House

We often hear about outdoor air pollution is bad for our health, but what about the quality of the air inside our homes? It gets overlooked by the air we breathe indoors is just as important as what we breathe outside, and it can also be just as toxic.

The toxic home syndrome is the concept that the air in our homes can make us ill and it occurs when individuals are exposed to a blend of airborne pollutants, from mold and bacteria to dust mites and more. It can arise from poor ventilation and can lead to respiratory and skin diseases, as well as dizziness, fatigue, headaches and even more serious conditions such as cardiovascular diseases and lung cancer. The good news is that there are ways that you can avoid toxic home syndrome from making you ill, by following a few simple steps.

Clean the Air

Having adequate ventilation in your home is the number one step to keeping your home pollution-free, as it helps to remove the pollutants but also removes moisture that can build up and develop into mold and condensation. Take time each morning to open all of the windows in your home, even if it’s just for ten minutes, to let fresh air into your home. You can also install an air conditioning unit to help increase the outdoor ventilation rate and filter dust out of the air with a 30x30x1 filter. It’s not just ventilation you need to think about though. All sorts of products around the home can be potentially dangerous pollutants, from cleaning supplies to candles, so these should also be removed and switched out for less toxic alternatives.

Replace Carpets and Rugs

Carpets are notoriously difficult to clean properly, and they can harbor dirt, dust mites, fungus and pet dander, among other potentially harmful particles that can irritate the lungs. If possible, consider switching out the carpet in your home for laminate or wooden flooring as this is easier to keep clean. However, if this is not an option, you should consider investing in a high-quality vacuum cleaner that will provide a more thorough clean and remove shoes at the front door so as not to bring dirt and fungal spores inside.

Switch to Green Cleaning Supplies

You may think that cleaning supplies are better for your home but actually, the products you’re using could be contributing to the build-up of toxic chemicals in the air. They can release formaldehyde when they come into contact with the air, which can be damaging to your health and even lead to cancer. Using eco cleaning products are not just better for the environment on the whole but also for your own home, as they have fewer toxins and pollutants in them. Also, most professional home cleaning services already use eco products. Lastly, don’t forget to get some tools for duct cleaning for your house.

Wash Your Shower Curtain

Shower curtains are a breeding ground for mold and bacteria and it can quickly develop, as it is an area of the home that gets used on a daily basis. Once those mold spores have grown, they are released into the air along with toxins, which are then breathed in by you and your family. This can make problems such as asthma and eczema worse. Make sure to wash your shower curtain on a regular basis to minimize the risk of breathing in mold.