Is Your Home Killing You?

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Australians now spend more than 90%of their time indoors: at home, at work, at school and as we travel in cars and public transport. It makes sense then to create our indoor spaces as healthy and safe as we can for our families.

Numerous everyday items found in and around our homes such as household cleaners, carpets, furniture, personal care products and pesticides can produce chemicals that when combined together can reduce the quality of the air inside our home and may have impacts on our health.

Many modern day illnesses are increasingly being linked to chemicals that we are exposed to in our homes. It is now widely recognised that babies and young children are at greater risk from chemical exposures, which could impact on their health and ability to learn.

What Makes A House Toxic?

CEILING
Lead contaminated dust which can contribute to lead poisoning can accumulate in walls, ceilings and under floors.

LIVING ROOM
Carpets, furnishings, paint and chemical cleaning products can give off volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs are released into the air over time. Often described as that pleasant, "new smell," VOCs can be harmful. Short-term exposure to VOCs can cause headaches, nausea and irritate eyes, throat and nose.

KITCHEN
Unflued gas appliances are major emitters of indoor air pollutants (including nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide). Some drain cleaners and oven cleaners contain corrosive chemicals that can burn skin and mucous membranes.

BATHROOM
Air fresheners, disinfectants, window cleaners and anti-mold cleaners often contain chemicals such as solvents, bleach, ammonia and chlorine.
Personal care products such as deodorants, perfumes, aftershave and hairspray can also contribute to the chemicals indoors.

BEDROOM
Dry cleaned clothes, new mattresses and particleboard furniture can give off chemical fumes.

FLOORS
Pest treatments applied under floors can give off fumes that may enter inside and contaminate the soil outside.

GARDEN
Some garden chemicals and pesticides used indoors or outdoors are powerful poisons.


Six Steps to a Healthier Home
1. Open windows and doors to “air out” rooms well
2. Use natural and organic personal care products.
3. Replace fume emitting furnishings and coverings
4. Eliminate chemical pesticides from the home and go organic in the garden
5. Shift to natural cleaning products
6. Renovate with natural and low-toxic materials

Public speaker, author and ambassador for the next generation, Keeta Gibson publishes the popular e-newsletter from Non Toxic Life, your online eco-store for pure, natural everyday items and earthwise goods. Get your FREE tips on health, wellbeing and everything environmentally friendly now at www.NonToxicLife.com.au.

Mouthwash Linked to Cancer

Leading independent experts have published their findings in the Dental Journal of Australia and stated that there is now "sufficient evidence" that "alcohol-containing mouthwashes contribute to the increased risk of development of oral cancer".

The ethanol in mouthwash is thought to allow cancer-causing substances to permeate the lining of the mouth more easily and cause harm.

Acetaldehyde, a toxic by-product of alcohol that may accumulate in the oral cavity when swished around the mouth, is also believed to be carcinogenic.

Listerine, the nation's (Australia's) biggest-selling mouthwash and a brand endorsed by the Australian Dental Association (ADA), contains as much as 26 per cent alcohol.

Use organic certified mouthwash to kill bacteria and leave your breath smelling sweet and fresh!


Public speaker, author and ambassador for the next generation, Keeta Gibson publishes the popular e-newsletter from Non Toxic Life, your online eco-store for pure, natural everyday products and earthwise goods. Get your FREE tips on health and wellbeing and everything environmentally friendly now at www.NonToxicLife.com.au