Indoor Toxins in Your Home that Can Adversely Effect Your Health
The principles of Green Building include the following “whole systems” approach: Community Design (how our home is integrated into the wider site and community), Energy Efficiency, Water Efficiency, Resource Conservation (the use of efficient techniques and sustainable materials) and Indoor Air Quality.
We often hear about the dangerous toxins that linger inside our home and we understand that we should avoid them. Yet we do not know what exactly these toxins are and what damage they can bring. To better understand these toxins that affect our Indoor Air Quality and Health, let’s first understand what is meant by Indoor Air Quality.
Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a term referring to the air quality within and around buildings and structures, especially as it relates to the health and comfort of the occupants. It refers to how well the air is suited for healthy breathing conditions and has a direct finish on human health and productivity. Indoor Air Quality is negatively affected by the existence of particulates or gases released into the air within our home. Lack of proper ventilation, high temperatures and humidity levels can increase the concentration of some of these pollutants. Indoor Air Quality is affected by Carbon Monoxide, Radon, Volatile Organic compounds, Formaldehyde levels, particulates such as dust and dander, and moisture and mold. These are all things that we can not “see” yet they affect us tremendously. In other words, we can not see the “sick air” within our own home yet we do react to it and look elsewhere for the origin to our health issue.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Indoor Air Pollution is 2-5 times worse than outdoor. This is important given that we spend over 90% of our time indoors. The EPA also reports that 60% of homes and 30% of commercial buildings are classified as “sick”. Of all the chemicals that the EPA monitors, only two (ozone & sulphur dioxide) are more prevalent outdoors than indoors.
Indoor Air Toxins enter our body by breathing and absorption through our skin. In fact, these toxins are absorbed by all porous materials around us such as furniture, drapery, carpet, and pillows, creating a toxic supply that lingers for many years to come. Once in our bodies, these toxins can affect our nervous system, our reproductive system, cause skin disorders and irritations, respiratory problems especially with children, depression in children, memory impairment, immune system disorders, cancer and even our weight & metabolism.
On their gain, these toxins cause minor effects; however, it is the concentration of multiple toxins that build a strong chemical cocktail that we consume on a daily basis. The good news is that there are things you can do to safeguard yourself and your loved ones. The following is a list of 10 easy Indoor Air Quality supportive actions you can do now.
1. One of the best things you can do is to use air purifying plants. Several plants can help grasp indoor air pollutants like formaldehyde and benzene which are rank gases and are not removed with air filters which only filter particulates. Some easy- to-grow toxin fighters include: Boston Fern, Philodendrons, Areca, Palm and Peace Li lies.
2. Utilize a door mat, better yet two. Place one doormat outside and a second one inside. Many pollutants and dirt borne contaminants are tracked indoors on our shoes. You can also create a “no shoes” policy in your home. Create an spot to leave shoes at the entrance door next to a container of cozy slippers. You may also find less frequent floor cleaning needed.
3. Minimize any existing sources of off-gassing. Particleboard, a celebrated component of cabinetry and manufactured furniture contains formaldehyde, a volatile organic compound. Seal any exposed particleboard on edges of cabinets, underside of counter tops, stairs and shelving with a low toxic, low or non-V.O.C. paint or sealer.
4. Micro-clean your indoor air from the variety of particles, sub-micron particles, microorganisms and odor. To start, take care of the air you breathe in the room you use the most: the bedroom. Use a room sized air filtering unit and decide a unit that removes a minimum of 122 pollutants with activated carbon and good HEPA filtration. Resolve the most energy-efficient unit available.
5. Keep humidity levels in check. Use a dehumidifier for any rooms that seem to attract excess moisture and be definite to ventilate your bathroom with either a fan or window.
6. Seal any combustion appliances and ventilate appropriately. Combustion appliances are those which burn fuels for warmth, cooking, or decorative purposes. Have them inspected to make certain they are functioning properly.
7. Upgrade your carbon monoxide detector. Look for one that can detect an exposure of 800 PPM of CO or less to provide you adequate time to react to toxic levels of CO.
8. Avoid adding indoor pollutants while you clean by using Low-Toxic or Citrus-Based cleaning products and let the natural antimicrobial features of the famous oils do their job. Enjoy the smell of a natural and healthy clean.
9. Seal your bedding with a mattress and pillow covers – especially if you use memory foam. Conventional mattresses are filled with synthetic materials, most containing polyurethane foam. Polyurethane foam, a carcinogen constantly breaks down and off-gasses. Organic latex mattresses are the best choice
10. Most candles are made with petroleum-derived paraffin and their scented varieties produce an excess of soot. Choose beeswax and soy candles scented with essential oils for a clean burn and enjoy the natural antimicrobial, air cleaning benefits of the oils.
Bonus Action: Keep the conversation going! Share this information with your loved ones. The more we know the more we can protect ourselves. Remember that it’s the tiny changes that make big differences. Be well.
