Our homes are our safe havens. It’s no wonder that people spend about 90% of their time indoors - much of that being at home. Unfortunately, most people encounter toxic environmental chemicals within their own homes. Research has linked these chemicals to a variety of negative health conditions, including disorders of the skin, lungs, kidneys, reproductive organs, and more.
So, how are we exposing ourselves and our families to such dangerous chemicals? Most importantly, how can you decrease those chemicals and lower your own toxic load?
What Is Toxic Load?
Toxic load refers to the toxic chemicals that can accumulate in the body from regular everyday activities. You interact with these chemicals via the air, water, food, and products you encounter on a daily basis. Even furniture and flooring can shed chemicals, which are then found in the air and dust in your home.
You have a natural detox system to get rid of these chemicals after they enter your body: your liver and kidneys. Still, our modern world can be so full of toxins that it’s hard for these organs to do their job adequately, and most people still have a relatively high toxic load. Thankfully, there are ways for you to reduce your toxic load by decreasing the chemicals in your home.
How to Reduce Toxic Load at Home
1. Use Non-Toxic Cleaning Products
Cleaning products are a massive source of synthetic chemicals in the home. These products can contain parabens, phthalates, sulfates, triclosan, and more. As you read ingredient labels, you’ll likely also notice vague terms, like “fragrance” or “perfume” which can disguise dangerous ingredients.
The key is to switch to natural products whenever possible, and be sure to check that the brand is completely transparent about its ingredients. Even the term “natural” is unregulated, so it can appear on any product. At Rooted Regimen, we list out every single ingredient which are 100% plant and mineral-based, with each earning a green score (the safest) from the Environmental Working Group.
2. Adopt a No-Shoes Policy
As you go about your day, you encounter a variety of toxins everywhere you go. Did you know that over 400,000 bacteria live on your shoes? A study by the University of Arizona found that an average of 421,000 bacteria live on the outside of a shoe, while about 2,887 live on the inside. The soles of your shoes can also pick up heavy doses of pesticides, fecal matter, allergens, and other toxic chemicals. All of these toxins cling to your shoes, and if you wear your shoes around the house, these nasties will stick to tiles and carpets.
Another study showed an increased risk of cancer for people who live near coal-tar-sealed asphalt pavement. Unknowingly, those wearing their shoes around the house would bring toxic particles from the pavement inside, putting them at risk.
3. Use Non-Toxic Cookware
Non-stick cookware is often coated with Teflon, which contains PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic Acid). This chemical creates toxic fumes when you heat it, which you then inhale via the air. PFOA has been linked to various health conditions, like thyroid disorders, liver disease, and kidney cancer. Swap out your non-stick pans for non-toxic options, like stainless steel, cast iron, ceramic, or stoneware.
4. Ventilate Your Home
Indoor air can be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air. The best way to clean the air in your home is with a powerful air filter. A HEPA filter can reportedly remove up to 99.97% of all toxin-carrying dust, pollen, and airborne particles. Also make sure the vacuum you use at home contains a HEPA filter.
If purchasing an air filter isn’t an option, you can also try opening your windows on a regular basis. This won’t remove all of the toxins, but it can be helpful especially after cleaning and cooking, as this is when chemical levels are highest.
Reducing your toxic load may seem overwhelming at first, so take it one step at a time, at a pace that works for you. One of the easiest ways to get started is to replace your current cleaning products with non-toxic alternatives. When you’re ready to make the switch, make sure to check out Rooted Regimen. Our Complete Starter pack covers all your cleaning needs from laundry to dishes, foors, and everything in between.
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Resources
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7132391/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3037292/
- https://mullenhealth.com.au/10-ways-to-reduce-your-toxic-load/
- https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/es303371t
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32950793/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33780327/
- https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/what-hepa-filter#:~:text=of%20Energy).,of%200.3%20microns%20(%C2%B5m).
- https://www.newscientist.com/article/2234689-opening-your-windows-doesnt-help-reduce-indoor-air-pollution/
- https://www.epa.gov/iaq-schools/why-indoor-air-quality-important-schools