“In the safe haven of home,” people often say. And surely the home should be a safe place even when it comes to chemicals. But unfortunately, there can be quite a few hidden chemicals lurking in the home.
Chemicals enter our homes in various ways. And most of them we actually bring into our homes voluntarily through the purchases we make.
Many times completely unaware of which substances are hiding in our tools, gadgets, and furnishings.
When it comes to chemicals in the home, the first thing we might think of is the chemicals in cleaning products.
But then there are many chemicals we often don’t even think about, which are constantly emitted from our electronics, plastic flooring, furniture, and textiles. Chemicals that can disrupt our hormone balance or cause allergies or cancer.
Plastic is a fantastic material and is still needed in our modern society. But various chemicals are used in plastic to give it different properties so it, for example, doesn’t crack easily or withstand strong sunlight. Color and fragrance substances can also be added.
Unfortunately, these chemicals slowly leak out of the plastic. And as a consumer, it is almost impossible to keep track of which plastics are dangerous and which are not. Legislation, controls, and labeling make it a bit easier.
Chemicals in toys
Children are more sensitive than adults, so we need to be extra careful about which chemicals they come into contact with.
The EU’s chemical legislation is the best in the world, and the rules for toys are even stricter. Therefore, always choose toys made within the EU.
And if you buy second-hand toys, make sure they were made after 2007, or even better, after 2013 when the rules were tightened further.
Choose toys made from natural materials such as wood, fabric, wool, porcelain, stainless steel, paper, and ceramics. Don’t give children old electronics or other gadgets that are not toys to play with, as they are not covered by the same strict legislation as toys.
Also choose chemical-free organic textiles such as duvets, sheets, and children’s clothes. Always wash all clothes and fabrics before use.
Common conventional textiles can contain dye residues, anti-mold agents, and other toxic chemicals that you don’t want against the skin. Good eco-labels for textiles are GOTS and OEKO-TEX.
Replace foam mattresses with ones made from natural materials. Or check that they are not treated with flame retardants. Textiles, mattresses, and even building materials release the most chemicals when they are new.
Electronics do not belong in playrooms or bedrooms as they are often treated with flame retardants and contain other hazardous substances, and the dust near them often contains substances you don’t want your child to be exposed to.
The kitchen
In the kitchen, it is important to try to reduce the number of chemicals, especially when it comes to materials we use for cooking that get heated. This includes, for example, plastic lunch boxes and plastic utensils we use for frying.
When plastic gets warm, it generally leaks more than usual. Think about the spatula or the TV remote, both of which get warm when you use them. These substances are then inhaled, get into your food, or are absorbed through the skin.
Food packaging can also pose a threat. Some cardboard packaging that needs to resist water and fat can contain the extremely persistent and harmful environmental toxins PFAS.
Other packaging, such as tin cans, can contain hormone-disrupting bisphenol A. Prefer packaging like Tetra Pak or BPA-free metal containers.
Frying pans, baking sheets, and molds with non-stick surfaces, such as Teflon, also contain PFAS. Instead, opt for cast iron and steel.
Cut down on plastic and don’t buy new plastic for the kitchen. Don’t heat plastic in the microwave and avoid melamine dinnerware (hard plastic) which can leak melamine when heated or with acidic foods.
Use lunch boxes made of stainless steel or glass.
Choose stainless steel, cast iron, glass, and ceramics for cooking.
Use bamboo or wooden cutting boards and kitchen utensils made of stainless steel or wood.
Oil the wood regularly and sprinkle salt overnight sometimes to kill bacteria.
Cleaning
Chemicals also accumulate in dust. Therefore, it is important to ventilate and vacuum often. Vacuum first and then wipe with a damp cloth so that the toxins end up in the trash that is incinerated and not in the wastewater.
When it comes to cleaning, it is easy to clean ecologically. Choose an organic, eco-labeled dish soap and mix 1/5 with water in a spray bottle when hand washing dishes.
Sonett has two types of dish soap (Calendula & Citrus) that both effectively remove dirt while being gentle on hands and the environment.
Vinegar removes lime stains and odors and is good for window cleaning.
Baking soda works as a metal polish, on pots with burnt food, stains, and odors.
Wash clothes with laundry nuts or with an eco-labeled detergent such as Sonett’s Liquid detergent sensitive or liquid detergent lavender.
Use soap for floors and ovens.
The toilet is easily cleaned with Sodasans WC power gel or Sonett’s natural toilet cleaner.
Avoid expensive specialty cleaners and products containing synthetic fragrances.
Green plants have a fantastic ability to absorb harmful chemicals from the air, rehydrate it, oxygenate, and absorb carbon dioxide. So fill your home with Golden Pothos, Ivy, Peace Lily, Snake Plant, and other plants that purify the air.
Summary
- Choose furnishings made from natural materials.
- Choose eco-labeled products.
- Avoid buying more plastic for your home from now on.
- Choose toys made from natural materials.
- Choose toys made after 2007 and within the EU.
- Wash new textiles.
- Cut down on plastic in the kitchen as much as possible.
- Choose eco-labeled laundry and cleaning products.
- Vacuum and ventilate to remove dust that contains many chemicals.
- Have live green plants at home.
Here at Glimja, you’ll find eco-friendly laundry and cleaning products and most of what you need for a sustainable lifestyle!
