If the Green movement has taught us anything, it has taught
us that chemicals make us sick. It’s very obvious that the billowing clouds of
smoke from the coal burning plant are bad for your lungs. The pollutants in your
home may not be so obvious. There are many chemical toxins lurking in our homes
that are impacting the air we breathe. It is important to understand where
those chemical pollutants come from and how to heal the damage.

According to the EPA, indoor pollution sources that release
gases or particles into the air are the primary cause of indoor air quality
(IAQ) problems in homes. This could be anything from hair spray to air
freshener, even the propellant disinfectant sprays that are supposed to kill
the odor causing germs in our homes. These products may seem safe or seem to
provide a solution when they actually release propane, butane, or other
combustible propellants into the air. These small particulates can stay
suspended for hours, days, or weeks depending on the air flow.

Building materials and furnishings are a significant source
of indoor air problems as well. These products may have been soaked in
repellants, pesticides, or other chemicals during the manufacturing process.
Carpets, cabinetry, wood, and upholstery can all contribute to indoor air
quality problems by off-gassing, or releasing fumes, into your home. The result
is more harmful VOCs (volatile organic compounds) in your air.

When we breathe contaminated air, effects may show up immediately.
In other people it may require repeated exposures for symptoms to develop. The
symptoms of exposure to harmful VOCs include irritation of the eyes, nose, and
throat, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. For most people, symptoms subside
once the causative agent (the source of the pollution) is removed. Long term
effects like asthma, respiratory infections, bronchitis, pneumonia, sleep
apnea, and multiple chemical sensitivity are all possible. Age and other health
factors contribute to your risk of developing a long term illness due to
exposure to poor indoor air quality. If you are concerned about exposure to
VOCs, consult your health care provider.

Fortunately, it is easy to reduce the number of new chemical
pollutants you bring into your home, and there are even a few ways to remove
what’s currently there.

Top 10 Home Detox
Tips for Cleaner Indoor Air

10. Take off your
shoes. Ask your guests to remove their shoes as well. We can track in
things a lot more dangerous than mud. This is especially important if you have
children or pets that play or crawl on your floors.

9. Grow some fresh
air. Keep leafy house plants. Plants naturally absorb carbon dioxide and
provide fresh oxygen. Growing healthy, organic plants is like growing fresh
air.

8. Ditch the
Dry-cleaner. If you must dry clean, air out dry cleaned clothing before you
put it in your home. The chemicals used in the dry clean process are very
toxic. If you must have an item dry cleaned, remove the plastic and hang it
outside to let the residues dissipate.

7. Avoid Ammonia.
Commonly found in conventional window cleaners, this chemical can irritate the
lungs, eyes, and mucus membranes. Ammonia adds nitrogen to the environment
often resulting in disruptions to the ecosystem. Check out alternative Green
products at the Farmer’s Almanac store.

6. Eliminate soft
surfaces. Soft surfaces such as curtains, carpets, rugs, artifical flowers,
and throw pillows can hold harmful chemicals or residues in their fibers. A
hard surface replacement is easy to clean. Drapes and curtains can hold in or
emit dust and toxins. Replace them with blinds that can be wiped down. Replace
carpets with sustainable bamboo flooring or a high quality linoleum that does
not leach petroleum compounds.

5. Beware of aerosol
sprays. Each pump can fill your home with propellants made of volatile
hydrocarbons, typically propane, n-butane and isobutane, all flammable
petrochemicals. There are plenty of natural alternatives to freshen your home

4. Don’t dry dust.
Use a damp cloth to lock in the dust. Dust particles can bind to toxins and sit
in your home. A cloth sprayed with an enzyme-based cleaner works great to
deodorize and decontaminate.

3. Do away with air
fresheners. These petroleum based fragrances continuously release chemicals
into your home. Open a window or try an enzyme-based deodorizer to safely
remove pet, smoke, and kitchen odors.

2. Get rid of toxic
chemicals. Pesticides, solvents, chlorines, and petrochemicals have
dangerous consequences. Chlorine is number one cause of chemical poisonings.
Check with your local waste management to dispose of these properly.

1. Use only the
highest quality green cleaning products. Read the labels carefully to make
sure the product is actually green and safe. Fragrances and dyes are often made
from petroleum, so “free and clear” products are best. Some products contain
essential oils to add a pleasant scent and power. Since these oils are
minimally processed, people with plant or pollen allergies should be careful.
Used properly, green cleaners can help rid your home of dangerous residues and
everyday soils.

Share