How to reduce exposure to toxic chemicals in your home

Your house may be your haven, but toxicity can be a silent killer lurking in the background. According to the UK’s My Health My Home initiative, 81% of people are at risk of respiratory or dermatological conditions due to poor air. What’s even scarier is that pollutants hide in the most unexpected of places – such as invisible toxins in your mattress!

Popular memory foam mattresses contain formaldehyde, benzene and naphthalene, as well as other nasties that could impact your family’s health. Then there’s a whole list of everyday products that bring in impurities. But fixing the problem is simple, and a careful approach to how to shop can help keep your family safe. Here are some tips on how to remove toxic chemicals and improve air quality at home.

Say no to memory foam

In our bedrooms, the biggest hotbed for nasties is memory foam. First introduced by NASA, this type of mattress has become incredibly popular over the years. But despite the promises of pain relief and better support, the reality is very different. As well as having no real scientific data backing up the claims, memory foam is also filled with cancer-causing chemicals. There have even been studies to show that memory foam and other extremely soft bedding can increase the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

The Ely mattress and baby cot mattress range is the safer, natural alternative. Made with zero chemicals as well as hypoallergenic, breathable yet insulating materials, this collection provides unbeatable comfort for healthy sleep.

Open the windows

One of the quickest and most affordable ways to improve air quality in homes is to open the windows. It may be tempting to keep windows closed during the winter to save on household heating, but this traps in pollutants. Therefore, circulating fresh air daily is highly recommended if you want to reduce exposure to toxic chemicals in the home.

Install ventilation

If your house is prone to mould in the colder months, a ventilation system could be the best solution. Better airflow allows you to control moisture levels, keeping mould and fungal problems at bay. Plus, you’ll be able to keep your home smelling clean and prevent other toxins from getting trapped.

As well as dangerous mould exposure, the most toxic chemicals in the home are often found in everyday furnishings like carpets and flooring or even upholstery. So fixing a poorly ventilated house is definitely worth the investment.

Embrace house plants

House plants do more than just look pretty in home interiors and bring joy to their owners. They also purify the air by turning carbon dioxide into fresh oxygen. Furthermore, they extract toxic chemicals including cancer-causing compounds like formaldehyde and benzene. That’s what makes plants a great addition for every room in the house – especially the bedroom where you spend many hours sleeping.

From ridding allergens and pollutants to alleviating sinus problems, plants are the perfect sleep companion. Some top purifiers are Aloe Vera, Areca Palm, Bamboo Palm, Bromeliads, Spider Plants, Chinese Evergreen, Ivy, and Golden Pothos.

Use natural cleaning products

Cleaning sprays touch every surface from your floors to your countertops, and this means toxins all over central spaces where your family spend their time. Replace chemical-based cleaning products with those made with natural ingredients. Specialist brands such as Ecover, Method and ECOS are good ones to try. Or if you want to save money, it’s can be just as easy to make your own. Natural products like lemons, white vinegar, Castile soap, tea tree oil and lavender essential oil are brilliant for cleaning and disinfecting.

Go BPA-free

Plastics are used for everything from food packaging to everyday household items. Whether it’s a baby bottle, a children’s lunchbox or a shampoo dispenser, BPA is everywhere. Its ability to imitate the body’s hormones means it can interfere with the natural balance of hormones in your body. BPA has been linked to numerous health problems, including cancer, heart disease, infertility, and even hormonal development in babies. The best advice is to avoid plastics if possible, and opt to shop with grocers that use no or minimal packaging.

Get a dehumidifier

Dealing with indoor air pollution in your home can be much easier when you have humidity levels under control. The reason is that moisture hosts all sorts of allergens like dust mites and mould spores. Lower humidity is also linked to lower air pollution, making it the perfect device to have in the bedroom for a healthier, better night’s sleep.

Don’t forget a healthy sleep routine begins with your mattress. If you’re concerned about toxins in your mattress, check out the Ely mattress range – a natural, non-toxic, eco-friendly alternative to memory foam.