How healthy is your home?

We're not talking about the structure of your home, whether it has dry rot, crumbling timbers, mould and damp problems, rather we're talking about the everyday products and aspects inside your home that are potentially harmful to your health. Some you may be aware of others you may not, take a look below and do a health check on your home just to see how healthy it is and what potential dangers you could be exposing yourself and your family to.

Control the dust

The blight of every household dust is not only a nuisance it can also be harmful to your health, more especially if anyone suffers with breathing problems such as asthma. Damp dusting is the best way to tacking surface dust, while hoovering twice a week will help to combat dust in carpets. For a more radical approach do away with fitted carpets, which trap dust, and opt for wooden flooring instead.

Marvelous Mommy

Be pet wise

You may love your pet, but pests also love your pet too. Fleas, mites and germs can easily be brought into your home via your pet, so make sure you're pet wise. Keep your pet flea and mite free, worm him/her regularly and make sure that any mud and debris traipsed through the house is cleaned up promptly.

Pets 4 Homes

Check paint

Standard paint contains many potentially harmful chemicals. Opt for non-toxic paints; they're available in a wide range of colours so there's no excuse not to use them.

Earth Times

Ditch pesticides

You'll be surprised just how many pesticides are lurking in your cupboards. Many have been linked to intellectual impairment in children, while others are known to cause breathing problems and skin irritations.

The Tech Herald

Be mindful of plastic bottles & tin cans

You'll be surprised the number of chemicals and potentially lethal compounds used to make plastic bottles and tin cans. It may be difficult to exclude then wholly from your home but do be mindful when selecting them.

Yankee Containers

Filter tap water

The jury is out on this one. Some people say we should always filter our tap water while others say it's not necessary and an unnecessary expense.

Pall Corporation

Teflon pots & pans

Telfon has revolutionised cookware and all the while the coating is intact it's safe to use, however once it starts to breakdown there is a risk that it releases carcinogenic toxins. So, if your non-stick pots and pans have seen better days it's probably time to replace them.

Amazon

Hand washing

Probably the biggest spreader of germs and bacteria in our homes is caused by lack or poor hand washing. Proper, regular hand washing can eliminate many germs and bugs that cause upset tummies, colds, flu and other contagious diseases. The number one culprit? Not washing hands after going to the toilet!

I Medical Apps

Only use non-toxic cleaning products

Cleaning products may get your home sparkling clean but many will also leave harmful chemical residue behind. Opt for non-toxic cleaning products to get the best f both worlds – a clean and chemical free home.

Holistic Nourishment

Eat organic food

Fresh food from supermarkets typically has been grown using pesticides. If you can't buy organically grown fruit and vegetables always wash your fruit and veg before eating them.