Here is an awesome site that has several wonderful tips on how to recognize and minimize the toxins in our homes. http://eartheasy.com/live_reducing_indoor_toxins.html
These are some of their tips:
How to minimize Exposure:
• Establish a 'no-shoes' policy in your home - The simplest way to keep outdoor pesticides, especially lawn chemicals, from entering your home is to have family members and visitors leave their shoes at the door. This will also reduce the need for home cleaning. You can provide inexpensive slippers for guests if you think they'll be put off having to remove their shoes.
• Buy fresh, organic produce - For the freshest organic vegetables, grow your own produce in a simple backyard garden. Or choose foods which are known to have fewer pesticides applied during the growing season. Free range organic eggs are available in many stores, but ask questions about the extent of the ‘range’. Ideally, you may find a local farmer who can provide true free-range eggs.
• Avoid using chemical-based pest control products in the home – there are safe alternatives for pest control available today which can effectively control most insect pests without the need for harmful chemicals. Small amounts of diatomaceous earth, for example, will kill a variety of home insects, including fleas, while posing no harm to children or pets. Pest control products with chemical formulations should be used only where the more benign product fails to remedy the insect problem.
• Use natural pest control methods for your lawn and garden – a lawn that is naturally healthy will resist pests and weeds. For problems that persist, there are non-toxic weed killers and grub control products available today.
• Keep filters clean on heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems
• Remove any water sources to mold affected area; dry thoroughly
• Keep relative humidity below 60%, which may require a dehumidifier in some areas
• Store items with high cellulose content (newspapers, drywall, cardboard) in dry areas
• Check the label of baby products to ensure they are phthalate-free
• When buying plastic products for the home, ask if they contain PVC or phthalates
• Avoid eating food stored or microwaved in PVC plastic
• Look for the recycling code #3 or V to spot PVC products before they enter your home
• Look for PVC-free draperies, window blinds and shades; choose natural fibers such as cotton, linen, wood, bamboo, silk or hemp.
• Keep indoor rooms well-ventilated
• Follow existing Federal Dietary Guidelines to reduce fat consumption.
• Reduce consumption of meat and dairy products
• Install water filters
• Use cold water for drinking, making tea or coffee, and cooking
• Avoid fish high in mercury, such as king mackerel, tilefish, swordfish, shark, orange roughy, and marlin. Limit consumption of tuna, especially steaks and canned ‘white’ albacore.
• If your home was built before 1978, check for lead paint.
• Avoid buying products made with PFC, such as Teflon cookware and Scotchgard.
• Avoid using treated wood (CCA or ACZA) on decks or children’s play structures • Avoid burning materials containing chlorine, such as plastics and wood treated with PCP
• Avoid flame retardant children’s clothing and sleepwear.
• When purchasing new furnishings and bedding, choose wool or cotton fill over polyester and foam products.
• Increase fruits and veggies and reduce animal fats.
• Reduce dust levels by using damp cleaning methods.
• Install low-flow showerheads, reduce the temperature of the shower water
• Open the window or use exhaust fan when using hot water for shower or cleaning
• Locate clothes washer in garage or area with good ventilation
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