Toxins in Our Home
We are exposed to the most amount of toxins from our own homes. Unless your dwelling is made from non-toxic, hypo-allergenic materials, it is toxic. Carpets, countertops, drapes, cupboards, walls and so many more items in our homes emit toxic chemicals on a continuous basis.
The following is a list of sources of chemical exposure in the home and possible solutions or alternatives that are less toxic.
| Source of Toxins | Chemicals Emitted | Alternatives |
| Building materials, Pressed wood, Fibreboard, Plywood, Particle board | Formaldehyde | Untreated wood |
| Carpets | Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s), Lead, Animal dander, pesticides | Hardwood flooring without formaldehyde |
| Hardwood Flooring | Formaldehyde | Untreated wood |
| Paint | VOC’s | Latex is better than oil-based paint for fumes |
| Countertops | Formaldehyde | Stone or marble |
| Cleaning supplies | Chlorine, | Vinegar, natural cleaning products available at health food stores |
| Matresses | Mold, dust mites | Vacuum mattress for 20 minutes, every few months Use anti-mite mattress covers |
| Pillows | Dust mites | Change pillows every few years, wash pillow case 1x per week, use anti-mite pillow covers |
| Microwaves | Use oven/toaster oven instead | |
| Computers | Electromagnetic emissions | Use protectors/shields for electromagnetic energy |
| Televisions | Electromagnetic emissions | Buy plasma screens, sit at least 6 feet from screen, only turn on when watching |
| Tobacco smoke | Carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, formaldehyde | Stop smoking Avoid exposure to second hand smoke |
| Pesticides | Wash with Veggie Wash, buy organic whenever possible, grow your own without chemicals | |
| Chimney, furnaces, woodstoves | Radon, Carbon Monoxide | Ventilate well |