Airborne Toxins Can Play Havoc with Your Health

Many airborne toxins come from synthetic materials used in clothing, furniture, carpeting and other types of flooring and building materials.

Some paints have strong VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds). VOCs are off gases that have strong odors and can cause respiratory problems, especially for people who are sensitive.

Natural fibers, especially organic fibers will not have the off gases unless treated with stain or wrinkle repellants.

There are paints available that are very low these compounds.

Chlorine

Chlorine bleach and ammonia should only be used in a very well ventilated are. As I stated previously, NEVER use the two together as they will form a lethal gas! If fumes from either of these two are inhaled it can cause sinus and lung irritation. It’s a good idea to use a mask if you must use either.

Chlorine is a carcinogen. Mixed with ammonia it becomes a deadly gas. A healthier alternate to chlorine bleach is hydrogen peroxide. It is substance your body produces naturally. I have used it in the laundry with good success.

Fabric Softeners

Do you use fabric softeners? Click this link to see what kinds of airborne toxins are in them and why they are made to smell so good!

You will find that the heavy scent added to fabric softeners is to cover the toxic odors of Benzyl acetate, Chloroform, Formaldehyde, and limonene (all carcinogens). Also may be included in the softener is Ethyl Acetate (kidney and liver damage), Alpha-Terpinol, Benzyl Alcohol, Linalool and Pentane (respiratory problems).

Air Fresheners

Air fresheners, even so called natural ones, are laden with phthalates (don’t ask me how to pronounce it). Phthlatates are airborne toxins. They are not usually listed in the ingredients but they are often there. Phthalates mess with the endocrine system changing hormone levels and can cause birth defects.

For an alternative try making a potpourri in a small crock pot using orange peel, a stick of cinnamon and a little water. It smells yummy. It will cost less than commercial room deodorizers and add a fragrant aroma to the room nicely!

Experiment with different scents. Use herbs from your garden. I LOVE the smell of sweet basil for a lemony scent or rosemary for a fresh piney smell. Make a sweet smelling tussie-mussie with a combination of fragrant flowers and herbs.

Radon

You have probably heard of radon. It is a naturally occurring gas that is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the US. This is a case where natural is NOT better! Today’s “hermetically sealed” super insulated structures could be partially to blame for this. The gas has no way to escape.

Radon comes from the ground. As a Realtor® I am obligated to warn prospective buyers to have potential purchases inspected for radon. If there is a heavy dose of the gas, mitigation may have to be done by experts.

In some cases simply airing the house by opening windows can be sufficient. A more efficient way is to install a home ventilation system.

People who live in houses that are NEVER aired are at greater risk of cancer from radon and other household airborne toxins.

Women who work at home have an even greater need to use natural recipes for cleaners to reduce their risk of cancer from household toxins.

Compact Fluorescent Lighting

If you use CFLs (compact fluorescent light bulbs) to save energy please be aware that they contain mercury, a highly toxic metal. If you break one, ventilate and leave the room for 20 minutes. Do not breathe the mercury vapors! When you come back, place the broken bulb in a sealable plastic bag before disposing of it.

There are more detailed guidelines for disposing of broken CFLs. You'll find them at the bottom of this Pdf document. (You must have adobe Acrobat to view. If you can't view it contact me on my contact page and I will send you a copy you can read.)

Plants have been said to be useful in protecting air quality but their benefits are limited. Besides being pleasant to look at they can rid the air of some carbon dioxide and emit oxygen.

According to studies done by NASA, reported by the University of Minnesota Extension Service, certain true houseplants can actually clean certain other airborne toxins such as formaldehyde. This link will take you to that report complete with a list of beneficial plants.

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