Is your home making you sick?

Toxins are all around us, with the average person exposed to thousands of nasties on a daily basis. And nope, traffic pollution isn’t the sole culprit. According to experts, your own home could be making you sick. From sporing moulds to lurking VOCs, you could be living in a cocktail of toxins.

If you’re a retiree, you could be one of the biggest demographics at-risk. Suddenly you spend a lot more time in your home and could find yourself developing a myriad of health problems as a result. Sneezing? Coughing? Irritated eyes? You could be suffering from sick house syndrome!

So how can you fight back? Here’s a guide to how your house could be making you sick, and how to clean up its act.

Heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems

When it comes to indoor pollution, HVAC systems are one of the biggest culprits. The water in air conditioning ducts is a hotspot for mould and bacteria, which can trigger respiratory issues like asthma, allergies and coughing. Combat bacterial growth by having your air ducts professionally cleaned every few years.

Dust mite madness

Do you have a favourite pillow you’ve used for years? Or maybe you love snuggling up in your old threadbare armchair. Unfortunately, dust mites thrive in the warmth and humidity given out by human bodies. They weaken the immune system, worsen your allergies and make it easier to contract colds, flu and stomach bugs. It’s important to wash your sheets and pillowcases once a week, as well as vacuum your carpets, curtains and furniture. If you’re really sensitive, encasing your mattress and pillows in dust mite covers could be a good idea.

The vacuum cleaner

Vacuum cleaners are supposed to get rid of dust, but did you know that without an HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter you could be spewing household allergens back into the air? When it’s time to upgrade your old hoover, invest in a product with a built-in HEPA filter.

Chemical laden cleaning products

When it comes to cleaning products, some do more harm than good. Today’s cleaners can be loaded with chemicals and carcinogens that can wreak havoc on the body. From irritated eyes and constant headaches to breathing problems and itchy skin, compounds like 2Butoxyethanol, Alkylphenol ethoxylates, Ethanolamines and quaternary ammonium should be avoided at all costs. Instead, why not try some of these Mother Nature approved cleaning solutions? 

Vicious VOCs

Shorts for Volatile Organic Compounds, VOCs release harmful chemicals into the air that we breathe. They’re alarmingly talented at flying under the radar and are found in everything from paint and adhesives to carpets and composite wood products. Over time they can trigger a myriad of health problems. Combat VOCs by throwing open your doors and windows to increase ventilation. Keep temperature and relative humidity as low as possible, and use indoor plants as a natural air filtration solution.

Filthy fridge

Every year millions of Kiwis fall sick from foodborne illnesses, many contracted in their own homes. Keep strains like E.coli, salmonella and listeria at bay by making sure you’re cleaning out more than just old leftovers and wilted veg. Give your shelves and trays a good wipe down using warm water and baking soda, and never leave food uncovered.

The bathroom

As a wet environment, bathrooms are a mecca for mould. As well as aggravating asthma, toxic moulds can also trigger allergic reactions in one in three people. Think sneezing, coughing, dry eyes and rashes. Giving your bathroom a regular scrub should keep mould from forming, and a ventilation fan is an absolute must.

Have any great household cleaning tips you’d like to share? We’d love to hear them!