5 Tips to Create a Healthier Home and Office

Health & Wellbeing

Did you know that the air inside your home can be more harmful than the air outside?

According to the EPA, the levels of indoor air pollutants are often 2 to 5 times higher than outdoor levels, sometimes exceeding 100 times. Unless you have severe allergies or sensitivities, you may not be aware of all the chemicals that surround you in your home or or office.

My 5 tips to creating a healthier home and office… 

1. BE AWARE OF VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS (VOCS) These are chemicals that escape as gases into the surrounding air, like benzene and formaldehyde, which are listed as human carcinogens by the National Toxicology Program. VOCs can be emitted from paints, glues, finishes and products within the home such as carpet and furniture that have been treated with flame retardant. Inhaling VOCs can cause nausea and breathing difficulty, and they can also irritate the eyes, nose and throat and cause damage to the central nervous system and other organs. To help protect yourself and your family, look for “low VOC” on paint and building supply product labels.
2. INDOOR PLANTS  Plants such as Spider Plants, Snake Plants (aka Mother In-laws Tongue), Dracena and Aloe Vera can help your indoor air quality by removing unpleasant odours along with carbon monoxide, as well as filtering out VOCs and airborne toxins like formaldehyde and benzene. Plants also add a nice touch of ‘natural’ to your home and help to sustain oxygen levels.
3. LET THE FRESH AIR IN Modern homes have become so airtight in order to be more energy efficient that they just can’t breathe. This means that condensation and moisture builds up creating mould. Airborne toxins and fumes cannot escape.  So open windows and doors to let the fresh air in where possible and be sure to use exhaust fans in wet areas and when cooking to help remove moisture and cooking fumes. This will help to improve your indoor air quality and you and your loved ones will be able to breathe easier.
4. USE HIMALAYAN SALT LAMPS By releasing negative Himalayan Salt Lamps can help to balance electromagnetic radiation, which has been linked to the rise in certain chronic health problems. For example, chronic fatigue syndrome, high levels of stress and reduced immune system function. It’s a good idea to place them near large electronic devices like desktop computers, televisions and stereos. They can also help to cleanse, deodorize and purify the air. Apart from this, they create a nice ambiance, which could help to create a relaxing atmosphere that helps you unwind.
5. KEEP IT CLEAN Finally; clean your home with non-toxic, environmentally friendly products. They are better for your health and the health of your family, and a better, cleaner option for the environment. Cleaning with high quality microfibre and water or enzyme based cleaning products is safer, effective and sustainable. Typical cleaning products are among the most toxic items in the home. Did you know the average household contains about 62 toxic chemicals?

If you are ready to learn more about reducing harmful chemicals and waste that challenge the health of your family and the health of our environment, you can contact me for assistance.