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April 22nd 2019Dubai Property, Healthy home, Real estate in Dubai, toxins in the house, world health day

7 tips for a healthier home

Keeping your home healthy all the time does not have to be impossible or burn a hole in your pocket. With just a few well-placed adjustments to make a healthier home you can make sure that your loved ones are always healthy. Keep in mind though that while some of these changes are easy to carry out, some will require you to review your lifestyle and change a few things.

This World Health day, let us help make your home a haven of health and happiness by giving you a list of easily implementable solutions:  

1. Monitor dust at home 

We know that dust = sneezes. But did you know that dust also contains a multitude of harmful chemicals including lead and pesticides? Experts warn that the staying power of these chemicals are very high. This means that, even if these chemicals were used in your house decades earlier, they can still be present in your home today. 

What you can do about this: 

Vacuum frequently and carefully. Make sure you get into all the corners and into the crevices of your furniture so that you get all the dust. Also, make sure that your vacuum cleaner has a strong suction and a HEPA filter. Vacuum at least two times each week and clean the vacuum bag and filter every time, so dust isn’t pushed back into the air. 

2. Switch to natural pest control 

Using artificial chemicals to tackle your pest problem will show quick results but they may also put your children at risk for a range of health issues, including asthma, learning disabilities and problems with brain development.  

What you can do about this: 

Look for natural methods of pest control. You can implement these on your own or look for a professional certified in natural pest control techniques. These are not only safer for your family, but cheaper as well. 

3. Avoid plastic bottles and canned food 

Bisphenol A, commonly called BPA is found in polycarbonate plastics. Its safety is a highly debated issue among medical experts. Your safest bet is to limit your exposure to the chemical.  

What you can do about this: 

  • Look for safer water or baby bottles — either tempered glass bottles or plastic bottles plastics like polyethelene or polypropylene  
  • Don’t microwave plastic food containers. Heat can break down plastic fibers. 
  • Don’t microwave with cling wraps. Put food in a glass or ceramic dish and then cover with waxed paper or paper towels. 
  • Eat fewer canned foods. 
  • Use glass and ceramic containers to store or microwave foods. 

4. Reduce Teflon use 

Use your non-stick cookware wisely. Non-stick coatings are made with Perfluorinated (PFC) chemicals and these can accumulate in the body. Experts say that certain types of PFCs are cancer-causing agents.  

What you can do about this: 

Instead of this cookware, you could switch to stainless steel, anodized aluminum, copper-coated pans, cast iron, or enamel-coated iron. Silicone baking molds are also safe to use. 

 If you can’t do without your nonstick cookware – or if it’s too expensive to replace right away — then follow safe cooking practices. Don’t preheat pans on high and use the lowest temperature you can to cook food. 

Two other places you’ll find PFCs – in grease-resistant food packaging and as a stain-protection treatment. Reducing greasy packaged foods and fast foods in your diet (like microwave popcorn, French fries, and pizza) not only lowers your exposure, it’s also good for your heart. 

5. Don’t skip hand washing 

Yes, it is boring, but it really is the best way to prevent the germs on your hands transferring to your mouth. This is especially true for little children. Make sure to have the adults in your house wash their hands frequently, especially after coming indoors. Ask visitors to do the same. 

6. Switch to non-toxic cleaning products 

Conventional cleaning products contain harmful chemicals like chlorine and ammonia that have a very damaging effect on kids, especially kids with asthma.  

What you can do about this: 

Look for “green” cleaners that don’t contain chlorine or ammonia. Choose ones that say “petroleum-free,” “biodegradable,” or “phosphate-free.” 

Look for professionals who use natural cleaning products (yes, they do exist!). These companies will make sure to use natural products that not only clean your home but also protect your family. 

7. Think organic 

When you eat organic, you ingest fewer chemicals. Scientists say that organic food is more nutritious – organic fruits and vegetables have 25% higher levels of many nutrients than conventionally grown food. 

If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, aim for good health in the kitchen by: 

  • Getting plenty of omega-3 fats – like those from fatty fish and walnuts — when breastfeeding seems to protect the fetus’ brain development from toxins, research says.  
  • Iodine also helps offset negative effects from harmful chemicals. You can get iodine easily by taking a prenatal vitamin containing iodine. 

Read about more great tips for your home on our blog

Contact PropertyePortal for verified cleaning services and great offers.

Written and published by Propertyeportal Editorial Team.