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RISING WOMEN EXPERT
ADVICE...
I am concerned about toxins in my home, particularly for my
children’s sake. What can I do to create a healthier environment?
Considering that we spend 90 percent of our time indoors, it is worth
paying close attention to factors contributing to a toxic home environment.
Obvious offenders are dust, mold and smoke, but there are many unassuming
sources. Synthetic carpet is made from petrochemicals, treated with chemical
stain protectors and glued down with noxious adhesives. Chemical finishes
are added to home décor fabrics to make them resistant to wrinkles, water,
dirt or fire, but may emit toxic and irritating volatile chemicals (VOCs)
such as formaldehyde. Paint is another major source of VOCs. Furniture and
cabinetry made of MDF or particleboard out-gas toxins.
Exposure has been linked to a variety of health problems, from headaches and
dizziness, to respiratory ailments, to liver damage and cancer. Children are
especially vulnerable to these toxins, as they take in higher
concentrations, relative to their body size. It is extremely important that
we reduce and control our exposure to toxins in our home, the one place that
should always be our sanctuary.
We can begin the process of creating a healthy home simply by making
thoughtful choices. Choose natural, sustainable, biodegradable, recycled, or
organic products whenever possible. Wool, hemp, sisal or jute are good
natural and durable choices for area rugs or carpet. Several paint companies
now offer low- or zero-VOC paints. Solid wood furniture will last
generations, and is a healthier and higher-quality choice than veneered
particleboard. Choose soft furnishings and window coverings made from
natural fibers, grown without pesticides or treated with chemical dyes or
finishes. Hemp and hemp blend fabrics are both beautiful and resilient.
Start improving your home environment immediately by adding live house
plants. Certain varieties, such as English Ivy, Aloe Vera, Golden Pothos,
Ficus and Spider plants remove some of the greatest toxins in our homes:
formaldehyde, benzene, carbon monoxide. Besides adding a natural, earthy
look to your home, these green helpers will more than earn their keep by
helping to purify the air.
Remember that by making “green” choices, you are not sacrificing beauty, but
rather creating it. Healthy, natural options lend an earthy serenity to the
décor and encourage physical, mental and spiritual wellness.
By Vicky Blaine of Inner Space Home Styling. |
