A safe and healthy home is essential for your family’s well-being. However, many homes are full of toxins and unhealthy habits that can cause various health problems. Luckily, by making some small changes, you can greatly improve the healthfulness of your home.
Get an Air Purifier
The quality of the air you breathe has a direct impact on your health. If your home is full of dust, pollen, or other allergens, it’s time to invest in an air purifier. Air purifiers work by circulating and filtering the air in your home, removing harmful contaminants. This circulation also helps prevent mold and mildew growth, which can cause serious respiratory problems.
Air purifiers work in a way that pulls contaminated air from the surroundings, runs it through a filtration system, and releases clean air back into the room. The process is repeated until the contaminants are removed. It refreshes stale air and improves air quality by removing pollutants such as dust, pollen, smoke, and other airborne particles that can cause respiratory problems.
If you have pets at home, an air purifier will help remove pet dander and other allergens that can trigger asthma and allergies. It will also reduce odors from pets, cooking, and smoking. Choose an air purifier designed for your home’s specific needs. Consider the size of your home, the number of rooms, and the type of air contaminants you want to remove.
Test for Radon
Radon gas exists naturally and can spread into homes through cracks or open areas in the foundation. Radon is odorless and invisible but can be extremely dangerous—it’s the leading cause of lung cancer among nonsmokers in the United States. Fortunately, radon testing is relatively simple and inexpensive. You can purchase a do-it-yourself kit at your local hardware store or hire a professional to test your home for radon.
You can place radon kits in different rooms of your home to test for radon levels. The results will show the average amount of radon over time in each room.
If you find that your home has high radon levels, don’t panic. There are several ways to reduce radon levels, including:
- Sealing cracks and gaps in your foundation
- Installing a vent fan in your basement
- Increase airflow in your home
If the radon level in your home is too high, you have a few options. You could install a radon mitigation system, which would help reduce the amount of radon present. Or, if the level is at 4pCi/L or above, it might be best to call a professional and have them install a radon mitigating system.
Reduce Your Use of Toxic Chemicals
The cleaning supplies you use to keep your home clean can harm your health if they contain toxic chemicals. Many conventional cleaning products contain harmful chemicals like bleach, ammonia, and other toxic substances that can off-gas into the air and contribute to respiratory problems.
To reduce exposure to these harmful chemicals, look for cleaning products labeled “non-toxic” or “green.” You can also make your cleaning solutions using vinegar and water or baking soda and water. These natural solutions are just as effective as toxic chemicals and won’t harm your health.
In addition to cleaning supplies, many personal care products contain harmful chemicals. Look for personal care products that are labeled “organic,” “natural,” or “paraben-free.” Avoid products that contain phthalates, sulfates, or synthetic fragrances.
Toxic chemicals can also be hidden or found in other places in your home. For example, many mattresses are treated with flame retardant chemicals that can off-gas into the air and cause respiratory problems. If you’re looking for a new mattress, look for one made of natural materials like wool or cotton.
Install a Water Filter
The quality of your water has a direct impact on your health. Invest in a water filter if you’re concerned about tap water quality. Several water filters are available, so choose one that fits your needs. Water filters will remove contaminants from your water, making it safer to drink. Filters can also improve the taste and smell of your water.
A residential RO system is one of the most effective ways to filter your water. This system uses pressure to force water through a semipermeable membrane, which removes contaminants from the water. The reverse osmosis process can eliminate up to 99% of contaminants that are found in tap water, such as lead, chlorine, and fluoride.
You can also install a whole-house water filter, which will filter the water coming into your home. This filter is more expensive than a countertop or under-sink water filter. Still, it will provide filtered water for every tap in your home. You can purchase a pitcher-style water filter if you’re on a budget which will filter your water as you pour it into the pitcher.
Bring Plants Indoors
Plants not only add beauty to your home, but they also help to improve indoor air quality by filtering out harmful contaminants like formaldehyde and carbon monoxide. Spider plants, bamboo palms, ficus trees, peace lilies, and English ivy are all great choices for naturally purifying the air in your home.
Plants also make you happy and improve your mental health. Studies have shown that having plants in your home can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. So, not only will plants make your home more beautiful, they will impact overall health and well-being.
Overall
You can do several things to ensure health and wellness in your home. By reducing exposure to toxic chemicals, installing a water filter, and bringing plants indoors, you can create a safe and healthy environment for yourself and your family.
