Creating a healthy home in this day and age needs
to be intentional. So many of the products used in
building remodeling and cleaning a home contain
VOC's that can contribute to "sick building syndrome"
right in your own home. These can cause numerous
chronic health problems. From a poorly ventilated
wood stove to moldy carpets, these need to be
addressed. Many of the patients who come in to see
me can trace the origin of their illnesses to exposure
to toxins in the home and elsewhere. Here are just a
few suggestions that may help to stem the tide:
1.
Use non toxic compounds for cleaning. seventh
Generation and Boulder ecoproducts are some store
bought products that are "greener" than many others.
Also a vinegar and water solution can be used for
cleaning many surfaces.
2. Use hard flooring that
has been pre-finished. Hard flooring is easier to
keep clean, so does not generally harbor allergens,
and be sure to research how the floor was finished.
Use natural wood, bamboo, or tile and beware
exposure to the floor refinisher and glues as they
often contain
VOC's.
3. Use environmentally friendly paints or
earth clay. These contain no or low VOC's and are
available locally from Planetary Solutions.
4.
Avoid carpets that are not environmentally friendly.
Most standard carpets contain formaldehyde. More
environmentally friendly ones can be found also
through Planetary Solutions.
5. Have your wood
or pellet stove , if you have one, checked and
serviced. Smoke particulate exposure can worsen
cases of allergies and asthma and cause one to have
ore frequent colds and respiratory infections.
6.
Avoid toxic air fresheners or incense use. These put
toxins in the air that can also have an effect on the
immune system and respiratory system.
6. Have
your ducts cleaned regularly to get the mold and
mites out and have your furnace serviced to check for
carbon monoxide emissions. Also be sure to have
your house checked for radon. High exposure to
radon can increase your risk of certain cancers.
7.
Use a good water filtration system at home to filter out
chlorine in your showers and baths as well as to filter
your drinking water.
Find out more.... 
