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As the world continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, people should see this as an opportune time to create a healthier home environment. While germs and viruses pose a significant threat to your family’s health, you still need to be aware of toxic substances that exist in your home without you knowing.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, toxic materials and indoor pollutants can harm vulnerable groups like the elderly, young children, and people who have pre-existing respiratory conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Lengthy exposure to these substances can lead to more serious diseases among these groups.
It’s a good time to think about health and well-being in the long term, so here are a few tips to consider to create a home that’s truly safe to breathe in.
1. Prevent indoor smoking
We all know how harmful smoking is to the body. Now, imagine being exposed to tobacco in an enclosed space such as the bedroom and bathroom. You wouldn’t want to expose your kids to nicotine, formaldehyde and other chemicals that comprise secondhand smoke, so the first thing you will want to do is to enforce a strict no smoking policy. If you or anyone else at home smokes, you might want to designate smoking areas outside. Then again, it’s still best to quit smoking altogether. After all, the journey to a toxic-free home starts in you.
2. Conduct a VOC inspection
Like it or not, you are exposed to toxic chemicals indoors even if you lead a healthy lifestyle. The reason for this is that most homes are made from materials containing volatile organic compounds or VOCs such as radon, xylene, and methylene chloride. The worst part is that you can’t even see these chemicals wherever you go, so learning about your risks for mesothelioma and lung cancer even in public places is very important. In the meantime, you might want to have your home checked for traces of these chemicals, so consider hiring a certified VOC inspector to check the indoor air quality of your home.
3. Check your aerosol products
Hairsprays, pesticides and even disinfectant sprays contain large amounts of formaldehyde and other harmful chemicals. In fact, many aerosol products comprise a large chunk of indoor pollutants you unknowingly put in your shopping cart. It helps to be extra cautious when it comes to buying cleaning materials, beauty products, and household utilities that may do more harm than good. Take time to read the labels or, better yet, seek out organic alternatives.
4. Keep your home clean and the indoor air fresh
The buildup of toxic mold can cause frequent asthma attacks and allergic rhinitis, so you might as well give your home a deep cleaning and disinfect hard-to-reach areas. You should also invest in an air purifier, clean out your air filters, and ensure that your home is properly ventilated.
There is a lot more you can do to create a healthier home environment, but getting started with the tips above should get the ball rolling.
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