Renovate for a Healthier Home

COURTESY OF MCC

Renovating a home should be an exciting process. Homeowners choose to revamp their spaces for a number of different reasons; many seek a more updated, modern style, some are looking to repair damages or correct apparent imperfections and others choose to tack on additional living space to accommodate a growing family. While renovations often are associated with aesthetics, they also can work wonders when it comes to restoring the overall health of a home.

Establishing a healthy home takes on a different definition for each individual. To an environmentalist, it may entail incorporating more eco-friendly or green products into the space; to the parents of young children or seniors with mobility limitations, it may mean eliminating potential hazards inside and outside of the home; other homeowners view a healthy home as a place that alleviates allergies.

According to the World Health Organization, poor ventilation, radon exposure, urban pollution and moisture issues can contribute to a number of preventable diseases and injuries, including respiratory problems, nervous system disorders, cardiovascular diseases and cancer.

Additionally, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ranks indoor air quality as a top five environmental risk to public health. EPA studies have found that indoor air pollution levels were roughly 2 times to 5 times greater than outdoor pollution levels.

Here are a few tips to help you facilitate a healthy home: BE AWARE Toxic PBDEs, chemicals used as flame retardants on furniture fabrics produced prior to 2006, can release toxins into the air. Some manufacturers still use PBDEs in new forms, but these updated versions may still contain similar risks. Before purchasing furniture, ask if a product is treated, and select naturally fire-resistant materials like wool and cotton. LIGHTEN UP Lighting can have a dramatic impact on the overall feel of a space, and good lighting can instantly increase productivity and improve your mood. Experiment with different types of bulbs and lighting fixtures to turn drab and dreary environments into bright and uplifting places. SHINE Modify window treatments to let more sunlight into the house. There is evidence that the sun, particularly ultraviolet light, is a potent bactericide.

The Sunlight Institute assures that there’s no harm in letting natural sunlight do its work, as bacteria within 8 feet of low-intensity UV light can be killed in 10 minutes. INSPECT A study published in the American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology discovered that regular inhalation of wood smoke limits immune activity and function, and anyone who burns wood indoors should be aware of these potential health risks. Ensuring proper ventilation of smoke and routinely cleaning the chimney cuts down on particulate matter. DECLUTTER A cluttered, hectic space doesn’t just affect emotions and mental state; it also attracts dust and makes your home more difficult to clean. Clearing your dwelling of unnecessary items and reserving space for things that serve a purpose and bring you joy will transform your home into a personalized tranquil sanctuary. ■

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Healthy Inside & Out Gita Mahabir has dedicated her life to creating natural products and delivering service as a licensed professional esthetician and counselor since 2001.

At Mahabir Wellness, we have created advanced clinical skin care inspired by both medical and

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