Why clean indoor air is important

Did you know that the air you breathe is made up of 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen and the remaining 1% (in no particular order) is a mix of water vapour, carbon dioxide, argon, hydrogen, neon, methane, dust, pollen, microbes, spores, ozone and VOCs.

VOCs are volatile organic compounds - airborne particles released as gasses by certain liquids or solids and many are just not good for our health.

If we are breathing in the same VOCs day-in, day-out, year after year, we are slowly adding chemicals to our body’s toxic body burden. Our bodies are built to remove certain toxic substances from our system, through the lymph nodes, liver and kidneys yet there are many man-made chemicals that the body just does not know what to do with. These chemicals tend to be fat-loving and so get stored within our fat cells around our organs and in our brain and are leading to health problems later in life. So having clean air at home is vital for long term health.

Children are one of the most at-risk groups. They are closer to the floor, they tend to eat more dust and dirt, they breathe larger quantities of air to their body weight and consume greater quantities of food to their body weight. Therefore minimising their exposure to toxic chemicals where you can is vital for short and long term health.

A good way to start is by looking at your environment. If you minimise the risks with these specific items you are on the road to a healthier home.

1. Choose a healthier mattress for your child that does not contain flame retardants

2. Check your baby/child’s toys and if they are plastic, ensure they are BPA-free.

3. Does your home contain vinyl flooring? If so, minimise your child’s contact and encourage them to play on a healthier floor surface such as oiled floor boards, tiles, cork or natural textile rug.

4. Consider the content of your child’s room - how much is synthetic versus natural fabrics? Opt for natural fabrics and try to limit synthetic where you can.