You’ve probably heard about the movement to reduce toxic chemicals that surround us in everyday life. But what does that mean and what does it look like to an ordinary person? You don’t need to turn your life upside down in order to live healthier. Here’s our guide to detox your home effectively and safely.
Improve Indoor Air Quality
Start by giving your lungs a break by detoxing your indoor air.
Let The Fresh Air In
The simplest method for detoxing your indoor air is simply letting in fresh air from outside. You will want to check a few things first before throwing all the windows open. First check AirNow.gov so that you don’t accidentally turn outdoor air pollution into indoor air pollution. Unfortunately in many areas there are times where the air outdoors is worse than the air indoors. If the air quality is good next check the temperature to make sure you aren’t about to let all of your heated/cooled air out (thus wasting energy).
Limit Toxic Chemicals
One way to keep toxic chemicals out of your home’s air is to be more aware of what you are bringing inside in the first place. People are paying more attention to indoor air quality, so much that there are now certified indoor air quality testing programs to protect indoor air quality. These programs range from testing products to training professionals. You can look for products that have the GREENGUARD Gold certified which means they emit a very low amount of VOCs as well as other stringent test requirements. When choosing new carpets look for Green Label Plus certified products. When it comes to cleaning up you may be shocked at how well natural cleaning products such as vinegar or baking soda work for lightweight cleaning tasks. There’s no need to introduce harsh chemicals into the air when there are equally effective solutions.
Clear The Air
One of the easiest ways to improve indoor air quality is with a high-quality air purifier. Your home HVAC system filter is focused on protecting the HVAC equipment, not your lungs. A dedicated air purifier can work unobtrusively 24/7 for constant air circulation so your air is constantly refreshed. But you want to make sure you pick the right air purifier. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is mostly known for their work with automotive emissions, but it also has an area devoted to indoor air quality. The Intellipure Compact is CARB-certified meaning it meets strict requirements for electrical safety, and ozone emissions. Its proprietary DFS technology removes up to 99.97% of allergens, mold, and viruses plus the 6-stage VOC adsorption filter removes harmful gases and odors.
Stop The Cycle
An air purifier isn’t the only way to protect your indoor air quality. When shopping for a vacuum choose one with a HEPA filter. Sucking nasty particles out of the carpet doesn’t help your breathing if they are just blasted back into the air. Some vacuums have a HEPA rated bag, while other bagless vacuums use a separate HEPA media filter. The most important factor when choosing a HEPA vacuum is to make sure it has a sealed system to prevent any dirty air from leaking out.
Not Every Fragrance Is Sweet
When you think of “fragrance” most people picture flowers or perfume. But there are a lot of products that contain fragrances that aren’t so sweet. Unfortunately what makes those smells are VOCs (volatile organic compounds) usually derived from chemicals listed only on the ingredient labels. A cleaning spray that smells like lemon might actually be derived from a toxic blend of chemicals. Don’t be misled by marketing claims that a product is environmentally safe (known as greenwashing) when the ingredient list says otherwise. It’s always a good idea to read the ingredients label to prevent any accidental allergic reactions.
There are also airborne chemical sources that most people don’t know about. That non-stick surface on your frying pan? It’s likely made from a polymer called polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) that coats the pan. When PTFE is overheated it can release harmful fumes leading to a health condition known as “Teflon flu” that comes with cold-like symptoms. Substances like Teflon, flame retardants, water-resistant coatings, and stain-resistant coatings are all examples of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are also called forever chemicals. PFAS are among the toxic pollutants that can cause a long list of health issues. They can even act as hormone disruptors leading to increased infertility rates. Later on we’ll talk about how to avoid these chemicals in the kitchen.
Bust The Dust
Furniture dusting isn’t usually on the top of people’s list of chores they enjoy, but dust removal does have health benefits. Household dust isn’t made up of one thing, but many tiny particles. The most common dust particles include:
- Dead skin cells
- Cloth fibers
- Pet dander
- Pet hair
- Pollen
- Dirt
- Insect waste (including from dust mites)
- Soot
It is easy to see that dust control is also a form of allergen control. But you don’t have to break out the feather duster to reduce the amount of dust in your home. Maintaining regular cleaning schedules (including vacuuming routines) for areas of your home can help make the cleaning task less daunting. Keep a few microfiber cloths around to help wipe down surfaces whenever you notice dust building up. When cleaning make sure to gently vacuum things like window treatments (curtains, blinds) that can collect dust over time.
Removing dust from the air means less dust on surfaces. Most home ventilation systems have filters that are designed to protect the HVAC equipment itself, not the lungs of the occupants. While some recommend swapping out the normal HVAC filters with HEPA filters, doing so may cause problems as the system isn’t designed for the added filter air restriction. One solution is to use several portable air purifiers around the home. The Intellipure Compact removes up to 99%+ of airborne dust, pollen, mold spores, bacteria and viruses from the air with better than HEPA efficiency.
Being proactive can also help reduce dust. Leaving your shoes at the door to prevent tracking dirt inside is one way to keep dust at bay. Whenever you are working on a project that might kick dust into the air use plastic sheeting as dust barriers to keep airborne particles from spreading. Regularly bath and groom pets to keep loose hair and dander to a minimum. Amazingly, there are certain houseplants that act as dust collectors while also removing pollution from the air. Plus plants are a great way to remove carbon dioxide while adding oxygen to a room.
Cut The Chemicals
It should come as no surprise that in order to detoxify your home you need to remove toxic chemicals and switch to green options wherever possible.
Parabens are chemical compounds often used in beauty products and also used as a food preservative. People are becoming more aware of what goes on and in their body, which is why paraben-free products are starting to hit the market. We are also now starting to understand the impacts that phthalates can have on the body. Phthalates are often found in beauty products, plastic food packaging, flexible plastic toys, vinyl flooring, PVC pipes and more. Phthalate exposure has been linked to a variety of health issues like fertility, child development, heart disease, and more. Much like how lead was in widespread use for centuries until the health effects were known, many of these chemicals are now being recognized as being harmful.
Beware Of Forever Chemicals
The name “forever chemicals” refers to a group of synthetic chemicals that can linger in the body and environment for a very long time. You may be surprised where forever chemicals can lurk. For example: water resistant clothing and textiles may be treated with forever chemicals (PFAS). They are used in a wide number of products you can find around the house. You may find PFAS
- Waterproof fabrics
- Non-stick cooking pans
- Stain-resistant fabrics
- Food wrappers
- Paint
- Sealant
- Cleaning products
- Shampoo
- Cosmetics
Unfortunately we don’t yet know all of the health effects of PFAS exposure, but the EPA lists some of the problems we do know about:
- Fertility issues
- Child development issues
- Cancer risk increase
- Weakened immune system
- Hormonal imbalance
- High cholesterol
Pay close attention to product labels to help reduce or limit your exposure to chemicals including PFAS.
Shifting Away From Harmful Chemicals
You don’t need to make a drastic shift from your household routine to move away from harmful chemicals. You can start simply by reading the product labels of things you use and replace them with better green options as time goes on. You may be surprised just how well the alternative products work versus their chemical laden cousins. Over time you will decrease your overall harmful chemical exposure without feeling like you’ve upended your whole household.
There’s More To Your Floor & Decor
Did you know that some of the most common sources of formaldehyde in a home are flooring and furniture? Indeed many household items are sources of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde.
Avoiding Furniture Chemicals
Look for solid wood construction over particle board or laminated wood which contain binding chemicals. If a piece claims to be flame resistant that may mean it contains polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDEs). Choose eco-friendly finishes and natural fibers when possible. Old-fashioned natural oil stains (like linseed or tung oil) and traditional carnauba or beeswax wax polish are great natural alternative finishes. Glass and metal furniture can also be good options as long as any finishes applied are low or no VOC rated.
Avoiding Flooring Chemicals
There seems to be a huge range of flooring options on the market now. Carpet, linoleum, wood flooring, (solid and engineered), luxury vinyl plank (LVP), cork flooring, bamboo flooring, tile, even polished concrete flooring are all found in homes now. Each has their own good and bad points as well as use cases. But most people don’t realize that flooring is a major source of off gassing chemicals (like VOCs). It is important to consider not just what kind of flooring you want, but also what is used to make that flooring. Look for products rated as low or no-VOC rated. Keep in mind that some flooring requires adhesive for installation which can also give off VOCs, so take into account the entire installation package.
There are actually natural linoleum options on the market rather than the more common PVC based linoleum. Natural linoleum uses ingredients like linseed oil, powdered wood, limestone, and pine resin to create a durable floor covering.
For a unique look consider refurbished wood flooring. Also called reclaimed flooring this is a form of recycling that minimizes impact to the environment. Refurbished wood often isn’t treated with the same cocktail of chemicals in use today (but not always, so check the wood origin). Reclaimed flooring may require re-milling, but the appearance when installed can be breathtaking.
Be A Chemical Savvy Interior Decorator
Interior decoration decisions now go beyond just picking colors and patterns. When shopping for new flooring or furniture keep an eye out for certifications such as Green Seal-11 and GREENGUARD Gold as well as Indoor Air Quality Certification. These certifications have stringent requirements for chemical emissions from products along with rigorous testing standards. By being more aware of what you are putting in your indoor environment you can be confident that you’ve made the right choices for not only your style but also your health.
Your Mattress May Be Working Against Your Health
Your bed should be your refuge, a place of quiet respite. But it may also be a source of harmful chemicals, which is concerning considering you likely spend several hours a day in close contact with your bed. The main culprit isn’t grandma’s vintage quilt, but the mattress itself. Mattresses come in all types today: inner spring, memory foam, latex,air or even hybrid combinations. They also come with a mixture of construction materials that may not be good for you.
Not Just Fluffy Stuff
Mattresses can contain all kinds of materials that you would not expect. For example, fiberglass is used in some mattresses as a fire barrier. Other fire-resistant chemicals and flame retardants such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), The outer mattress cover may contain polyurethane laminate as a waterproofing barrier. There is some discussion about using a vinyl cover to reduce exposure to VOCs, but the vinyl itself can also be a source of VOCs (like phthalates) so the idea is not really a solution.
Picking A Better Mattress
When mattress shopping looks for EWG Verified, GREENGUARD Gold or CertiPUR-US products. These certifications specify that mattress materials cannot use certain chemicals (like formaldehyde or phthalates) in their construction. Unfortunately many baby crib and children’s mattresses contain VOCs, flame retardants, PFAS, phthalates and more that are inhaled into tiny lungs. When choosing a child’s bedding is to stick with products certified by the previously mentioned groups (like EWG Verified).
Look for safer, natural ingredients or just mattresses with organic labels that have been USDA Organic certified. Materials such as plant-based latex, natural fibers, cotton, wool, hemp, or linen are all preferred for healthier mattress construction. You’ll sleep better knowing your bed is once again a safe space where you can breathe easy.
Ditch The Plastic
It’s hard to believe that plastic was once heralded as the ultimate material to make life better. While plastic does have its place, we also know that plastic (and its chemical components) can have harmful effects. You’ve probably heard about BPA (Bisphenol A) and BPS (Bisphenol S) which are both widely used in common plastic items. Lesser known though is DEHP (Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate), a plasticizer used to make things flexible. Unfortunately DEHP can also leech out of plastic items where it can be picked up by the body. Most kitchens have plastic wrap shoved in a drawer, but even it has been linked to endocrine disruptors. Don’t use that old roll of plastic wrap you found in the back of the pantry if it was made before 2006, as it may contain phthalates.
If you can’t avoid food in plastic you can try and pick the safest option. Did you know the recycling number on the package can give you a hint at how safe it is? Avoid plastic containers that have recycling number 3, 6 or 7 and look for numbers 2, 4 or 5 instead. While you should not heat food in any plastic container regardless of recycling number, these guidelines can help minimize potential chemical exposure.
When it comes to food your best choice is to ditch the plastic and use either glass containers, ceramic storage containers, or stainless steel containers. Just make sure they aren’t coated in any decorative VOC paints that might give off chemicals. Glass and steel containers are great because they don’t leech any chemicals into the food. It may take some time to move away from plastic food containers, but once you make the transition you’ll find it just as convenient. They are great for heating food (no metal in the microwave though) and storing leftovers.
Cooking Healthy Isn’t Just For Ingredients
When you think of cooking healthy your first thought usually goes to the ingredients. But healthy cooking also extends to the tools you use to cook the food. Pots, pans, even the appliance you use to cook on all play a part in releasing potentially harmful chemicals into your food and your home.
Cookware Materials Matter
Earlier we mentioned issues with nonstick cookware that uses a Teflon coating. When the Teflon coating is overheated or damaged the chemical can be released from the pan and into the air or food. In response manufacturers have made changes to coatings and moved away from using certain potentially harmful compounds. Be aware that some cooking pans may be listed as “PFOA free” but just use a different type of PFAS instead.
When choosing pots and pans materials such as carbon steel, stainless steel, anodized aluminum, cast iron and ceramic-coated cookware are all good options for those wanting to avoid PFCs. Look for cookware that is SGS certified if possible. When it comes to baking, heat-resistant glass is an excellent option. Not only is it non-toxic but it cooks evenly and is easy to clean.
How You Cook Matters
How you cook food can matter just as much as what you cook. While the favorite of many chefs, using a gas stove or oven releases nitrogen dioxide (NO2), PM2.5 fine particles, carbon monoxide (CO), and other harmful gases. If you do choose to use a gas stove, make sure to run the exhaust fan while cracking a window for proper ventilation. Also use a high-quality air purifier like the Intellipure Compact to capture any wayward PM2.5 particles.
Electric-based heating sources offer much cleaner options for cooking in the home. Especially popular now are induction cooktops, instant pressure cookers, and the always classic slow cooker (AKA: Crock Pots). Be aware that induction cooktops require certain type metal pans to work, so those vintage brown glass cooking pots won’t do you any good.
Clean Water Is Key
Water touches so many parts of our lives. You drink it, cook with it, bathe in it, even play in it. So it only makes sense that the water you use should be as clean as possible. Environmental Working Group (EWG) maintains a tap water database to track drinking water contaminants across the United States. For more detailed information on your own home’s drinking water the best option is to send a water sample to a certified testing lab for analysis. This is especially important if you use well water or have doubts about your home’s water supply.
Once you know what is in your drinking water you can take steps to remove it with a water filter. There are several options for home water filtration ranging from tap mounted filters to whole house water filtration systems. To capture a wide range of contaminates a whole-house water filtration system that uses either reverse osmosis or multi-stage filtration is best.
For specific common contaminants the following methods are recommended:
- Lead, copper or other heavy metals - Reverse osmosis or filters certified for lead reduction
- Arsenic - Reverse osmosis or specialized filter media
- PFAS - filters rated NSF/ANSI 53 or NSF/ANSI 58
- Chlorine and chloramines - Activated carbon filters
- Nitrates - Reverse osmosis or specialized filter media
- Radon - Aeration or Granular Activated Carbon (GAC)
This is not a complete water treatment option list. For a specific water treatment plan tailored to your home consult a local water quality expert.
Home Detoxing Is A Journey
We hope we’ve given you a lot to think about for how you can detoxify your home. These steps don’t need to be done overnight, but can be gradually implemented over time. Switching to healthier choices becomes a lifestyle over time. Just reading this guide shows your interest in healthier living, so start with the easiest changes first. Once you’ve detoxed your home you’ll be shocked at how much better you and your loved ones feel.
