How to Reduce Toxins in a Home
We think of our homes as sanctuaries, protecting us from the dangers of the outside world. However, the air inside the home is often many times more polluted than that outdoors. Everything from building materials to household cleaners contribute to the unhealthy state of indoor air. Here are some ways to improve the air quality of your home life. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Carbon monoxide detector
- Clean air filters
- Organic cleaners
- Houseplants
- Water filter
Instructions
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1
Install a carbon monoxide detector. This gas is odorless and colorless, but can be deadly. A detector can alert you to high carbon monoxide levels and is just as important as having a smoke detector.
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2
Change or clean the air conditioner filter regularly. This filter catches dust and mold spores, but when it becomes clogged, it’s ineffective and can even worsen the problem.
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Limit the amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in your home. These harmful compounds can cause respiratory problems, headaches and nervous system damage. They are present in new furniture, new carpet and fresh paint and can take years to fully dissipate. Choose paints that don’t contain VOCs and avoid getting an entirely new set of furniture all at once.
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4
Use organic cleaners and soaps. Brand name makers of household cleaning products are beginning to introduce new lines made with natural ingredients.
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Don’t spray pesticides in or around your home. You may get the occasional creepy-crawly, but that’s better than coating your home in poison.
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Grow houseplants. Indoor greenery purifies the air and gives the room a fresh, clean scent. If you like to cook, grow herbs and use them in the kitchen.
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Open your windows. Let fresh air in and stale air out.
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Filter your tap water. Use a faucet filter or a pitcher filter. Filtering removes impurities and eliminates the chlorine taste of treated water.
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Buy pesticide-free produce and other foods. This is better for the environment and for you. Washing fruits and vegetables kills germs on the outside, but any pesticides used on them have already penetrated the skin and can’t be removed.
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