How Healthy are Our Homes

Last Updated on September 12, 2019

We all spend half of our lives inside our homes without realizing there is a link between our homes and our health. Our homes can make us feel safe but they can also make us sick. We spend nearly 80% of our time indoors, whether it is home or office, This World Interiors Day, we help you understand the hidden dangers within the four walls of your home. There are many dangers around our home, though we seldom know what they are.

How Healthy are Our Homes

So, let’s look at this list is common household items that truly put you and your health at risk.

Nonstick cookware

As Indians, we love to cook, and the use of nonstick cookware has proliferated over the years, thanks to its easy availability and attractive price points, in addition to its ability to cook food with less oil. But are these utensils are safe? If you use your nonstick pots and pans on a daily basis, they are likely to scratch and break at some point releasing toxic gases in your home.

Air freshness

Over the past decade, the humble incense sticks have been replaced with air freshener that promises odor removal without the smoke. However scientific studies have shown that many common household air fresheners contain chemicals that jay potentially harmful. Toxins found in the are fresheners can accumulate in the body over time. It’s advisable to minimize the use of air fresheners.

Household cleaning supplies

Chemicals used in cleaning supplies bleach and disinfect to make our dishes, bathtubs, etc. germ-free, but many of them also lead to indoor air pollution. Fragrance added to many cleaners, most notably laundry detergents and fabric softeners may cause acute effects such as respiratory irritation,  headache, sneezing and watery eyes in the sensitive individuals or in allergy and asthma sufferers.

Carpets curtains and mattresses

The thing that is not cleaned daily -carpets, curtains, and mattresses – absorb a lot of allergens dust and bacteria. They also tend to attract dust that is difficult to get rid of even with vacuum cleaners. They are also potential sources of Formaldehyde which can lead to a sore throat, itching and may also cause Leukemia. Also, your new carpet or cabinet may be poisoning you with some chemicals like benzene ethylene glycol, or formaldehyde.

Flooring

Choosing nontoxic flooring for your home might Sound Kiel simple task, but unfortunately, many of the flooring options available contain harmful chemicals. There have also been concerns with regards to formaldehyde poisoning by vinyl and laminate wood flooring.

Walls

While floor cleaning is a daily routine in most homes the routine in the most homes the walls remained ignored barring a monthly mopping. However, this frequency might not be enough, as walls tend to assimilate germs and bacteria that over time out one’s family health at risk. Some of the bacteria get activated depending upon weather conditions.

Being mindful of the choice of materials we use in our homes can make a huge difference to the quality of indoor health. The most ubiquitous items that we use every day can triggers for many health disorders, being aware of these will help us make better choices for our homes.
Here are a few things you can replace in your house in order to reduce your exposure to harmful materials

1. Wood is good

Using natural hardwood is not only a healthier alternative for home furniture for home but also something that retains finish better and extends the durability of the furniture

2. Homemade cleaners

A quick way to replace floor cleaners with harmful chemicals is to make one at home. Floor cleaners made with vinegar and hand soaps are a great replacement for these.

3. Cook in clay

Earthen cookware the choice of older generations in the kitchen is making a comeback in 2018. These are not only made from natural clay, but are also terrific when it comes to retaining the nutritional quality of the one’s food, and do not emit harmful chemicals upon continuous exposure to heat.

4. Go natural for floors.

Natural stones are one of the most heat efficient material that can be used for flooring – they act as a naturally cool surface during summer, and also gain a lovely sheen with each passing year.

5. Cuddle up in cotton

It is time to embrace cotton for your pillows and blankets instead of potentially hazardous materials like polyester and memory foam. Cotton is easily available in the markets thanks to it being locally produced on a large scale in India.