How to Detoxify Your Home Safely

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air is 2 to 5 times more toxic than outdoor air on average. 

This is largely due to toxic chemicals used in common household items like paint, synthetic carpeting, wood furnishings, raincoats, even wax candles. 

If left unaddressed, these dangerous environmental hazards can trigger a host of health problems for you and your family.

VOCs are an acronym for (“volatile organic compounds”) that vaporize and enter the atmosphere as they are used.  Think dry cleaning solvents, emissions from photocopiers, carpeting and wood furnishings treated with a polyurethane coating.

VOCs can have adverse health effects in both the short and long-term.  Short-term side effects range from eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, nausea and loss of motor coordination. Long-term effects include damage to liver, kidneys, and central nervous system.

Standard house paint contains dangerously high levels of VOCs because they were once considered essential to the quality of the paint. Ventilating the area when painting certainly helps in the short-term, but off-gassing of VOCs can continue for years after the paint has dried.

Fortunately, the growing interest in environmentally friendly living has spawned a growing selection of low and no-VOC paints and paints based on ingredients found in nature.

Paint Alternatives: If you’re thinking about adding a fresh coat of a favorite color or just a few touch ups here and there, choose paints made out of plants, natural minerals such as clay, chalk and talcum; milk casein, bees’ wax, earth and mineral dyes none of contain any VOCs.

Water-based (latex) paints which tend to emit less chemicals and vapors than oil-based brands.  Latex paints use water as their solvent and carrier, allowing both easier cleanup and generally lower toxicity than oil-based paints.

Really "green" paint

Nowadays, latex paints are equal or better in quality and durability than conventional oil-based formulas.  Many stains and clear finishes for floors and cabinets are also commonly available.

Whether you choose a zero or low VOC option, look for the Green Seal certification on the label.

For more low or no-VOC paint info go to: http://www.eartheasy.com/live_nontoxic_paints.htm

The padding and adhesives used to lay down carpeting can be another source of VOC off-gassing in your home. 

Flame retardants PBDEs (“polybrominated diphenyl ethers”) also emit noxious fumes causing nausea, inflammation of the eyes, nose and throat, headaches and trouble concentrating.

Carpeting Alternatives: Vacuum often with a HEPA filter to reduce PBDE-carrying dust.  Choose area rugs that can do without padding or adhesive or if you must use, let them air out a few days before bringing them inside.

carpet raincoat

Another group toxins found in the home is PFCs (“per-fluoro-chemicals”).  PFCs are a family of chemical substances that keep food from sticking to pots and pans, repels stains on furniture and rugs, and makes the rain roll off raincoats.

Brand names like Teflon, Scotchgard, Stainmaster and Gore-Tex have become synonymous with conveniences of 21st century living. 

Long term exposure to these carcinogens has caused liver, pancreatic, testicular, and mammary gland tumors in laboratory animals.

PFOA and PFOS are two highly toxic members of the PFC family.  Formaldehyde glue used in pressed wood products like plywood and particle board pose similar health threats.

Furniture Alternatives:  If you have chemically treated furniture, know that off-gassing diminishes over time so anything over 5 years old should cause little concern.

If buying new, choose natural materials like bamboo or natural hardwoods.  Buying direct from the manufacturer will allow you to “opt-out” of chemical treatments.  Using water-based, low VOC finishes will cut down on VOC emission significantly.

PVC (“poly-vinyl chloride”) has garnered a lot of controversy lately due to its presence in reusable plastic water bottles (i.e., Nagalene).  Plastic window blinds and shower curtains also contain PVC.

Tongue twisters like Phthalates (“pff-THAL-ates”) and organotins (“orr-GANO-tins”) make these items virtually indestructible while also causing breathing difficulties, shortened pregnancy terms and sperm damage. 

Recent research shows that the heat and moisture generated by showering increases the release of airborne toxins from your shower curtain.

Plastic Alternatives:  Sliding glass doors, fabric shower curtains or 100% PVC free plastic shower curtains make excellent replacements.  Natural materials like untreated wood, organic cotton and bamboo are worthy window blind substitutes.

A well placed, lit candle adds great ambiance to any home décor.  However, candle selection should be based on more than scent and packaging. 

Candles made from paraffin wax (a petroleum by-product) produces a lung damaging soot containing benzene, a known carcinogen.  Wicks made of lead have been outlawed in the US since 2003, but candles imported from abroad are still testing positive for lead wicks.

Candle Alternatives: When checking the ingredient label carefully, go for soy or beeswax candles with cotton wicks. 

Soy candles are said to burn thirty to fifty percent longer than a conventional paraffin candles, making them a good value, despite the fact of their slightly higher price.

Natural Light

Detoxifying your home won’t happen overnight.  Basically, the goal is to start with small changes here and there.  Maybe repaint a room with low or now VOC paint. 

When your present shower curtain gets too grubby to look, spend a little more for a PVC-free, fabric curtain in your favorite color.  It’ll spruce up the bathroom and soon do wonders for your health.

To feeling better,

Jay  Greene