How to Identify and Eliminate Toxins in Your Home

 Toxins are the rule rather than the exception in most homes. Though exposure to toxic chemicals won't usually result in immediate health risks, it's a good idea to get rid of known toxins in the home. 

Cookware, carpets, building materials, furniture, and cleaning products are where you'll find the most toxic chemicals.

Take a look at this guide to identifying and eliminating toxins in the home.

Get to Know Harmful Gases

There are invisible toxins in your home that you can't see or smell that can cause serious damage to your health.

Radon, for example, is a colorless, odorless gas that is known to cause cancer.

It's different than most toxins in that it doesn't come from human-made chemicals.

Radon is actually a natural by-product of the breakdown of uranium in soil, rocks, and water.

Because you can't see or smell radon gas, you'll need to hire a professional to test the levels in your home.

The best way to get rid of radon gas once its detected is to install a radon-reduction system. 

Another toxic substance to watch out for is asbestos.

Though it isn't a gas, it's most harmful when the fibers get into the air. Breathing in asbestos over a long period causes lung cancer.

Asbestos is more likely to be a problem in older homes.

If you're in the market for a new home, the responsibility lies on the seller to disclose any asbestos present in the home. 

Go Carpetless

Carpet is a treat, especially if you have young kids. 

But carpet comes with extensive chemical treatments that don't just go away after its installed.

Your carpets can contain stain repellants, antimicrobial treatments, and other chemicals to preserve their appearance over time.

While these are great for preserving the look and feel of the carpet, it's terrible for your health.

There are non-toxic carpet options that aren't made from petroleum-based ingredients and treated with harmful chemicals.

Opt for an organic, wool carpet if you can't live without soft flooring in your home.

Just remember to look for an installation team that can execute your toxic-free vision from start to finish.

That means choosing safe carpet padding and installation materials like carpet glue during the process.

You'll also need to create a regular maintenance schedule to prevent dust mites, pesticides, and other chemical residues from building up in your non-toxic carpets. 

Other non-toxic flooring options include hardwood and natural stone tile.

These flooring options are more expensive to start, but provide the safest options when looking for ways to detox your home. 

Ditch the Nonstick

Cookware is a common culprit of household toxins.

The best way to rid your kitchen equipment of toxins is to ditch nonstick cookware.

Nonstick cookware is convenient but coated with too many harmful chemicals to provide a safe environment for your food and body.

 Nonstick cookware ingredients have been linked to infertility, organ damage, and other developmental problems.

A good cast iron pan can provide the same cooking benefits once seasoned properly.

You'll be left with a sticky mess while you get used to cooking with the new material, but it's a small price to pay to avoid health risks. 

Choose Safer Cleaning Products

People bring toxins into their homes from the grocery store every day. Household cleaning products are filled with harmful substances that are linked to a laundry list of avoidable health risks.

Catchy phrases like 'all-natural' and 'plant-derived' don't actually mean the products are toxin-free.

In fact, household cleaners aren't heavily regulated, so you'll need to do your own research to find safe products.  

Another simple option is to mix your own cleaning products.

Many people find success in creating cleaning cocktails with common household ingredients like lemon juice, baking soda, and vinegar.

Take off Your Shoes

One of the simplest ways to prevent toxins from entering your home is to take off your shoes when you enter the house.

It may seem like a major inconvenience, but removing is an instant solution to avoiding unwanted chemicals from public places to enter your home.

Parking lots, construction areas even professional-grade cleaning solutions used in office buildings can cling to the bottom of your shoes.

Don't allow even trace amounts of residue to enter your home.

Since you don't know what's on the bottom of your shoes at any given time, it's best to just leave them next to the front door. 

Choose Cleaner Foods

It's easy to overlook the toxins found in our groceries when looking to detox the home.

But produce is a common source of pesticides.

Choose fruits and vegetables that aren't typically sprayed with harmful chemicals to keep your home toxin-free.

These fruits and vegetables are less likely to have chemicals added to them because they have their own natural protective barriers.

Think avocados, kiwis, oranges, and corn still in its husk.

This is the best alternative for families who can't afford organic produce.

No produce, even organic, is completely pesticide-free, but these options are less riskier for your health. 

Can You Eliminate Toxins in the Home?

Trying to eliminate all potentially harmful chemicals or toxins in the home is nearly impossible without a solid plan.

Instead of focusing on one-off detox solutions, create a comprehensive schedule of detoxing your home.

One month, focus on household systems like radon testing and air duct cleaning. 

Another month, replace your flooring with a less toxic option or get your carpet deep cleaned.

It'll take time to revamp your home completely, but it is worth the long term investment in your wellbeing.

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