07/02/2024
There are many different sources of toxicity and indoor pollution in our homes, and when you really start looking into it, it can be quite overwhelming and worrying. My advice would be to tackle one area at a time and try not to become obsessed (something that 10 years ago I was definitely guilty of). The thing is, when we get stressed and anxious, that's probably worse for us than the chemicals in our environment, so it's better to try to accept that these things take time to address, and often there are some things we can't do anything about, especially if you are renting a property. That being said, it's good to do what you can, when you can, and so I've covered here the biggest causes of toxicity in the home & what you can do about them.
1. Paint / varnishes / wood stains
Paints, varnishes, and wood stains can contain a variety of chemicals that may pose health risks due to their toxicity. The potential toxicity depends on the specific ingredients used in the formulation. Here are some common concerns associated with these products:
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs):
Many paints, varnishes, and wood stains contain VOCs, which are chemicals that can vaporize into the air at room temperature. Inhaling high levels of VOCs can contribute to indoor air pollution and may cause short-term health effects such as headaches, dizziness, and irritation of the eyes, nose, or throat. Long-term exposure to certain VOCs has been associated with more serious health issues.
Heavy Metals:
Some paints and pigments may contain heavy metals like lead, cadmium, or chromium. Lead-based paints, once widely used, are a particular concern as lead is highly toxic and can cause severe health problems, especially in children.
Biocides and Fungicides:
Wood stains and preservatives may contain biocides or fungicides to protect against mold, mildew, and insects. While these chemicals serve a purpose in preserving the wood, they can be toxic, and exposure may pose health risks.
Formaldehyde:
Some wood products and finishes may release formaldehyde, a chemical known to cause respiratory irritation and classified as a human carcinogen. Formaldehyde can be present in adhesives, resins, and certain wood finishes.
Aromatic Solvents:
Certain paints and varnishes may contain aromatic solvents like benzene, toluene, and xylene. Prolonged exposure to these solvents may have harmful effects on the central nervous system, respiratory system, and other organs.
Allergens:
Some individuals may be allergic to certain components of paints, varnishes, or wood stains, leading to skin rashes, respiratory issues, or other allergic reactions.
The main way to minimise the toxicity of these items is to either avoid painting, or choose VOC free or 'minimal VOC' options.
When I started out with all of this years ago, all shop bought paints were highly toxic. As a result, I bought all of my supplies from Lakeland Paints. All of their products are completely natural and VOC free. They are also incredibly expensive. That's why, I'm so pleased to report that the big brands are now offering 'minimal VOC' emulsion, and they really are close to zero, and they are affordable. All you need to do is look for 'minimal VOCs' on the labelling. When it comes to varnishes and wood stains, and wood / metal paints, the ones available in shops are still (currently) highly toxic, so you'll need to seek out an alternative, such as Lakeland Paints. I have bought all sorts of products from Lakeland Paints and have found them all to be good. I haven't tried others so I can't recommend anyone else for those more tricky products.
2. Flooring
Again most of the typical flooring you see - carpets, 'fake' wooden flooring, and vinyl all contain nasty chemicals, including VOCs. Cheap carpets and vinyl smell of chemicals, we have all experienced that at some point. The best natural flooring options I have found are:
a. Original wooden floor finished with a water-based, VOC free stain or varnish
b. Untreated wool carpet
c. Marmoleum (great alternative to vinyl)
d. Untreated seagrass or sisal carpet
The most affordable option is to sand and treat original wooden floorboards, if you have them.
3. Laundry & household cleaning products
Again, another main source of indoor chemical pollution are household cleaning products and laundry products. There are many safer product alternatives on the market these days, but I prefer to stick to:
- Soapnuts for laundry, and NO fabric conditioner
- White vinegar and bicarb of soda for all cleaning
4. Radiation / EMFs
Another main source of toxicity in the modern home comes from our mobile phones, Wifi and smart meters, which emit EMFs (electromagnetic fields), a form of radiation. Some studies have explored possible links between long-term exposure to RF EMFs and health effects, including an increased risk of certain cancers, neurological disorders, and reproductive issues. I would suggest you do your own research, as I did. For me, one of my top priorities is to reduce the EMF levels in my home as far as possible. I do this by:
- keeping my phone on airplane mode as much as possible,
- turning of the Wifi capability on the Wifi router (so Wifi is off altogether), and connecting all devices via Ethernet. This is pretty straight forward using powerline adapters (I which cover this more in another post.
- refuse a smart meter if at all possible (not always easy, I know).
There's obviously a lot more I could go into, including fabrics, furniture, mattresses etc, but these are the key ones.
A few extra tips for renters:
1. Try to avoid moving in somewhere where they are redecorating or laying new carpets / flooring, as most of the 'off gassing' / releasing of VOCs occurs within the first few years.
2. Investigate the electric and gas meters when viewing the property. If they already have smart meters, consider where the location of the meters is and which room they are close to, and how frequently you may be in that particular space.
I hope that helps x
