But what’s the point of building a green home with low-VOC paints, adhesives and cabinetry, only to fill it with toxic household cleaners and dangerous te on cooking pans?
Here’s a short and simple walkthrough of a home, highlighting some of the many lifestyle and design choices that can be addressed to make future homes safer for kids. If you’re a builder or architect, tear this article out and share it with your next client. If you’re a parent and homeowner, there’s a lot of stu ff here that you may not have considered about household products and design.
FAMILY ROOM
1. REMOVE THE DUST
Your upholstered chair, sofa, and carpet can harbor allergens like pollen, dust mites, and mold. They can also trap dust containing toxins like pesticides, lead, and re-retardant chemicals. Kids breathe and ingest it as they crawl. Vacuum weekly with a HEPA filter and replace carpeting with wood floors to cut down on these exposures.
2. WATCH THAT TV
Many TVs contain a flame retardant composed of polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDEs). When plastic in the TV heats up, toxins are released and settle into house dust, where they’re breathed in (or kids ingest them from hand-to-mouth behavior). Newer TVs may be PBDE free—but you have to ask. Dusting an older set regularly with a damp cloth helps trap dust particles.
3. RECYCLE E-WASTE
Computer parts contain lead, polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDEs), and other toxic electronic waste (e-waste). Recycle responsibly. Find a quali fied e-waste collector to recycle the old model. Or donate your old electronics to a charity to keep toxins out of landfills.
4. BURN SAFELY
A wood fire feels cozy. But in an airtight home, it can pollute indoor air. Wood smoke releases tiny soot particles and gases—which can trigger asthma attacks and allergies. For a safer fire, install a fireplace insert and check the chimney yearly. Install carbon monoxide alarms.
5. IDENTIFY LEAD PAINT
Ready to renovate? First, test your home for lead paint. Some homes built as recently as 1978 may have it. Even low-level lead exposure can a ect brain development in a fetus, newborn or young child. With new paint, look for low- or no-VOC products to avoid headaches, respiratory irritation and other problems.
6. PURIFY AIR NATURALLY
Indoor house plants bring nature into your house. NASA research shows they also act as living air puri ers. The foliage and roots work in tandem to absorb chemical pollutants released by
synthetic materials. So go green: spider plants, many ferns and African violets are all nontoxic for kids and pets
LAUNDRY ROOM OR BASEMENT
1. OUT THE RADON
Modern sealed basements are energy efficient, but can trap radon gas and channel it upstairs. The EPA recommends testing all homes for radon, and discounted home radon testing kits are available from the National Safety Council. If radon is found, a contractor can reduce the levels by up to 99%. Contact your state’s radon o ffice for help.
2. JUST PLAIN CLEAN
Conventional laundry detergents may seem like they’re cleaning your clothes. But some may also pollute your indoor air, as well as our waterways. Look for biodegradable, fragrance-free, and non-toxic detergents and laundry softeners that clearly list all ingredients, and use chlorine-free bleach (like one containing hydrogen peroxide).
3. DON’T FORGET FABRICS
Tender skin easily absorbs chemicals. Wash childrens’ new clothing before using it, to reduce chemical exposure—and give everything an extra rinse. Look for natural- fiber clothing and blankets, such as unbleached organic cotton or new bamboo textiles.
4. CLEAR THE AIR
Air conditioning during the summer can cut down on allergycausing pollen and humidity, but it’s a major energy drain. Less intensive solutions such as an Energy Recovery Ventilator or one of the new ultra-quiet bath fans o er similar results at less environmental cost. If you do use any form of forced air heating or cooling, put a screen or lter over room vents to help trap pet dander and keep it from traveling through the ducts.
5. SNIFF THAT FLOORING
If you’re replacing floors, think twice before choosing products contain potentially toxic chemicals. For example, many brands of vinyl contain dangerous phthalates. Find one that doesn’t. Use your nose when purchasing, so you get an idea of what a kid’s perspective will be. Alternately, opt for natural (not vinyl) linoleum, concrete or tile. Whatever your choice, keeping floors clean can reduce allergy triggers from cockroach droppings, mold and dust.
THE KITCHEN
1. MICROWAVE SAFELY
Avoid heat-sensitive plastics, which can leach toxins into foods. If you do use plastic, look for those numbered #1 PETE, #2 HDPE, #4 LDPE and #5 PP, which may be less toxic. Or opt for glass or stainless steel.
2. CLEAN GREEN.
Conventional cleaners can contain toxic chemicals that aren’t listed on the label. Use baking soda for scouring and vinegar for antibacterial action.
3. Conventional cleaners can contain toxic chemicals that aren’t listed on the label.
Natural ingredients work just as well to get rid of germs and bacteria. Use baking soda for scouring and vinegar for antibacterial action. Look for natural and non-toxic cleaning products that don’t contain harsh solvents, fragrances, chlorine, or ammonia and which are biodegradable.
4. CLEAR THE AIR
If you don’t have a stove hood, crack a window to let gas, smoke, and humidity out while you cook. Opening a window for even a few minutes every day may help significantly improve your indoor air quality.
5. NONSTICK PANS CAN’T TAKE THE HEAT
Nonstick coatings on pots and pans can release toxic fumes at high temperatures. Stick to low or medium heat, and never preheat on high. Alternately, use ceramic ovenware, cast iron or stainless steel cookware.
6. STORE FOOD WISELY.
Use glass leftover containers (rather than plastic) and compost any food with an expired “use by” date. Don’t risk eating something that has a funny smell or seems to be supporting
unknown life forms.
THE GARAGE
1. GET A LOCKER.
Half empty cans of paint, toxic cleaners, used motor oil, batteries, or pesticides should only be stored in a locked cabinet, outside living areas.
2. ALARM IT.
A Carbon monoxide detector and smoke detector in the garage is a good idea for early fire detection. Also, never idle a vehicle in the garage for even a short while if children are present.
3. HARD HAT ZONE?
Be careful about stacking heavy tools or construction materials that could fall on small bodies.
4. HIDING PLACE
Be aware of containers kids might crawl into, especially ones that may contain volatile trash.
THE BACKYARD
1. SEAL TREATED WOOD
Pressure-treated lumber sold before May 2004 contains chromium copper arsenate (CCA), a form of arsenic, which is linked to cancer. Rather than tear it out before its time, seal it with a watertight coating once a year. When you’re ready, replace it with a composite deck made of recycled plastic.
2. LEAVE POLLUTANTS AT THE DOOR
A large door mat prevents some dirt, pesticides, lead and other pollutants from entering your home. Keep house shoes, slippers, or socks at the door.
3. PHASE OUT DEET BUG SPRAY
Why spray a toxin on to your child? Alternatives include a soybean oil product, which tests have found to be as e FFective as a 15% concentration of DEET and lasted for 4-8 hours. Oil of lemon eucalyptus also provides protection, although it may be toxic if ingested at high doses.
4. AVOID PESTICIDES
Pesticides are poisons. Protect your health by using natural methods of weed and pest control. Corn gluten suppresses common turf weeds. Others can be drowned in boiling water or burned with a vinegar spray. Mulch will keep down weeds in your garden.
5. SHOP YOUR SAND
Keep the sandbox covered, so critters don’t use it as a bathroom. Look for river or beach sand that has no silica or tremolite. Or opt for pea gravel - some kids like playing in that just as well.
6. TEST YOUR SOIL
Urban yards often contain arsenic or lead from old paint or auto emissions. The main risk is from ingestion. Mitigate by planting toxin-absorbing plants such as spinach and then disposing of them as hazardous waste, or cover contaminated soil with several inches of mulch or pebbles.
This article was written by Rachel Lincoln Sarnoff, Healthy Child, Healthy World: Derived from content originally created in partnership with WebMD. To view it as presented in our April 2012 issue, please visit our Magazine Archive. Or you can download a pdf of the article here.