On average, we tend to spend 90% of our time indoors - which makes it paramount to understand how and to what extent your home environment is impacting your health. Unlike interior design and comfort, the health-related aspect of our living environment is often overlooked, but it's also the most important one. When living in a home that is conducive to health, you can boost your overall mental and physical health, emotional well-being, and, ultimately, keep at bay diseases such as asthma and skin rashes. In this guide, we’ll explore the signs of a toxic home and how you can address the most common sources of illness today.
3 Signs That Your Home May Be Toxic For Your Health
If you have been struggling with sleep and high stress levels, or you have been feeling stuffy, tired, and unable to concentrate, the culprit may be found within your home. According to the EPA, our home’s indoor air can contain as much as 2 to 5 times the amount of pollutants than outdoor air, and, in some cases, these levels can be as high as 100 times the ones registered outdoors! So, it isn’t surprising that, when living in an unhealthy home, your health will take a toll. Some of the telltale signs that your living environment may be making you sick include:
Ongoing Allergies - Constantly experiencing skin rashes, a runny nose, itchy or reddened eyes, and high levels of fatigue may indicate that your body is fighting allergens such as mold, mildew, pet hair, and dust mites that are living in your home.
Unusual Fatigue - If you're constantly feeling tired or having difficulty sleeping, it may be a sign that your body’s immune system is constantly fighting stressors, thus leaving you feeling drained and unable to sustain high levels of energy throughout the day.
Respiratory Issues - Inadvertently inhaling hazardous chemicals and other substances (i.e.: the ones contained within furniture, cookware, and fabrics) can lead to conditions like asthma and serious lung disorders.
3 Common Sources of Illness Within Your Home - and How to Address Them Today
Whether you are moving into your new property or you are looking to improve the health of your long-standing family home, there is a lot that you can do - starting with learning to identify the common sources of illness within your home. Let’s look at these - and at how to fix them - below.
Your HVAC System
Your HVAC system plays an important role in maintaining optimal internal temperature and preventing illnesses. It can also help circulating fresh air and filtering harmful substances out of your indoor environment. Nonetheless, without adequate care your HVAC unit may become a source of illness.
The Fix:
Service your HVAC system regularly to keep your home free from harmful substances such as dust, mildew, and mold, which are the main culprits behind foul odors and respiratory issues. When choosing a professional to help you maintain your HVAC system in great shape, make sure to work with a local who best understands the needs of the homes within your community. For example, for your home in Wichita, callhamilton.com offers quality Kansas HVAC services that will keep into consideration the climate and pollution levels in the area.
Your Home’s Features
Your home’s furniture and fabrics, as well as cookware and paint, may be the source of dangerous substances such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and hazardous chemicals - which you may be inadvertently breathing in! What’s more, if your home was built between the 1960s and the 1980s, there is a change that it may contain asbestos, which has been seen to be a cancer-causing material.
The Fix:
Depending on what materials are used in your home, you may consider a cosmetic touch-up, such as repainting the walls with chemical-free paint or swapping your furniture and fabric for natural fibers. In this case, using tools such as an AI photo enhancer or a rendering software can help you visualize what your home will look like. Alternatively, you may look into more extensively renovating the areas of your home that may be affecting your health.
Your Habits and Hygiene Levels
Studies have shown that clutter can have a profound impact on your mental and physical health. Not only does clutter make it harder to focus and adds to fatigue, but it can also get in the way of your cleaning, leading to the build-up of dust and other harmful particles.
The Fix:
Opt for a minimalist approach to your home. Fewer pieces of furniture, clothes, and decor will make it easier to keep your home clean. Don’t forget to involve your whole family in keeping your home clean on a daily basis.
Partner With a Professional
If you are struggling to find the sources of your illness within your home environment, a specialist can help. Be sure to reach out before you or someone in your family develops complications from living in an unhealthy home!
