8 Ways To Rid Your Home Of Unhealthy Substances

Our homes are meant to be safe spaces, but they can often contain hidden health hazards. From asbestos and lead to mold and mildew, many unhealthy substances can lurk in a home’s walls, floors, and furnishings. Exposure to these toxins can cause or worsen various health issues, especially among children and older adults. For example, asbestos exposure is responsible for about 3,000 mesothelioma cases each year in the US alone[HP1] .

Ridding your home of unhealthy substances is crucial for protecting you and your family’s health. Here are some ways you can go about this task:

1. Inspect for asbestos

Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was previously used in insulation, shingles, flooring, and cement products for its durability and fire resistance. However, when inhaled or ingested, asbestos fibers can cause inflammation and scarring that leads to mesothelioma and other cancers. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or any related ailment caused by asbestos exposure, contact a lawyer specializing in mesothelioma claims and get help to receive money for treatment.

Meanwhile, have a certified asbestos inspector survey your home for asbestos, especially if it was built before 1980. They will check insulation around heating systems, vinyl flooring, roofing, and cement siding for asbestos content. If traces are found, these professionals will safely remove it for you. It is best to get rid of every product that contains asbestos from your house. Asbestos roof removal specialists meticulously eliminated hazardous materials to ensure a safer living environment.

2. Test for lead

Lead is a potent neurotoxin that is especially harmful to children’s developing brains and nervous systems. It was commonly used in old paint and plumbing. Lead paint chips and contaminated dust are the main exposure sources in homes. Children can ingest lead through normal hand-to-mouth contact.

Have an EPA-certified lead risk assessor test paint, dust, soil, water, and plumbing in your home for lead, particularly if it was built before 1978. LRAs use X-ray fluorescence analyzers and lab tests to detect lead. Testing paint on friction surfaces like windows and door frames is most important. If lead is found, the assessor can advise safe containment or reduction methods based on the type and severity of the issue. This may involve encapsulating lead paint under new coatings or complete removal.

3. Test for radon

Radon is an odorless, radioactive gas that comes from the natural decay of uranium in soil and rock. It enters homes through cracks and openings in foundations and slab floors. Radon becomes trapped inside, where it can accumulate to cancer-causing levels. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the US.

Have a certified radon tester perform short and long-term radon testing in the lowest livable area of your home. If results are 4 pCi/L or higher, install a radon mitigation system. This uses PVC piping and a fan to vent radon from below the foundation to the outdoors before it can enter the home. Get post-mitigation testing to confirm radon levels have been reduced to acceptable levels below 2 pCi/L.

4. Improve ventilation

Indoor air pollutants like mold, radon, and chemicals from cleaners and furnishings accumulate more when ventilation is poor. Opening windows and using fans helps remove contaminants and brings in fresh air.

Install bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans that vent outside, and use them when showering or cooking. Have a heating and cooling contractor assess your home’s ventilation and make any needed duct repairs. Open windows for a few minutes each day, or use window fans to enhance air exchange. Maintain indoor relative humidity under 50% using dehumidifiers, air conditioning, and ventilation.

5. Use HEPA Air Purifiers

HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) purifiers remove up to 99.97% of particles like dust, pollen, mold spores, and pet dander from the air. They are effective at capturing lead paint chips, asbestos fibers, and other pollutants as small as 0.3 microns.

Put HEPA air purifiers in rooms where you spend time and sleep. Look for units certified by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers that filter all the air in a room at least 2-3 times per hour. Change filters as recommended.

6. Control moisture and mold

Excess moisture in a home promotes mold growth, which can release allergenic spores and mycotoxins into the air. Moisture also encourages dust mites, bacteria, and other unhealthy substances.

Prevent moisture issues by repairing leaks, maintaining bath and kitchen exhaust fans, and keeping indoor humidity under 50% through ventilation and dehumidification. If mold is visible, mix 1 cup bleach per gallon of water and scrub affected areas, then dry quickly. Have an industrial hygienist test for hidden mold if you have recurring issues.

7. Use non-toxic cleaners

Many conventional cleaners contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), fragrances, and other chemicals that pollute indoor air. These can cause eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches, and breathing problems in sensitive individuals.

Replace conventional cleaners with non-toxic, plant-based options. Look for EPA-certified products made from ingredients like citric acid, hydrogen peroxide, plant oils, and soaps. You can also easily make your own cleaning solution from baking soda, vinegar, lemon juice, and other natural products. Avoid antibacterial ingredients like triclosan.

8. Filter tap water

Tap water can contain contaminants like lead, chlorine, bacteria, pharmaceuticals, and microplastics. Lead enters from old plumbing and fixtures, while chlorine is added to disinfect water supplies.

Install NSF-certified faucet or pitcher filters to remove lead and other impurities from water used for drinking and cooking. Look for models that filter lead, chlorine, particulates, pharmaceuticals, and other contaminants. Replace filters regularly as directed. Also, flush pipes before using water that has sat for over 6 hours to clear lead from the plumbing.

Conclusion

While it takes some effort, ridding your home of unhealthy substances pays dividends through improved air quality and reduced toxin exposure. Focus first on identifying and mitigating lead, asbestos, radon, or excessive moisture issues, as these can most significantly impact health. Improving ventilation, using quality air and water filters, controlling humidity, and choosing less toxic products are also beneficial. With a few simple upgrades, you can transform your home into a healthier living environment for your family.

 [HP1]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8192079/

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