YSH - Toxin Free Homes

TOXIN FREE HOMES CLEAN LIVING • HEALTHY HOMES • HAPPY LIVES We’ve all heard of the health benefits of chemical-free food, but what about the health benefits of chemical-free homes? In a modern world we are exposed to chemicals and radiation, which over time have been proven to affect our health.

The simplest and most economical way to address potential health risks is prevention. Over the past 10 years we have made changes to reduce our exposure to toxins in our home, and we feel the difference.

To help you do the same, we have identified 10 key areas in your home where you can start to make changes straight away. Some areas are easier to achieve, and you might be doing it already, while others take more planning and commitment.

If it feels a little overwhelming, focus on making just one change at a time. We’ve created this checklist to help get you started and guide you in the direction of healthier living.

In a world where many things are beyond our control, it is empowering to take back that control where we can, especially with our own health. We are passionate about reducing our exposure to toxins and environmental chemicals because we know first-hand the positive effects it has had on our lives.

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1 . Wa ter Goal: To reduce the total contaminants we drink and inhale.

• Install a water filter system in your kitchen (there are many options available so get the best you can afford).

• Consider installing a shower water filter too to reduce the level of inhaled chlorine and to remove other harsh chemicals that would be absorbed through your skin and lungs.

2. Kitchen & Food Goal: To reduce chemicals we eat.

• Eat organic whenever possible, and only wild-caught fish.

• Check out Dirty Dozen at www.ewg.org/foodnews/dirty-dozen.php and Clean 15 at www.ewg.org/foodnews/clean-fifteen.php for information on pesticides in produce.

• Avoid non-stick cook-wear and go for cast iron or stainless steel instead.

• Avoid using plastic cling films and drinking from plastic water bottles.

3. Indoor Air Quality Goal: To reduce chemicals we breathe in.

• Add indoor plants to all rooms and ventilate often by opening windows.

• Avoid air fresheners, scented candles and other fragranced items as these may contain hormone Endocrine-disrupting Chemical (EDCs).

• Use high-quality essential oils, always read labels and follow instructions carefully (especially when pregnant, breastfeeding and with infants/children).

4. Cleaning Goal: To reduce chemicals we breathe in and absorb through our skin.

• Change to microfibre technology (Enjo or similar) for cleaning, and dust with a damp cloth.

• Remove shoes at your door to avoid bringing in toxins and bacteria from outside.

• Select household and laundry cleaning products with consideration to your health and the environment, as many contain Endocrine-disrupting Chemical (EDCs). Avoid fragranced products.

5. Personal Care Goal: To reduce chemicals we absorb through our skin.

• Avoid antiperspirants containing aluminium salts. Search Black Chicken Remedies’ deodorants for an alternative.

• Select shampoos and personal washing products with care as many contain Endocrine-disrupting Chemical (EDCs). Avoid fragranced products.

• For lotions, sunscreens and soap, check out www.ewg.org/skindeep/#.WwU_m6_TXYU

6. Children Goal: To reduce chemicals our children breathe and absorb through their skin • Use organic bedding, sleep and underwear.

• Aim for toys made from natural materials; timber and fabrics such as wool, hemp, bamboo, silk, organic cotton.

• Ensure no flame retardants and toxic free stains, paints, glues and finishes are used.

• Avoid cosmetic products altogether (see 5., Personal Care).

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7. Electromagnetic Field / Radio Frequency Goals: To reduce our exposure to harmful levels of electromagnetic radiation emitted from electrical sources such as wiring, powerlines and appliances.

To reduce our exposure to harmful frequencies used in radiofrequencies emitted from mobile phones, cordless phones, Bluetooth, modems, wi-fi and smart meters.

• Turn off mobile phone data when not using the internet, especially when using your mobile phone to make a call.

• Minimise time spent using your phone close to your head – use air tubes, speaker phone or text messaging as a safer alternative.

• Remove mobile and cordless phones / base stations from your bedroom at night.

• Turn off Wi-Fi at night.

8. Furniture & Clothing Goal: To reduce chemicals we breathe in and absorb through our skin.

• Use organic bedding and sleepwear.

• Avoid fire retardants in furniture, mattresses and pillows, and don’t apply stain-resistant chemicals to furniture.

• Avoid wrinkle-free, non-iron clothing as it may contain formaldehyde.

9. Building Materials Goal: To reduce chemicals we breathe in.

• Avoid Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) globes as they contain mercury (a danger if the globe breaks). Try using LED lighting.

• Change some light globes to ‘warm light’ for your evening, to support melatonin production for sleep.

10. Building Design Goal: To reduce our exposure to harmful levels of electromagnetic radiation emitted from electrical sources such as wiring, powerlines and appliances.

• Do not position beds on common walls backed-onto by power meters or electrical ` appliances (fridges).

CFL – Compact Fluorescent Light EDC – Endocrine-disrupting Chemical (a chemical that disrupts hormone-controlled systems in our bodies and may cause developmental impairments and cancers) EMF – Electromagnetic Field (electromagnetic radiation emitted from electrical sources such as wiring, powerlines and appliances, which may cause health issues) LED – Light-emitting Diode (a type of energy-efficient, environmentally friendly light bulb) RF – Radio Frequency (used in radio communications, mobile phone, mobile data) VOC – Volatile Organic Compound (a toxic chemical that ‘off-gases’ over time from chemical-containing products and materials)

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Elise Parker Owner/Healthy Homes Specialist My journey into learning about Healthy Homes all started with the heart-breaking experience of losing my father to prostate cancer.

I cared for him while he deteriorated from a fit 59-year-old who’d always maintained a healthy lifestyle to his sad passing away just two and a half years later. This personal tragedy set my family and I on a course of intense learning about environmental chemical exposure and its effect on our health.

We know that we can play sport, work-out at the gym, eat well, get plenty of sleep, cover up in the sun, choose cosmetic products wisely, avoid outdoor pollutants and buy environmentally friendly household products, but all efforts to live well and stay healthy can be effectively negated if we don’t have a healthy home. Home is, after all, where we spend most of our time. We also know that primary prevention is the simplest and most economical way to address potential environmental health risks in our homes.

We recognise that hazards can’t be avoided completely but a lot can be done to minimise risk and ensure the safest use of the space.

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