3 Toxic Dangers in Your Home-Mold, Radon, & Scented Products

Today my friends, I would like to talk about our homes and some health dangers that you need to be aware of. When we think of home we usually think of a soft place to land, a place of comfort, safety, where we can escape the stresses and demands of the fast paced world we live in.  What we are not aware of it is — potentially threatening dangers of toxins in our home and our environment. Lets learn about these and how to go green and organic for our health!

What we can do to make sure your family is safe!

3 Toxins that could be lurking in our home:

1. Molds:

Molds in our great outdoors molds play an essential part in nature and they are part of our natural environment by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees, but when they come inside that is a different story.

Some important facts:

• They produce irritants, allergens, and potentially toxic substances known as myotoxins.
• Molds can cause some serious health issues and according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI) molds are one of the most common allergens.
• Molds can lead to allergic reactions, asthma attacks, skin rashes, fatigue, nausea, respiratory irritation, and lung inflammation.
•  Reactions are common in sensitive people but there are still many cases of reactions in non-allergic individuals.
•  Research is still being ongoing on mold and health problems and other potential effects to our home environment and bodies.
• Mold spores are in the air and are floating around in-house dust so they are impossible to get rid of completely, but there are solutions!

Solution:   

• Moisture is required for mold to grow and by controlling the moisture indoors will help to eliminate the growth of mold. If you have mold you need to clean it up and then take care of the moisture problems or else the mold will most likely return.
• The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides guidelines for taking care of the situation yourself and you can find this at www.epa.gov/mold/mold_remediation.html .
• If you choose to hire a professional to clean up your mold the EPA recommends that you check references and confirm that they follow standard government guidelines.

• More important suggestion is to have a good quality air-cleaner and a dehumidifier if needed. Keep your rooms well ventilated!

2. Radon: — What is it?

• This is a tasteless and odorless radioactive gas that normally seeps into our homes through cracks in the foundation and accumulates in lower level flooring, especially basements.

 Facts you need to know:

• It is usually worse if you do not have good ventilation.

• It is a naturally occurring element in soil which is produced by the decay of radium.

• Radon is responsible for more than 20,000 lung cancer deaths every year and is the second leading cause for lung cancer.

• The Natural Resources Defense Council’s (NRDC) classified it as one of the top 5 most dangerous household contaminants.

What you can do: You can test your home for Radon yourself by using a EPA-approved kit that is available in most hardware stores for about $35.00. If you find that your levels are high you should hire a professional to design and install a radon mitigation system.

3. Air freshener & Scented Laundry Products:

• According to the a recent study by the University of Washington the scents in laundry supplies are hiding potentially toxic chemicals.

• According to Anne Steinemann, a UW professor of civil and environmental engineering and public affairs “I was surprised by both the number and the potential toxicity of the chemicals that were found,” Steinemann said. Chemicals included acetone, the active ingredient in paint thinner and nail-polish remover; limonene, a molecule with a citrus scent; as well as acetaldehyde, chloromethane and 1,4-dioxane.

•  “Nearly 100 volatile organic compounds were emitted from these six products, and none were listed on any product label. Plus, five of the six products emitted one or more carcinogenic ‘hazardous air pollutants,’ which are considered by the Environmental Protection Agency to have no safe exposure level,” Steinemann said.

• Disabled World – Study of laundry products and air fresheners found the products emitted dozens of different chemicals regulated as toxic or hazardous under federal laws

• The makers of these products are not required by law to list chemicals used to make fragrances, so you are not aware of the toxic chemicals since they are not listed on the labels.

What you can do:

• Buy  Green labeled  or Eco-Friendly laundry product

• Use natural scents like fresh lemons to clean with

• Use organic essential oils to add a delightful scent to your home. They have wonderful fragrances and are safe from save your family from exposure to these potentially dangerous chemicals!

• Do a home inspection with the help of a professional that can help guide you and make sure your home is safe from toxic chemicals, radon, or any other dangers that could cause harm to you or your family!

Don’t you owe it to your family to keep them safe and healthy?!! We are surrounded by toxic chemicals everyday – some we can’t avoid, but in our home we can change what products we use.

Please keep your Family Safe from these harmful toxins and dangers!

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About the author

Marla

Hi! Thanks for visiting my blog! I believe in living green, organically, and natural in every aspect of our lives. My mission is to help educate you on how to live green, help save our environment and to help you and your family live a happier, healthier life!