A healthy home takes a dedicated approach to keeping the house clean with organically sourced products, incorporating air quality measures to reduce allergens and toxins, and creating meals from good-for-you foods. Those are well-known and often talked about improvements but there are many additional ways to increase the healthy state of your home. Many unsafe or noxious items lurk in homes, hidden from visible sight. In this blog, we share information about some ways you can further minimize you and your family’s exposure to chemicals, germs, odors and even radiation.
Electric and Magnetic Field (EMF) Exposure
Electric and magnetic fields (EMFs) are invisible areas of energy, often referred to as radiation, that are associated with the use of electrical power and various forms of natural and man-made lighting.
In the age of cell phones, wireless routers, and the Internet, all of which use EMF, concerns persist about possible connections between EMF and adverse health effects. Research studies on low level EMFs is limited but what is surfacing is knowledge that we need to be aware of. Studies have already shown that routine exposure to high level EMFs (X-rays, UV light) can be detrimental.
You can have an EMF home assessment done by a local professional to determine the levels in your home. Nate Johnson at New Light EMF is one that Dr. Lydia used after purchasing her new home.
Low or No VOC Paint
There are many products and items in your home that “off-gas”. Off-gassing occurs when new and manufactured items release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and various other chemicals. Furniture items are common culprits as we can all relate to that “new car smell” when a new mattress or couch is delivered. However, paint and carpets are other offenders.
With the growing popularity of environmentally-friendly products, more and more companies are offering paint inventories labeled either “Low VOC” or “No VOC. Low VOC paints have reduced amounts of volatile organic compounds, meaning they don’t off-gas as much as traditional paints.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), studies have found that levels of VOC compounds can average two to five times higher indoors than outdoors.
When inhaled, VOCs can contribute to several health problems, including irritation to your airways, headaches, nausea, and even damage to the liver, kidneys, or central nervous system. So using products with minimal amounts of VOCs is highly recommended whenever possible.
Aside from the obvious benefits, low or no VOC paints also offer additional advantages.
Re-consider Your Choice Of Carpeting
Carpets in general can contain toxins like endocrine-disruptors, phthalates and VOCs. A large percentage of carpet materials are synthetic and are treated with chemicals including flame retardants, adhesives and rubber backings. These toxins “off-gas” and release toxins into the air.
Young children spend a lot of time playing and closely interacting with a carpeted surface. The quest for non-toxic carpeting is tough but can be implementable.
Whenever possible, go with a flooring choice like wood or tile that’s installed with low VOC materials. If some carpeting is needed, go for area rugs over wall-to-wall carpeting to reduce your exposure to installation materials that are hazardous to your health.
Wool is a natural fiber, is sustainable and can even improve your indoor air quality. So it is a wonderful choice for carpeting. Other natural materials that make excellent and stylish alternatives to more toxic carpet materials are jute, seagrass and sisal.
The 411 On Dehumidifiers
Dehumidifiers reduce humidity levels, making your home less hospitable to allergens such as dust mites, mold, and mildew. They help reduce odors that can accompany mold and mildew in your home—getting rid of that “musty” or “earthy” smell.
If you live in a humid environment or in seasons where the humidity is high, dehumidifiers can lower energy costs as it helps your AC run more efficiently. If the air in your home feels “muggy”, your AC has to work simultaneously to both cool and remove moisture.
Dehumidifiers can aid in reducing irritants to your skin and your respiratory system by increasing a home’s overall air quality. Dr. Lydia uses this larger model as she has a very damp basement in her 100 year old stone foundation farmhouse. Dehumidifiers come in many sizes and there are models to fit every budget.
Chiropractic Adjustments Can Help the Body Reduce Its Toxic Load
Getting regular chiropractic adjustments supports the body’s natural detox pathways which is essential for offsetting any toxic load, especially in our modern world of exposure to so many synthetic chemicals where your body has to process and compensate for them all.
So be sure to consider the hidden toxins in your home and get in to see Dr. Lydia or Dr. Emily for an adjustment and keep yourself in balance. It does a body good.