7 sources of chemicals in the home

7 sources of chemicals in the home

Every day, without realizing it, we introduce chemicals into our home that are dangerous for our health and that of our loved ones: perhaps through the soles of shoes or by renovating the home furnishings with the purchase of new furniture. Here are the most common ways we introduce toxic chemicals into our homes and some tips to make our home and planet healthier.



Don't store avocado like this: it's dangerous

Every day, without realizing it, we introduce chemicals into our home that are dangerous for our health and that of our loved ones: perhaps through the soles of shoes or by renovating the home furnishings with the purchase of new furniture. Here are the most common ways we introduce toxic chemicals into our homes and some tips to make our home and planet healthier.



Index

Chemical cleaners

It is very common for toxic substances to enter homes through i cleaning detergents. In fact, many of the ingredients with which they are composed could be highly polluting and are often not even listed on the label.
These elements can cause various health problems such as asthma and allergies.
Instead of buying these cleaners we can make them yourself, in a completely non-toxic way with bicarbonate, white vinegar, citrus juice. Check out our guide on do-it-yourself detergents.

furnishings

The furniture made in MDF (medium density fiberboard), a substance derived from wood, may contain formaldehyde-based resins. Formaldehyde can also be used in upholstery to make fabrics more resistant and stain resistant; if present in high quantities, formaldehyde can cause eye irritation and respiratory problems. So if you are going to buy new furniture make sure it is free.
Or you could recycle some or buy a used one: in this case, any harmful chemicals will surely evaporate over time and you will be able to sleep peacefully.

Flooring

Even when choosing a new floor we must be careful, in fact, in some parquet may be present with formaldehyde. Special attention should also be paid to adhesives used in laying floors as they could contain harmful substances that over time could spread around the house contaminating the air we breathe: always look for guaranteed ecological products. (read Ecological floors: 5 alternatives to hardwood parquet)

Shoes and paws

Every day through our shoes, we introduce many more or less toxic substances into the house, the same can be said for the paws of Fido or Micio after returning from a nice walk. It is not only about dirt but often also about residues of chemicals such as oils or pesticides. If we have small children, they can easily be exposed to these substances. Therefore, it would be a good idea leave your shoes at the entrance of house and arrange a carpet where our four-legged friends can “pass” so that any harmful substances are deposited.



Air fresheners

Today there are a large number of air fresheners on the market, of the most varied shapes and exotic fragrances. But many can contain formaldehyde therefore be highly toxic. Others might contain VOC (volatile organic compounds) which slowly over time can contaminate the air.
To combat bad smells, it may be sufficient to open the windows and air the rooms. For more persistent odors, such as those from garbage, baking soda can work wonders. Or you might prefer soy scented candles. (Read also dedoranti for environments: 8 natural and non-toxic alternatives that really work)

Plastics

Many of the objects in our homes are made of plastic. But not all plastics are the same. Polyvinyl chloride, better known as PVC, is a plastic material used to make a variety of objects: vinyl shower curtains, children's toys and food containers. Many plasticizers used in PVC are suspected of being highly toxic and helping to increase the risks of reproductive problems, premature births and impaired neurodevelopment.
In some plastics there is also the BPA, or bisphenol-A, responsible according to numerous studies for many diseases related to male sexual development in the fetus, and for the decline in fertility in adult men. Read also How to recognize plastics that should never be used with food

Dry wash

If you usually take your clothes to the laundry for a good dry clean, well know that you expose yourself to some risks. In fact, in many laundries, for the dry cleaning process, the percloroetilene (PCE). This substance is also used for degreasing metals and in the chemical, pharmaceutical and textile industries.
Il PCE it is really harmful and can cause damage of varying degrees: ranging from a "trivial" headache to respiratory problems up to damage to the liver and kidneys.
Il percloroetilene it is a compound that pollutes our homes, the air we breathe, the land we live in and the water we drink. So look for an eco laundry that uses only detergents free of these substances.



All these chemicals, if in small doses, are not dangerous: but if present at a high level in our homes, they can pollute the air we breathe and the surfaces where our children play carefree. We try to make smart choices for ourselves and for our planet.

Lorenzo DeRitis

Also read 8 ways to reduce our exposure to formaldehyde indoors

Also read 6 ways to reduce exposure to pesticides

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