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Indoor air pollution can be two to five times worse than outdoor air pollution, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Common pollutants found at home, such as volatile organic compounds, formaldehyde, lead, and asbestos, can spark or exacerbate allergies and asthma, while working some major mojo on the liver, kidney, and central nervous system.
The good news: You can reclaim your home and make it over into the non-toxic haven you've always envisioned. Here are some of the steps we covered over the past year:
Before you kick off your detox program, prepare an audit of your cleaning supplies, paying particular attention to certain "signal words" on their warning labels. We list a breakdown of what you should be steering clear of. Although burning a few candles is a frugal way of conjuring up some instant mood lighting, the melting paraffin wax could be exposing your family to a boatload of neurotoxic chemicals. We recommend a couple of eco-friendly, non-toxic alternatives. Plus, discover how you can freshen your space, without blasting toxins all around you.
Neutralize trace organic pollutants, such as benzene and formaldehyde, simply by growing certain varieties of houseplants. Find out which ones you want to add to your your detox arsenal, including a peculiar fern that has developed a taste for arsenic.
More than 80 percent of American homes built before 1978, or roughly 64 million, contain lead paint. In addition to chipping and peeling paint, lead-paint dust from walls, windowsills, woodwork, and other surfaces can also be inhaled or ingested. Learn how to detect the presence of lead in your home, and what do if it rears its ugly head.
Design and assemble own non-toxic cleaning kit, one that will not only save you oodles of cash over the years, but is also unlikely to leave you gasping for an emergency-room doctor.
Difficulty level: Easy to moderate
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