Household Toxins
Making sure your home is safe to live in is a priority for any homeowner. The visible dangers, like a loose board on the porch or a broken window, obviously need to be fixed. But what about the potentials dangers you might not be able to see? This Web guide helps you learn about common household toxins and how to eliminate them from your home.
Expand All Guide SectionsCommon Household Toxins
Simply knowing about some common household toxins is a good first step toward protecting your home and your family from danger. The Web sites in this section discuss a few of the toxins commonly found in homes and explain why they are harmful.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Some cleaning products contain harmful chemicals. Read the findingDulcinea Housecleaning Web Guide to find natural alternatives to traditional cleaners.
- For tips on removing toxic substances from your home, and for a variety of other home maintenance ideas, read Household Hints for Dummies.
Dulcinea's Picks
For a general look at household toxins …
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
focuses on air quality within the home by looking at common pollutants such as asbestos, pesticides, heaters, household products and more.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
talks about household dangers such as mold, carbon monoxide, lead and radon, and what you can do to eliminate these substances.
Forbes.com
presents “Hidden Household Toxins,” an article that elaborates on common household toxins that homeowners may not be aware of.
For radon …
The Minnesota Department of Health
discusses what radon is and why it is particularly harmful to a person’s lungs. Scroll down to find a helpful graphic that illustrates the common areas where radon can enter a home. Although some of the information is specific to Minnesota, much of it can be useful to everyone.
For phthalates …
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
explains how people are exposed to phthalates and why they may be harmful. Find links for learning more facts about phthalates at the end of the article.
For formaldehyde …
The National Cancer Institute
has a fact sheet about formaldehyde. Check this site to learn what formaldehyde is and whether it’s responsible for causing some cancers.
For flame-retardant chemicals …
KNBC.com
discusses the potential dangers of being exposed to flame-retardant chemicals found in furniture and other household items. View the video report or read the transcript online.
The Oakland Tribune
explains that concentrations of flame-retardant chemicals may be particularly high in children, and possibly higher than in their parents. The article also discusses common sources of exposure to these chemicals.
Who knew?
Time Magazine
asks, “How ‘Fresh’ Is “Air Freshener?” in this article about the presence of phthalates in some air fresheners.
Eliminating Household Toxins
When you know you’ve got a potentially dangerous household toxin in your home, naturally you’ll want to take steps to eliminate the problem. The Web sites included in this section can get you started.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Depending on where you live, some household toxin problems may be more common in your area than in other states. Your state health agency may be able to provide more specific information.
- Some of the Web sites in the “Common Household Toxins” section discuss the sources and dangers of several toxins, and also how to eliminate them.
Dulcinea's Picks
To address specific areas of your home
Health.com
presents “The Most Toxic Places in Your Home” an article that pinpoints areas that may be harboring dangerous chemicals and explains how to fix potential problems.
For radon …
The National Safety Council
(NSC) explains how radon can enter a home or water supply, how to test for radon where you live and what to do to mitigate a radon problem.
For asbestos …
The Consumer Product Safety Commission
discusses the dangers of asbestos, and what should be done if there is asbestos where you live.
For formaldehyde …
BobVila.com
explains the sources of formaldehyde in a home, potential health effects from exposure and ways to reduce exposure.
For waste disposal …
The National Ag Safety Database
(NASD) details various types of hazardous household waste and methods of proper storage and disposal.
Who knew?
HGTV.com
notes that certain household plants can clean specific pollutants from the air. Discover which common plants can clear formaldehyde and benzene from your home.
© 2010 Dulcinea Media, Inc.
