The risk of exposure to harmful substances such as toxic gases, pesticides, solvents, or other chemicals at work, school, or leisure activities is greater now than ever. Chemicals and toxic substances are present in products that you buy and where you work. According to the US Department of Labor, almost half of all workers are exposed to hazardous chemicals during their jobs each year.
However, you must protect your family members against exposure to dangerous substances. There are many ways to keep your loved ones safe, including practicing good hygiene habits at home. The following tips will enable you to prevent your children and pets from coming into contact with potentially harmful toxins:
- Be Aware Of the Risk of Chemical Exposure at Work
Workers can be exposed to toxic substances during their daily duties. Unfortunately, many employers fail to provide adequate training and protective gear for their staff. Unsafe working conditions can cause workplace injuries and illnesses. In the worst-case scenario, exposure to harmful chemicals can lead to permanent disabilities or even death.
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), more than 3 million employees are exposed to chemical hazards daily.For instance, mesothelioma is a cancer caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers. The exposure could be primary if you came into direct contact with the substance or secondary exposure if you were exposed to someone who brought it home from their workplace.
If you or a loved one suffers from an asbestos-related disease, it is essential to consult with a doctor or lawyer specializing in such cases. A lawyer can help build a case to receive compensatory asbestos trust fund payouts for treatment and to recompense families.
- Stay Informed
Keeping up to date with the latest news related to chemical hazards can help you identify the places in your neighborhood where your family members and pets are most likely to come into contact with toxic substances. It would be best to look for a reliable website that provides detailed information about chemical risks and how to mitigate them. In the case of asbestos, by keeping track of the most recent studies, you will stay informed of the dangers posed by this carcinogen.
3. Use Protective Gear
When preparing meals, it is essential to wear protective gear such as gloves, aprons, masks, and glasses to shield yourself against splashes of harmful chemicals, such as chlorine bleach. Exposure to chlorine bleach is known to cause skin irritation, allergies, and dermatitis. It would help if you used gloves when cleaning the house or gardening. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth when handling chemicals. You never know when accidents will happen, and you’ll need to instantly protect your hands and face. It’s worth buying extra safety equipment so everyone in the family can use it.
4. Wash Your Hands Regularly
Children spend a lot of time playing with toys and sharing them with friends. Bacteria and viruses can spread quickly. In addition, thanks to the introduction of technology in our lives, germs and bacteria are passed from one individual to the next much faster.
To protect yourself, you should wash your hands frequently to avoid passing common infections to others. You can also teach children the importance of washing their hands when returning home from school or daycare. Your kids will benefit from learning this habit andsharing the ideawith their friends and relatives.
5. Use Safer Products
As a parent, you must always choose the safest products for your children. Selecting non-toxic cleaning agents and personal care items is essential if you don’t want to expose your children to toxic chemicals. When choosing cleaning supplies, opt for those that contain natural ingredients. You can also make your detergents at home to save money and reduce the harmful waste that goes into landfills.
6. Remove Pesticides from the Garden
There are numerous organic alternatives to chemical pesticides available on the market. You can also create effective homemade solutions like salt or garlic spray to get rid of pests from the garden. Many people are turning to these alternative methods because they are cheap, easy to use, and pose no health risks to the entire family. Moreover, you won’t have to worry about your pets consuming harmful chemicals from the garden.
7. Clean Only When Necessary
Cleaning your homeis essential, especially if you have young children and pets. You should clean surfaces covered with dirt, dust, and grime. This step will ensure that you don’t expose your family to toxic fumes. Harmful cleaners can trigger asthma and other respiratory issues, while pets can be poisoned by inhaling dangerous fumes. You should also vacuum carpets regularly and remove pet hair from furniture, floors, and upholstery to avoid exposing your family to harmful substances.
8. Take Precautions during Household Projects
You should always cover your mouth when cutting open bottles, cans, and packages. It would be best to put on gloves and goggles when performing household projects such as painting the walls. Also, you would be wise to wear rubber shoes and gloves while changing light bulbs or any work with electrical wiring. While these tasks may not seem like severe threats to your health, they can still result in minor injuries. Fumes from paints, solvents, varnishes, and thinners can cause nausea, headaches, and dizziness and damage your lungs.
9. Get Rid Of Old Paint and Other Toxins
Old paint can pose a real danger to your health and safety. Thousands of people get hurt every year while handling dangerous substances found in old paint cans. You should throw out all expired paint, including the leftover materials but dispose of it safely. If you don’t dispose of the old paint safely, it could contaminate the soil, groundwater, and drinking water supplies. It is also crucial to properly seal off any areas where hazardous materials are stored. Always keep children and pets away from such sites.
10. Don’t Eat or Drink Anything Contaminated By Chemicals
Many believe they can consume contaminated food or drink without getting sick. However, avoiding eating anything touched with chemicals or cleaning with harsh cleaning supplies would be best. You can soak the produce in a homemade solution of vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juiceto get rid of any pesticides on the surface of your fruits or vegetables. You should also avoid harmful foods containing excessive amounts of salt, sugar, and fat, which can cause obesity and heart disease.
11. Buy Organic Food to Reduce Toxins
Eating a healthy diet is the most effective way to detoxify your body. It would help if you focused on organic fruits, vegetables, and meats instead of processed foodstuffs. There are plenty of options available on the market. You need to do some research and find out what foods are best for your health. You can also purchase beneficial supplements such as vitamins A, C, D, and E, zinc, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids. Shopping at a farmers’ market can help you learn more about your food source and the farming practices used by your local farmers.
12. Avoid Triclosan in Personal Care Products
Triclosan is a popular antibacterial agent that you’ll find in soaps and toothpaste. However, this substance has been linked to numerous health problems, including allergies, asthma, cancer, and reproductive disorders. It would help if you tried to avoid triclosan entirely and switched to organic soap and products that don’t contain harmful chemicals. You should also choose deodorants and antiperspirants made from natural ingredients rather than synthetic ones.
13. Switch to Natural Hair Care Products
Women spend hundreds of dollars on expensive shampoos, conditioners, and styling products. Unfortunately, these products contain various toxic chemicals that can cause multiple health issues. For example, parabens are commonly used in personal hygiene products. They are absorbed through the skin and contribute to breast cancer. You should choose shampoo and conditioner that don’t contain harmful chemicals and opt for natural oils. Furthermore, you should moisturize your hair with coconut oil and shea butter to protect it from damage.
14. Use Natural Soap Instead Of Shower Gels
Shower gels and foams contain harmful chemicals that can irritate your skin and lead to eczema, acne, and other skin conditions. They are also petroleum-based, which can clog pores and cause unpleasant odors. You should switch to a natural soap from nourishing ingredients such as olive, almond, and coconut oils.
Final Words
Most people are exposed to a wide range of toxins every day. However, you can reduce your exposure to toxins by using all organic and natural products and followingnecessary safety protocols. These simple steps will help you improve your health and protect your family from harmful chemicals. Furthermore, you’ll be able to save money by purchasing natural, organic, and toxin-free products. As long as you take the time to educate yourself about these substances, you should be able to live a healthier life without spending too much on medical bills and prescription drugs.