The hidden toxins in your home
Our modern world means we are all exposed to toxins and chemicals on a regular basis. Some are beyond our control, but many actually come from within the home, which means that there is a lot we can do to reduce your kids exposure to harmful toxic chemicals.
There are estimated to be 100,000 chemicals in the environment. They are all around us, in the air we breathe, the things we touch, the food we eat, the water we drink, the products we use. Carpets, furniture, processed foods, fluoridated water, personal care products, chemical cleaners, plastics, EMF pollution, medications, mould, pesticides and smog are just some of the sources of toxic chemicals we come into contact with on a daily basis.
Why children are more vulnerable
There is now substantial evidence to show a link between excessive toxicity and numerous ailments, including poor concentration, attention deficit, trouble sleeping and allergies, as well as chronic and acute illness. If your child gets sick often or suffers from regular headaches, runny nose, irritated throat, dizziness, drowsiness or nausea, then toxic overload could be the reason.
Children are particularly vulnerable to toxic chemicals due to their size, developing organs and their behaviour. But don't panic. While we won't ever be able to completely avoid toxins, there is plenty you can do as a parent to prevent toxic overload in their little bodies. The fewer toxins we expose our children too, the less their bodies have to process.
Simple everyday habits to protect your family
You have the power to protect your family from many of these chemicals and toxins by adopting some simple everyday habits in the home.
- Wash fruit and veggies in apple cider vinegar.
- Encourage regular hand-washing, particularly before eating, which will remove any trace chemicals they have come into contact with as well as remove germs.
- Switch processed and pre-packaged foods containing artificial colours, flavours and preservatives to whole foods
- Get a water filter or purifier to make sure they are drinking pure water.
- Ensure any plastics in the kitchen, including lunch boxes and drink bottles, are BPA free.
- Look for number 1, 2, or 4 on plastic toys to ensure they are BPA free. Toys made from wood or bamboo are good, safe alternatives to plastic.
- Replace toxic chemical cleaning products for natural alternatives such as white vinegar and bicarbonate of soda.
- Switch out toxic shampoos, soaps, sunscreens and moisturisers and replace with chemical free alternatives. Look for "phthalate-free" and "paraben-free" on the packaging.
- If your outside air quality is good, open the windows regularly to air your home and dilute indoor air pollution. Air new mattresses, rugs and furniture before bringing into the home.
- If you are in an area affected by smog or smoke, keep windows shut and use an air purifier. Alternatively, there are also indoor plants that will purify the air in your home- you'll need approximately two plants for every 100 square feet.
- Leave all shoes and sports boots outside the front door as you can walk in pesticide residue on the soles of your shoes up to a week after spraying.
- Digital Detox: Reduce the time your child spends on electronic devices. Disconnect devices from wifi / bluetooth when not in use, and put devices on airplane mode at night.
Small changes, big impact
Protecting our children from exposure to harmful toxic chemicals is all about making small, consistent changes. By adopting these simple practices into your everyday life you will go a long way to drastically reducing your child's toxic load.
You can discover more ways to help your family avoid exposure to toxins, as well as how to support your body's ability to detox, by participating in the Living Mojo Detox.
