Did you know that the average person comes in contact with over 100,000 chemicals every day? It might not be obvious, but many of the everyday products we use are made and grown with the help of numerous chemicals. This number should concern us, especially when we consider what’s inside our homes.
Luckily, businesses are starting to listen to consumer demands for less toxic options, whether you’re at the local grocery store or a nearby furniture shop. Here’s how you can reduce toxins in some of the most common rooms in your home:
**The Bedroom**
Consider your bed, where you spend a significant amount of time. To lower your chemical exposure, think about buying an organic mattress. These mattresses, available in many Los Angeles stores, help reduce allergens and are a great choice for consumers. For an even better experience, get organic bedding as well.
**The Kitchen**
When choosing dishwasher soap, opt for products free of phosphate and chlorine. It’s also good to ensure the soap is non-toxic, especially if kids might get their hands on it. Replace plastic storage containers with ceramic or glass ones. If you must use plastic, never put it in the microwave, as the heat can release harmful chemicals. Reduce your intake of canned foods because studies show that Bisphenol A (BPA) from can liners can leach into the food. BPA is also found in some plastics, so when getting a new travel thermos or water bottle, make sure it’s BPA-free.
**The Bathroom**
Consider getting a water filter for your bathroom to keep chlorine and other toxins from coming into contact with your skin. Avoid antiperspirants and use regular deodorant instead, as antiperspirants contain aluminum, parabens, and phthalates, all linked to cancer and other diseases like Alzheimer’s. Also, skip the air fresheners, as they’re just chemicals in a gaseous form—if you can smell them, you’re essentially ingesting them.
**The Living Room**
To reduce chemical exposure, avoid flame-resistant furniture, which is treated with numerous chemicals. Check for any pressure-treated wood in your living room to see if it contains arsenic, which was used in older wood treatments. If you have a TV older than 1979, consider replacing it to avoid exposure to Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs).
By making these changes, you can significantly reduce the number of toxins in your home, creating a healthier environment for you and your family.