay within a home for up to a year once the pet has left.
Go Natural!
There are so many more areas of the home which could be at risk from toxins, The best solution to rid your home and family from these is to use natural products as much as possible! If the label boasts ingredients that you can’t pronounce–it’s probably not good for anyone in the home! Keep in mind, too, good old fashioned soapy water goes a long way in keeping a home clean!
Happy Cleaning!
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