This pillar will explore living spaces, which can easily be penetrated by toxins that can have a negative effect on the health of the whole family, including our pets. By reducing the number of environmental toxins within our living spaces, we can create homes that are better for our health as well as more aesthetically pleasing.  

Mold and mildew are forms of fungi that can appear in all sorts of places in the home, especially areas where there is damp. The spores from these can cause illness in humans. While the nature and severity of the symptoms will differ from person to person, they can range from causing a mild cough or sniffle to more serious effects such as skin rashes, swollen glands and neurological symptoms. Commercial mold killers can also be toxic to humans and animals, especially when used regularly in large quantities. However, there are various natural treatments you can try if you discover mold or mildew in your home. These include white distilled vinegar, tea tree oil and grapefruit seed extract. 

The PDF attachment looks at how to improve home health by investing in safer cookware.  

The quality of the air in our homes can have an effect on how healthy we feel. Fortunately, air purification is simple and affordable – just by adding some green plants, you can start to breathe purer, less toxic air within days. The embedded infographic lists some of the most effective plants for air purification within the home.  

The plants you choose will depend on the spaces you have to put them – look at how much sunlight or shade each plant needs before you buy. If lack of space is an issue, you could try hanging baskets. 

Mobile phones are increasingly becoming an essential part of modern life, and most people use them. There have been some concerns regarding the long-term health effects of using mobile phones. While they do emit microwaves, the level of radio frequency energy is too low to cause any real damage. However, if you do notice symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, lack of concentration, dizziness or nausea while using a mobile phone, you may want to limit your exposure to that and any other wireless technology in the home. 

You can learn about keeping carpets clean in the short video attachment.