Keeping a “healthy house” can mean different things for different families, but overall, a healthy house is one free of hazardous and harmful materials. It can be surprising to learn how many common household products and features can have negative health effects but it’s easy to keep a house healthy with some simple guidelines.
To start with, stick with natural products as much as you can. From the kitchen to the bathroom, look at labels. Try to purchase products that list all of the ingredients so you know 100% what you’re bringing into your home. And, as a rule of thumb, fewer ingredients are almost always better. Avoid chemical-heavy cleaners and products. It is also important to, when possible, use glass containers for food and water.
Opt for fragrance-free in your personal products as even simple things like air fresheners can release toxic chemicals and contaminate the air in your home. Using essential oils in place of things that you use for their fragrance is easy and ensures you are not breathing in toxic chemicals.
When was your home built? If it was before 1978, it might have lead paint. This is something that should have been disclosed during the buying process, but consider sanding and repainting. If you sand, use a wet sanding method to avoid breathing in too much dust. Replace outdoor wood furnishings and decks built before 2005 when arsenic was used in the woods. You can reseal the wood to lower the chance of exposure. To be safe, instill a rule to wash hands between touching the outdoor wood and eating.
Simple ingredients, natural scents, and knowing the history of your home can all help you keep it healthy for you and your family. And, make sure to visit our VIP Insurance website or reach out to us for any insurance questions you may have. We look forward to hearing from you!