8 WAYS TO REDUCE YOUR EXPOSURE TO TOXINS IN THE HOME

March 19, 2018 by Renee Tavoularis

Are you committed to leading a safe, non-toxic lifestyle? If so, your home deserves closer scrutiny for toxins that may be present. 

Thousands of the harmful chemicals available on the market today are inside our very own homes. Many of these synthetic chemicals include cancer-causing carcinogens, allergens, and hormone disruptors. To reduce your in-home exposure to toxins and boost the health and wellness of your entire family, follow these eight strategies.

1. CHOOSE ORGANIC FOODS.

More and more families are now electing to fill their dinner tables with safer, more nutrient-dense organic foods. According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), opt for organic choices for those produce items on the yearly “Dirty Dozen” list; items on the “Clean 15” list are generally safe to buy conventionally. In addition to buying certain produce organic, EWG also recommends limiting your family’s exposure to growth hormones and antibiotics. Do this by selecting organic products for meat and dairy products.

2. CHOOSE NON-TOXIC PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS.

Everyday personal care products, such as deodorant, lotions, and soaps, may all contain synthetic chemicals that jeopardize health. Become a smart buyer of personal care products by carefully reading the ingredients list. Avoid ingredients ending in “paraben” or containing sulfates, dioxin, PEG compounds, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances. See “Top Toxins to Avoid” for more information.

3. CLEAN WITH ECO-FRIENDLY HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS.

Toxic cleaning products have been linked to allergies, asthma, and cancer as well as reproductive and developmental toxicity. Make safer choices by skipping products that contain ingredients like formaldehyde, benzene, chlorine bleach, PCBs, and phthalates. Choose greener cleaners by checking out the EWG’s list of healthier and safer household products.

4. LIMIT USE OF PLASTIC CONTAINERS.

Plastic containers can expose you and your family to BPA (bisphenol A), which is associated with a variety of health and developmental concerns. Try to use glass or ceramic containers, particularly for infant bottles. When you must use plastic, stay away from the clear, hard plastics marked with #7 or “PC” for “polycarbonate.” Plastics marked with #1, 2, 4, or 5 are BPA-free and generally safer.  

5. USE A WATER FILTER.

Many people turn to bottled water because they hear about the harmful pollutants in tap water. Bottled water isn’t necessarily safer, though. Chemicals from the plastic bottle can actually contaminate the water. Instead, find out the contaminants for tap water in your area. Then, purchase a reverse osmosis system or a carbon filter to purify and drink your tap water. Store your water in reusable stainless steel or BPA-free bottles.

6. PURCHASE A HEPA-FILTRATION VACUUM.

Researchers have found a wide variety of endocrine-disrupting compounds in household dust. Regular vacuums merely pull up this toxic dust and recirculate it back into your home. Effectively remove toxic dust by using a vacuum with a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter. Such vacuums can efficiently trap small particles and remove contaminants and allergens from your home.

7. PRACTICE REGULAR HAND-WASHING.

Hand-washing is a proven way to kill germs. It also reduces your exposure to toxins that could be transferred to your mouth from your hands. However, not all soaps are non-toxic. Some soaps contain toxic ingredients like triclosan, triclocarbon, and fragrances. Review the ingredients list before you buy to avoid purchasing soaps with these harmful ingredients.

8. REMOVE SHOES WHEN INSIDE THE HOME.

Shoes are the most common vehicles that track toxic outdoor pollutants indoors. You can drastically reduce the amount of outside toxins that get inside your home by taking off your shoes and leaving them at the door.
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