Chemicals have been part of our lives for decades. We use them when treating ilnesses, when cleaning our households and bodies, when rebuilding or painting, simply all the time. Unless you run a green household, you can find these nasties everywhere from your kitchen and bathroom cupboards, to your laundry. With the amount and diversity of household products, we tend to abuse of toxic ingredients often without being aware of their danger. Children, pregnant and nursing mothers are most susceptible group, however, long term exposure affects us all. And do not forget your pets. Indoor pollution is responsible for many birth defects and disorders such as attention deficit disorder, mood swings, respiratory diseases and can be a cause of cancer.
So what is indoor pollution?
“We usually think of air pollution as being outdoors, but the air in your house or office could also be polluted. Sources of indoor pollution include:
- Biological contaminants like mold and pollen
- Tobacco smoke
- Household products and pesticides
- Gases such as radon and carbon monoxide
- Materials used in the building such as asbestos, formaldehyde and lead
Sick building syndrome occurs when several people are affected, but no specific source of the illness is found. Indoor air quality problems usually only cause discomfort, and most people feel better as soon as they eliminate the source of the pollution. However, some pollutants can cause diseases that show up much later, such as respiratory diseases or cancer. Making sure that your building is well-ventilated and eliminating pollutants can improve the quality of your indoor air.” Environmental Protection Agency
What can you do?
Principle: try to reduce or eliminate the daily use of toxic chemical, artificial fragrances and petroleum destilates. Watch out for ingredients and the labels on your products.
- Be cautious when choosing your products (avoid products advising caution, warning, danger, and poison)
- Select certified natural personal care
- Use green household cleaning products or make your own non-toxic cleaners, clean with water only whenever you can
- Apply ecological laundry detergents or natural saponins
- Beware of toxins in your food
- Choose green pest control
- Build & remodel your house with non toxic material and substances
- Ultimately, ventilate your home regularly.
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