Many of us understand the importance of consuming organic foods and making detoxification a regular part of our health routine. Creating a healthy home environment is also part of the detoxification/clean living process. After learning about the health hazards of dryer sheets and toxic cleaning products you may have already eliminated these products from your home, but what about your bedroom? After all, we do spend one-third of our lives sleeping. Often times this is the room that is neglected.

Make Your Bedroom Cancer-Free

Creating a clean (non-toxic) bedroom can be a financial challenge, so starting small is the easiest solution. Every change you can make will have a positive impact on your health. How you begin is a personal decision based on your budget and health issues. Some people begin with replacing their mattress, others an air cleaner or bedding.

1. Replace Your Pillows and Pillow Cases with Organic Materials

Gradually working your way through the sheets, bedding , mattress and bed frame (if it’s made from artificial products such as particle board or MDF, see #5 below). Many people make the mistake of assuming that cotton is a safer choice than synthetics, but the fact is thatcotton uses 25% of the world’s insecticides and over 14% of its pesticides. As you can afford it, replace your bedding with organic materials.

2. Replace or Remove All Artificial Fabrics From Your Bedding, Bedroom, and Closet

The reality is that synthetic materials such as acrylic, nylon, and polyester are made from thermoplastics. These fabrics out gas plastic molecules whenever they are heated. (1) If you wear wrinkle free clothes you’re breathing in plastic and formaldehyde. Remember that you also absorb these chemicals directly through your skin.

3. Remove Faux/Fabric Furniture

If you have any furniture in your bedroom, such as a chair that is artificial leather, it shouldn’t be in your bedroom or any room in your house for that matter. You may be surprised to learn that Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), is often used in synthetic leather. PVC is widely regarded as the most dangerous of all plastics. It is made more flexible with the use of toxic plasticizers—typically phthalates, which are known endocrine disruptors.

Throw pillows and seating cushions that are stain and water resistant have been sprayed with chemicals that are toxic. If the fabric is a cotton/polyester blend it was most likely treated with formaldehyde and softened with ammonia. (2) Replace these when you can with an organic or natural material.

4. Remove Accent/Throw Rugs

Wood or tile floors are easiest to clean and better options for allergy/asthma and MCS sufferers. While small accent or area rugs may look nice in your bedroom, they hold onto dirt, dust mites, and other allergens. If you can, omit rugs and carpet.

Almost all polyester is manufactured with antimony, a carcinogen that is toxic to the heart, lungs, liver, and skin.(4) Many carpets are also made of olefin (polypropylene). Nylon, which is petroleum based synthetic fiber invented in the 1930’s by DuPont and is common in rugs.

6. Replace or Cover Your Mattress

This is the most difficult step as it is cost prohibitive for many people. The reality is that conventional mattresses are sprayed with flame retardant and stain resistant chemicals. Many mattresses are made of foam that can outgas for years. There are many sources for organic mattresses at local stores and online.

Wherever you shop be aware of green washing. If you can’t afford to replace your mattress, you may consider wrapping it in a foil barrier cloth available at AFS Foil. They also sell a foil tape to seal the edges. I found the tape to have a strong smell, although it does evaporate in 3-4 days. If you are chemically sensitive, have someone else do this for you.

6. Remove Chemically Treated Drapes or Shades

Drapes and shades hide dust, pollen, and other allergens. If you can remove drapes and shades and replace them with organic fabric drapes and shades. If the cost is prohibitive, consider bartering with a friend who can sew curtains or drapes for you. Wood blinds may also be an option for some individuals. If you are building a new home or remodeling you may consider blinds that are in between the glass, no outgassing, and no weekly cleaning!

 

Source http://theheartysoul.com/

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