Removing Harmful Chemicals from Your Home in 2021

Why Removing Harmful Chemicals Is Important

Did you know there could be a lot of harmful toxins lurking in the home? From flooring to paint and medications to cleaning products; we are surrounded by toxins every single day. While a low level of toxins isn’t harmful to the body, too much of them could cause serious health issues. Here, you’ll discover why removing harmful chemicals in the home is important.

It’s harmful to your kids.

While harmful chemicals impact everyone in the household, kids are known to be particularly susceptible to exposure. Young children especially are exposed to a lot more chemicals than adults. This is because they crawl across the floor, place things in their mouths and breathe more air than adults.

The trouble is that their bodies are still developing. The immune system isn’t as strong as it is for an adult. This means they are even more at risk of developing harmful effects from the chemicals they are surrounded with.

It increases the risk of lung diseases.

Harmful chemicals can have a number of effects on the respiratory system. The most common issues caused by high levels of chemical exposure include asthma and lung disease. The main chemicals that can lead to issues with respiratory issues include Cadmium, Benzene and Asbestos. The latter is typically found in old insulation, while Cadmium is found in old batteries and Benzene is found in degreasers.

Potential impact on the renal system.

You’ll also find harmful chemicals can potentially impact your renal system too. This part of the body is responsible for eliminating waste, regulating body fluids and salt levels. The damage caused to the renal system by harmful chemicals can include kidney tissue damage, kidney cancer and a limited ability to filter the blood.

Possible chemicals that could impact the renal system include lead, Mercury and Chlorinated hydrocarbon solvents. Lead is found in outdated plumbing and old paint, while Mercury is found thermostats and fish. Chlorinated hydrocarbon solvents are found in dry cleaning solutions, degreasers and paint removers.

The danger to your cardiovascular health.

Exposure to certain chemicals can also impact the cardiovascular system. Used to move gases, nutrients and waste to and from the body, fight disease and stabilize your temperature, the cardiovascular system is crucial to our health.

The main chemicals that put the cardiovascular system at risk include nitrates, Methylene chloride and carbon monoxide. Nitrates are largely found in fertilizers, while Methylene chloride is found in paint removers and auto part cleaners. Carbon monoxide, the most harmful chemical to be exposed to, is found in faulty furnaces and car exhausts.

Potential reproductive issues.

Worryingly, exposure to high levels of harmful chemicals can also cause problems with reproduction. You may find it more difficult to conceive, it can increase the risk of your baby dying, and cause potential birth defects. In some cases, it can even cause infertility.

The chemicals putting you at risk of reproductive issues include Methyl Mercury, lead and carbon monoxide. Methyl Mercury is largely found in fish and coal burning power. These are just some of the ways harmful chemicals can impact your health. They can also cause issues for the nervous system, such as sight, memory and speech. The immune system can also be impacted, and it can cause troubles like rashes and dermatitis for the skin.

As you can see, there are a lot of chemicals that can impact your health in the home. The above are just some of the reasons why it is important to remove harmful chemicals from the home. While you can’t eliminate all chemicals completely, it is possible to reduce the amount in the home to improve your health.

20 Top Essential Oils

With so many natural benefits that they provide, essential oils are great to have on hand. They can be used for a variety of purposes. Here is a list of the ones you will want to have around, and what they can be used for…

1. Lavender oil is one of the most popular essential oils. It speeds up hair growth. Beneficial for detoxifying your scalp when mixed with a 8 drops of frankincense essential oil, 8 drops lavender essential oil, 3 drops tea tree essential oil and 1/3 cup of argan oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil or grapeseed oil. Massage on scalp, leave to soak in 20-30 minutes before washing hair. A few drops in your shampoo can do wonders. It also helps you sleep better, and gives you fast relief when you have a sunburn.

2. Tea tree oil is great to have on hand for adding to vinegar and using the mixture to clean your home. It is antiviral, anti-fungal, antiseptic and antibiotic, helps unclog hair follicles, prevents buildup of chemicals and dead skin on your scalp although it can be harsh if used directly on the scalp so make sure to mix a few drops in your favorite hair oil, coconut, grapeseed, argan, jojoba etc.

3. Chamomile oil is great for relaxation. Chamomile oil adds shine and softness to hair, and soothes the scalp. Roman chamomile is more gentle than German chamomile, so it can be used for young babies, and is often used in homemade diaper spray solutions to soothe diaper rash.

4. Eucalyptus oil helps support respiratory health. Those suffering from asthma, bronchitis and even the common cold can benefit from diffusing this or applying it topically in diluted form.

5. Lemon oil is a great antibacterial and anti-fungal and an effective dandruff treatment also a perfect solution for thicker hair. If you are coming down with a cold, rub it in the palms of your hands and inhale. You can even add several drops to your load of laundry to help disinfect it.

6. Frankincense oil can prevent hair loss, as well as stimulate hair growth, it nourishes and strengthens the hair from within. It’s great for the skin, and often used in homemade facial creams. It can be applied topically to swollen areas and used as an anti-inflammatory.

7. Peppermint oil is another essential that promotes hair growth Mix 3 drops of peppermint essential oil with 1/4 cup carrier oil of your choice and massage into scalp, leave for 20 minutes before washing hair. Peppermint essential oil can soothe sore muscles and relieve bad breath. It can also be sprinkled around the doors in your home to deter ants or mice from entering.

8. Clove oil can be used to soothe a dry and irritated scalp it helps with much needed shine to dry and dull hair. With antiseptic properties essential clove oil can be used to relieve tooth pain while you are waiting for an emergency dentist appointment.

9. Grapefruit oil is a detoxifier and can be diluted and applied to cellulite-laden areas of the body to help release toxins from fat cells.

10. Ginger oil helps relieve nausea. It can also be diluted and applied to painful areas in order to experience relief.

11. Ylang ylang oil is ideal for dry scalps and can stimulate sebum production. It has a beautiful smell and is often used as a natural perfume. It also benefits relaxation and healthy skin.

12. Cedarwood oil can be used to clarify the skin, it promotes hair growth and reduces hair loss by balancing the oil-producing glands in the scalp. It also has antifungal and antibacterial properties, which can treat different conditions that may contribute to hair loss. It’s a good repellent for ticks, flies and gnats.

13. Citronella oil is a well-known mosquito repellent, but can also treat fevers and headaches.

14. Lemongrass oil is beneficial for a flake-free scalp. It is a common insect repellent, and can also help with digestive issues.

15. Geranium oil is great for the skin and also helps balance hormones. It promote hair growth by nourishing the scalp and balancing the production of sebum and natural oils.

16. Orange oil helps circulation and can also be used when cleaning your home, as it is not harsh and damaging to surfaces.

17. Lime oil is beneficial to diffuse when you need to stay alert. It can be added to shampoo to prevent scalp issues such as lice.

18. Rosemary oil has become the go-to oil for hair growth, by adding it to a carrier oil and applying it to the scalp.

19. Myrrh oil is great for skin health. This oil also penetrates deep into your scalp to increase pore tightness and stimulate hair growth, strengthens the roots and thus reduces hair loss. Along with fighting dandruff it fights and protects against parasites when ingested.

20. Thyme oil is used for respiratory health and is antibacterial, which makes it great for use when fighting illness or cleaning the kitchen. Great oil for skin care & hair care. It helps promote hair growth by both stimulating the scalp and actively preventing hair loss. Similar to cedarwood oil, thyme oil is helpful in treating alopecia areata

If you could only purchase twenty essential oils, these would be the ones you should invest in. They promote health, cleanliness and work together to cover a great variety of everyday needs.

Start with a few, and build your collection as you find yourself using them more and more. Only older teenagers and adults should use essential oils. If you think essential oils could benefit your child, ask their pediatrician first to make sure it’s safe.

Remember to test a small patch of skin and evaluate for irritation before use.