How healthy is your home?

Before answering that question, make a mental picture of your utility closet, or the cabinet under the kitchen sink. There are probably a few old dishrags, some all-purpose cleanser, maybe a can of roach killer. And if you own a car, you’re likely to have a container of antifreeze and transmission fluid sharing a shelf with the extra can of gasoline. The fact is, if you’re like most people, your home is chock-full of toxic household chemicals.

Many of these common products contain chemicals like alcohol, ammonia, bleach, formaldehyde, and lye. Exposure can irritate your eyes, nose, and throat, and lead to headaches. If you have asthma or respiratory allergies, breathing the fumes and strong odors produced by these household products can trigger or worsen symptoms.

The Environmental Protection Agency lists the following common household items as potentially hazardous:

• Automotive fluids
• Household cleaners and disinfectants
• Polishes and varnishes
• Pesticides
• Paints and paint thinners
• Swimming pool chemicals
• Some beauty products such as aerosol deodorants and hair sprays

But just because you use these products doesn’t mean you have to erect a hazardous materials shed in your back yard. With proper storage and other precautions, you can get the benefit of these convenient household items without risking your health.

The National Safety Council/Environmental Health Center advises consumers to:

• Read product labels carefully. Potentially hazardous products have warnings designed to limit your exposure to toxins.
• Properly handle and store materials according to instructions on the label.
• Use chemicals outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. If you’re working in the garage, keep the door open to improve air circulation.
• Protect your skin and lungs by wearing gloves and a face mask. If you’re allergic to latex (a common ingredient in disposable gloves), use nonlatex or nylon gloves instead.
• Avoid aerosol products. Their fine mists can be inhaled and irritate the lungs.
• Dispose of household hazardous waste legally and safely.

You also may benefit from exploring natural alternatives to common household products. Some are nontoxic, while others are simply lower in toxic substances. Look for the words “biodegradable” and “nontoxic” on the label.

Household chemicals are a modern convenience (imagine driving a car in the dead of winter without antifreeze), but they’re also a modern hazard. Take the time to read labels and follow directions. You and your family will breathe a lot easier.

This entry was posted on Monday, April 30th, 2007 at 2:20 am and is filed under Healthy Breathing. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.