The average home contains up to 1000 different chemicals, many of which you are unable to see, smell or taste. Everyone’s tolerance level is different depending on genetics, nutritional status and previous contact with the chemicals; however, problems can arise when large doses or different combinations of chemicals occur within the home or workplace. The majority of people spend more than 90% of their time indoors: at home, at school or at work. For this reason, the quality of indoor air is a huge health issue.
Indoor air is typically two to five times more polluted than outdoor air, therefore, ventilation is crucial, so you’re not breathing the same stale air all day and/or all night.
Wall-to-wall carpets out-gas chemicals into tightly-insulated homes. They can also trap dirt, fleas, dust and house dust mites — also lead. Hard floor surfaces (such as hardwood floors, cork or bamboo flooring, or ceramic tiles) are easier to keep clean and do not give off toxic chemicals. Avoid furniture made of chipboard or particle board because these products give off formaldehyde vapours from the glues they contain.
When painting, use water-based paints that emit less chemicals — such as Breathe Easy Paints. Open all windows and doors to ventilate while painting, and don’t sleep in a freshly painted room for at least a few nights — especially babies and young children.
Replacing personal skincare products with fragrance-free alternatives reduces the chemicals in the air you breathe, and the chemicals you absorb through your skin. Deodorants, cosmetics, aftershave, hair products, nail polish and perfumes are often loaded with toxic chemicals.
Whenever you need to clean anything, think no further than white vinegar and bicarb soda. Discover the incredible cleaning power and grim-busting power of combining these two products. The acidic vinegar and alkali bicarb give a fizzy reaction that’s great for lifting dirt and grime — and vinegar also works wonders against unpleasant strong smells. As the vinegar evaporates (which it does, very quickly) away goes any unpleasant smell.
White vinegar is definitely my favourite cleaning product.