The Home Environmental Monitoring Program was established in 1988. The objective was to provide accurate information about the environmental health and safety problems faced by homeowners. Today, it is still a significant source of information for most people who own a home. Although you cannot be 100% sure that you are not being exposed to chemicals, this program allows you to see firsthand any problems.
How To Keep Your Home Environment Safe
Learning what is involved in making the home environment safe is a vital thing to do. This will help to keep everyone in the family healthy and safe. Prevention is always better than a cure. Make sure that everyone follows good safety habits. Use common sense and good judgment when using dangerous chemicals. The pillows and other beddings are some essential things that need to be taken care of. There are different types of pillow stuffing used, and they must be taken care of while cleaning the home environment.
To make the home environment safe, some essential steps should be taken.
- The first step involves getting rid of all objects that may prove to be a health hazard. For instance, medical equipment such as X-ray machines and stethoscopes should not be kept inside the home. They present a serious risk because they emit ionizing radiation that can damage the soft tissues in the body and even result in severe medical conditions. If necessary, they should be placed outside the home.
- You can keep your home environment safe by avoiding chemicals and pesticides. Most pesticides and chemicals are classified as hazardous substances. That means they are considered dangerous to the environment and humans. Many people use products that contain these chemicals without even realizing the risk involved. Although there are regulations that limit the number of chemicals that can be used, you should still use caution and read the labels carefully. You have to that no harmful chemicals or toxins are found anywhere in the house. This includes the use of cleaners that neutralize harmful substances. If cleaning is not adequate, the use of air filters should be considered. In the same way, the use of safe detergents should be regarded to make the surfaces cleaner.
- Be careful about what furniture you choose. Most couches, sofas, and chairs made from hardwoods have been treated with insecticides. These are often labeled as “non-toxic” or “green.” However, this labeling is often misleading since they still contain hazardous substances.
- Many cleaners are also hazardous to the environment. Many household cleaners emit toxins that are tracked into the atmosphere. When you apply these cleaners to your body, you will breathe them in, and you will also be absorbed by the clothing and skin you wear. Pets and children can also absorb the chemicals in cleaning products. To avoid these chemicals, opt for environmentally friendly cleaners that do not leave any residue.
- Every member of the household should take responsibility for the cleaning. Children should not play with hazardous materials. It is also essential for adults to remember that no poisonous cleaning solutions should be used. The adults should be taught about the hazards of certain cleaning products. The importance of knowing these facts should be taught to children as well. It is also essential to learn how to use them safely as well.
- The children should be taught how to handle dangerous cleaning materials. This includes using vacuum cleaners. All areas should be thoroughly cleaned, including carpets, furniture, and walls. All rugs should be cleaned regularly. Furniture should be moved to new locations regularly to prevent severe spreading of germs. Also, while cleaning the house, you need to take care of the blankets and other beddings because if the beddings are destroyed, you cannot have the desired rest you need. Also, the blanket size plays an important role in providing proper sleep. You need to check the size before buying.
- The Home Hazardous Materials Information System (HAMP) is a national system that tracks the names and types of chemicals considered dangerous to the environment. You can search for products that contain specific chemicals on the Internet. However, since the system is updated regularly, it is essential to use the most recent version when learning how to make the home environment safe. In addition, when purchasing products that contain hazardous materials, you should always read the label. If the product is produced in the United States, you should contact the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to determine whether the chemical is classified as hazardous.
- The use of disinfectants should be limited. The use of cleaners containing chlorine should be limited to the perimeter of the room where the chemicals are stored. The contamination by these chemicals can result in serious health hazards.
Household Cleaning Solutions
There are also several types of “cooperative systems” for managing household cleaners. When these cleaning products are used, they must be combined with other detergents and cleaning supplies. For example, household cleaners must be mixed with water, oil, and soap. The detergent you choose will depend on the type of stain or odor you want to remove. The cleaners themselves act as antioxidants, releasing built-up toxins on clothes that have been worn. Some manufacturers suggest that you dilute bleach to help cut down on its toxicity level.
Some household cleaners are non-toxic but have strong fumes emitted in the air when the cleaner is in use. These fumes can trigger allergies, increase lung irritation, or cause vomiting and nausea. You should wear a mask if possible whenever you are using any fumes cleaner. It is also strongly advised that children stay away from these chemicals.
Finally, many people have discovered that making their cleaning solutions to solve their problems can save them money. It can be much cheaper to make your cleansers than buy them in bulk at a department store. Homemade cleaners usually do not contain harsh abrasives as the commercial ones do, and they do not require a large amount of water or electricity. Many homemade cleaners also have fewer side effects than commercial products. If you wonder how to make the home environment safe for your family, consider trying some of these ideas.
Conclusion
Learning what is involved in making the home environment safe consists of avoiding exposure to dangerous substances. Using protective gloves when touching materials that can be potentially harmful is another practice that can help protect the health of those in the home. If no protective gear is used, using a dust mask that can filter and contain any visible dust is wise. If possible, it is wise to have the air ducts in the area inspected periodically by a professional.