Detox Your Home
by Beth Fiteni, MSEL • Long Island, NY

My home is my refuge, and in addition to good feng shui, what makes me feel good about coming home, is knowing that my house has been “detoxed” as best as possible. Just as it’s healthy to put ourselves through gentle detox measures, we can do the same for the space we live in, (which in turn helps reduce toxins in our bodies.)

Here are six areas where most homes could benefit from a little detox.

1. Pesticides — Many people believe that if a product is for sale on store shelves, it must be safe because somebody along the way has checked it for safety. As the recent scares with lead in toys shows, this is not necessarily the case. While the government does register pesticides after reviewing studies performed by the manufacturer, many pesticides do contain nerve toxins, hormone disruptors, or even carcinogens. Before you choose a lawn care product or bug spray, look for safer alternatives. Most of the better nurseries offer products made from natural ingredients. For example, boric acid is a safer choice for ants or roaches indoors. For a long term solution, caulk up cracks where pests enter. Lawns grow green when soil biology is thriving, so adding quality compost will help boost soil health. Avoid weeds by mowing a bit higher- this shades out the weed seeds. For more local information about alternatives, see neighborhood-network.org or grassrootsinfo.org.

2. Body products — It came as a shock to me to find out that the Federal Drug Administration does not pre-test body products (see their website). Only when enough consumers complain about reactions to makeup, shampoo, etc. is action taken to pull it off the market. Many body products contain phthalates and parabens, preservatives that are hormone disruptors; they mimic or block hormones in the body that help our organs function properly. The good news is that smart manufacturers are finding alternatives. New brands of cosmetics, shampoos, and lotions are available that use natural ingredients like grapefruit seed extract as preservatives. They may not last as long as their chemical counterparts, but you can lather them on without worry. Alternative products can be found at your local health food store. See cosmeticsdatabase.com.

3. Paints — If you walk into a place that’s just been painted, your nose knows it. What you’re smelling are airborne chemicals called volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These compounds can have a variety of effects from mere respiratory or eye irritation to triggering an asthma attack. Avoiding this is simple; most quality paint stores offer either low or no VOC paints that don’t smell while you’re painting. It’s a breath of fresh air; if you don’t see them on the shelf, just ask for them.

4. Carpets — can contain over 50 different types of toxins, including glues and formaldehyde. Switching to natural wood, slate or bamboo flooring is another option. Where that’s not practical, try natural wool, jute or sisal (seagrass) rugs and carpets. These are becoming more readily available at larger carpet stores and online.

5. Cleaners — Many common cleaners are petroleum based and contain alcohols, ammonia, or bleach. These substances are linked with nausea, eye and respiratory inflammation, neurological & liver damage, and asthma. More children have asthma and allergies than ever before, so reducing irritants around kids is especially important. Cleaners may also have environmental impacts when washed down the drain. There are many non-toxic, bio-based cleaners available at health food stores, but the least expensive alternative is to make your own - white vinegar cleans glass and linoleum floors, and baking soda can be used to scour sinks, tubs and ovens; it also makes a great deodorizer. A great resource for natural cleaning tips is Clean and Green: The Complete Guide to Nontoxic and Environmentally Safe Housekeeping by Annie Berthold Bond.

6. Bedding — Most mattresses (and furniture) contain fire retardants made of controversial products called PBDEs (polybrominated diphenyl ethers). While flame resistant furniture is a beneficial, PBDEs come with a down side -- they may adversly affect the thyroid and nervous system. PBDE’s have been found in human tissue, including breast milk, leading to several forms of these chemicals being banned in Europe.

Alternatively, look for organic cotton mattresses with natural wool or borate flame retardants. They can be found online (see ecomall.com), as can organic cotton pillows and futons. Why organic? 25% of U.S. pesticide use is on cotton! And this awareness is reaching mainstream—even Walmart and Target are carrying organic cotton sheets and towels.

Many of these products can cost a bit more or even a lot more. Your budget will help determine what’s feasible. Start small and then work your way up. Your home can be a green oasis— your health and peace of mind are worth it.

Beth Fiteni is the Program Director for the Neighborhood Network, a Long Island-based environmental organization.