Keeping it safe — 3 Handy tips to work with as you care for your home
In an attempt to care for our living spaces, some of us inadvertently bring danger to our doorsteps. Whether it’s during laundry or facing those daredevil pests head-on. Here are some must-know tips to keep you out of harm’s way:
Shun the use of pesticides in your home
Yes, I know you have been brought up to use these easy-to-spray cans for getting rid of roaches and mosquitoes but you need to know that continuous inhaling of those aerosols (the suspended particulate matter) these pesticides release is potentially dangerous to your health. The Environmental Protection Agency believes they pose health dangers to our nervous system and can be cancer-causing and hormone-disrupting.
Generally speaking, one must consider both the toxicity or hazard of the pesticide and the likelihood of exposure. A low level of exposure to a very toxic pesticide may be no more dangerous than a high level of exposure to a relatively low-toxicity pesticide, for example. That said, why bother taking the risk at all. If you must use these pesticides, your safest bet is to call in professionals who are well-kitted in protective gear to help fumigate your space. Then afterward, adopt the best possible natural prevention practices to keep these pests at bay
Ditch the rugs and carpets if you can
Carpets and rugs harbour a ton of pollutants like cockroach allergens, pet dander, dust mites, bacteria, dirt, and dust which can trigger respiratory conditions like asthma These pollutants may become airborne during renovations, vacuuming, or even walking on the carpet. In the home, children are more likely to be exposed to pollution in carpets. They spend time playing on the floor and place their hands in their mouths. If a large area of your space is covered in carpet, it may be very difficult to remove indoor air pollutants and allergens.
If you are in this fix, consider replacing your rugs and carpets with hard-surfaced flooring and rugs that can be removed and cleaned outside. If this is not possible, vacuum frequently with a High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter.2 However, vacuuming may disturb settled particles, causing more pollution to become airborne. Deep clean carpets annually using dry steam cleaning. Ensure carpets are properly dried to reduce the potential for mildew.
Just Go Green
Many of us have been hearing in passing the concept of ‘green’ but may not have paid it any attention. I think you should for the sake of your health and that of your loved ones. Going green is an umbrella term for keeping things sustainable with regard to your health and the environment. In the context of going green in your home, getting some natural plants set up in your home will not only be counting for aesthetics but will enhance the air quality in your home — as plants scientifically take in carbon dioxide which we humans breathe out, and in exchange gives us oxygen to breathe in.
So in addition to letting the natural cool breeze, the air conditioners and fans ventilate your home, also factor in the gift of healthy natural air-purifying plants for your breathing comfort. Here is a useful resource for the varieties of plants you can choose from to improve indoor air quality.