Clean & Green

10 Simple Steps to Reduce Toxins in Your Home This Spring

By Wanda Curtis

Spring is a great time to get rid of dirt, dust, and unwanted junk in your home. It’s also a good time to get rid of toxins. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports homeowners are exposed to a wide array of toxins in their homes each day, some of which may be carcinogens. Formaldehyde (in pressed wood, new carpets or flooring, synthetic fabrics, and paints), benzene (in glues, adhesives, cleaning products, and cigarette smoke), and toluene (in paint thinners, permanent markers, nail polish, and removers) are just a few of the toxins found in many homes today. Molds and bacteria are also present in many homes. 

While spring cleaning this year, why not take these simple steps to rid your home of substances that can be harmful to your health — or at least reduce exposure.

1. Decorate your home with plants which are known to improve air quality. Plants remove carbon dioxide from the air and release oxygen. Snake plants, spider plants, peace lilies, Boston ferns, and aloe vera plants can also remove formaldehyde and other toxins. It’s unknown exactly how many plants are needed to achieve a maximal effect. Air filters can also be used in combination with plants to purify the air in a home.
2. Vacuum carpets frequently using a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter. The American Lung Association reports that carpeting traps pollutants and allergens such as dust mites, pet dander, pesticides, lead, mold spores, dirt, and dust. Pollutants can be released into the air when carpeting is removed, during vacuuming, or when someone walks on it. Children are at increased risk of exposure to carpet pollutants because they often play on the floor. The American Lung Association recommends using hard-surfaced flooring. However, if carpeting is used, vacuum frequently with windows open because harmful particles may be released into the air. Empty vacuum canisters outdoors.
3. Leave shoes at the door. Scientific studies have shown that shoes can transport tens of thousands of harmful bacteria which can remain on shoes for weeks. Bacteria identified on shoes have included Enterococcus and E. coli, which live in the intestines of humans and animals. Staphylococcus Aureus (which can cause MRSA) and C. difficile (which causes bloody diarrhea and fatal infections) have also been found on shoes. Other substances that may be tracked into homes include lead, pesticides, and allergens. Remember children are at higher risk because they play on the floor. So leave those shoes at the door.
4. Stock your kitchen with safe cookware. Any cookware that’s scratched, cracked, or damaged should be discarded because harmful chemicals can leak into food. PFAS chemicals are a class of chemicals that have been used to make non-stick cookware. Concerns have been expressed about certain PFAS chemicals and a possible link to major health issues, including cancer. Many experts now recommend only using cast iron, steel, or ceramic cookware. 
5. Swap plastic containers for glass or steel ones. Tiny pieces of plastic called “microplastics” may break off from plastic dishes, cups, containers, or bottles and lodge in blood vessels. This can increase the risk of strokes and heart attacks. Some plastics may also contain harmful chemicals. Switch to glass or stainless steel when possible. 
6. Keep your refrigerator clean and cold. A warm, dirty refrigerator is a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and mold. Dispose of any outdated food and throw out produce that is turning brown. Keep meats and dairy products at the proper temperature. Install a thermometer in your refrigerator. Maintain the temperature at 40 degrees F or below, per FDA guidelines.
7. Replace kitchen sponges frequently. Kitchen sponges can harbor bacteria and transmit it to everything they touch. It’s important to clean sponges often and replace stained or torn sponges with new ones. Sponges can be sanitized by tossing them in a microwave-safe dish with enough water to cover them and microwaving for about five minutes.
8. Swap plastic shower curtains for cloth shower curtains. Many plastic shower curtains, especially those made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), contain harmful toxins which can get released into the air and inhaled, causing respiratory issues and headaches. Plastic shower curtains also breed mold. Swap plastic shower curtains for cloth ones which can be washed, or replace with glass.
9. Reduce exposure to electromagnetic fields. Many household appliances and electronic devices emit electromagnetic fields (also known as EMFs). Exposure to high levels of EMFs has been associated with an increased risk of childhood leukemia. Unplugging electronic devices, when not in use, can reduce exposure.  Moving electronic devices (such as digital alarm clocks and wi-fi routers) away from beds can reduce exposure at night. Smart meters on outside walls and high voltage power lines also emit EMFs. Moving beds and cribs to the opposite wall can also reduce nighttime exposure.
10. Install carbon monoxide detectors. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that’s emitted from wood stoves, pellet stoves, gas stoves, gas hot water heaters, gas clothes dryers, kerosene heaters, generators, barbeque grills, and cars. Levels can build up unnoticed causing serious health issues and even death. Install carbon monoxide detectors and ensure adequate ventilation when using appliances that emit carbon monoxide.