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According to a study published in New Scientist, in
homes where aerosol sprays and air fresheners were used frequently, mothers experienced
25 percent more headaches and were 19 percent more likely to suffer from depression,
and infants under six months of age had 30 percent more ear infections and 22
percent higher incidence of diarrhea. |
After battling the freeways on the way home from work we breathe a sigh of
relief when we step into our homes. Most of us know that outdoor air pollution
can damage our health, but what we don't know is that indoor air may be even more
harmful.
Levels of indoor air pollution can be from two to more than 100 times higher
than outdoor pollution, according to the U.S. EPA. This is due in large part to
volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that evaporate, or "offgas," from
home decorating and cleaning products.
Most of us spend as much as 90% of our time indoors, therefore these levels
of air pollutants are cause for concern. Some sources, such as building materials,
furnishings and household products like air fresheners, release pollutants more
or less continuously. Homes built after 1970 are more likely to harbor bad air
because, to keep energy consumption down, builders tightened up houses to prevent
the loss of precious heat. Unfortunately, this also traps pollutants indoors.
What does all this do to your family's health? Environmental and indoor pollutants
get trapped in the fatty tissue of the body and can cause all manner of illsboth
mental and physical.
According to a study published in New Scientist, in homes where aerosol
sprays and air fresheners were used frequently, mothers experienced 25 percent
more headaches and were 19 percent more likely to suffer from depression, and
infants under six months of age had 30 percent more ear infections and 22 percent
higher incidence of diarrhea.
Another concern with exposure to these pollutants are the ill effects they
can have on some peoplesuch as burning of the eyes, nose and throat, headaches,
dizziness, fatigue, asthma attacks and cold or hay fever symptoms.
Dr. Claude Matar, retired medical doctor and board certified naturopathic physician,
gives advice on what you can do about the problem:
- Clean up your home of the toxic chemicals and then clean out the toxins already
trapped in your body.
- Read Clear Body Clear Mind by L. Ron Hubbard. This New York Times
best-seller outlines Mr. Hubbard's research into the mental and physical effects
of toxic residues in the body.
- Declare your home a smoke-free zone. Secondhand smoke can cause serious health
problems, especially for children. Ask smokers to take it outside.
- Make sure you have good ventilationit reduces indoor air pollution.
Leave doors between rooms open most of the time for better air circulation. Open
windows when possible and install exhaust fans in bathrooms to remove moisture
and chemicals from the house.
- Fix all leaks and drips in the home, as standing water and high humidity encourages
the growth of mold and other biological pollutants.
- Fit your gas range with a hood fan that exhausts the air outside. Use the
fan or open a window when cooking to remove gas fumes.
- Check commercial cleaning products and pesticides for toxic ingredients, and
use according to manufacturers directions. Keep your home well ventilated when
using these products. Consider switching to less toxic alternatives.
Make sure your family is safe in your home and give them the gift of health by
reducing the toxins already in their bodies.
Order
Clear Body Clear Mind by clicking here.
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