Steps to stop house borne illnesses
Steps to prevent house borne illnesses
Photo of a house by east westgateway
Your cocoon could make you sick. Your home maybe contributing to your allergies,asthma, and sinus issues or causing your headaches, nausea, and dizziness. From cleaning products that contain toxic chemicals to areas of the home that serve as breeding grounds for mold, your home is not as healthy as you may think, even if you spend a great deal of time cleaning. We share some of the best steps you can take to ensure your home does not make you sick, so that you can get back on track to a healthy lifestyle.
Change the way you clean–use natural cleaners.
Cleaning is vitally important. However some cleaning methods can cause your illnesses. Cleaning with harsh chemicals contain toxins that irritates your eyes, nose, and throat, and exacerbating asthma and allergy issues.
Borax in hand by A. Meyers
Switch to natural cleaning products that you make yourself. Baking soda will clean your oven without noxious fumes, scouring powder made of baking soda, salt, and borax is much safer than harsh abrasives, and citrus-infused vinegar serves does wonders in general cleaning.
Capture dust instead of spreading it around.
Invest in a new vacuum cleaner with HEPA filtration. Non-HEPA ones worsen allergies, asthma, and chronic lung diseases because they fail to trap dust and allergens in your home and instead make them airborne. HEPA filters, on the other hand, trap 99.7% of small particles and do wonders for people who suffer from allergies and asthma.
Using old rags a no-no–use microfiber cloths.
Cleaning with old rags or sheets do not trap dust and allergens the way that microfiber cloths do. An added benefit of microfiber is that it enables you to wash windows with water and the cloth instead of using chemicals or vinegar that can leave an unpleasant odor behind.
Clean air filters regularly.
Changing your cleaning methods is not the only way to capture dust instead of spreading it throughout your home. Clean and change
Dirty air filter by Ivy Dawned
all your air filters regularly. Not only do fresh air filters improve the efficiency but they eliminate dust being blown around your home. Studies show that indoor air pollution is more seriously polluted than outside air. So changing your air filters frequently is a must.
Other test to ensure the safety of your home.
If you make these adjustments and your family continues to feel ill at home, it may be time to test for some hidden home health hazards. Carbon monoxide, radon gas, and lead-based paint are some of the most common causes of home-based illnesses. A simple carbon monoxide detector is all it takes to determine whether there are unsafe levels of the gas inside your home. For radon gas, homeowners can buy a radon testing kit at a local hardware store. Homeowners also may purchase an inexpensive lead testing kit.
It is possible that your home is making your family and you sick. With a few changes to your cleaning products and habits, air filtration updates, and testing kits, you will make your home a healthier, safer place and start feeling better.
Charlotte Meier
