Toxic Home Syndrome is affecting 15.3 million homes in the U.K., according to the report. Mail Online describes this as a condition wherein an individual's health is failing because of the polluted air in the house. This may increase the risk of acquiring a heart disease, asthma and lung cancer.
The syndrome is characterized by air that is circulating in the house with more than 900 potentially harmful chemicals. Other symptoms associated with the said syndrome are respiratory problems, coughing, headaches, fever or chills, nose bleeds, eye irritation, lung disease, rashes, wheezing, dizziness, muscle pains, hearing loss and sneezing.
The experts are calling the attention of households to safeguard their homes with proper ventilation. "Toxic Home Syndrome occurs when individuals and families are exposed to a potent mix of airborne pollutants within the home arising from poor ventilation, causing respiratory and skin diseases to occur more frequently," Professor Peter Howarth, an expert in respiratory medicine and allergy at Southampton University, explained.
The World Health Organization asserts that everyone has a right to have a healthy home. Besides mounting your homes with effective and proper ventilation, each family member, especially the mothers, must observe ways on how to make their homes healthy and clean.
Likewise, Woman's Day shares the following housekeeping tips that would spring clean your home -- free from airborne pollutants:
1. Dust Off Potentially Harmful Particles
Pet hair, dust mites, dirt and other harmful particles can trigger asthma attacks and allergies. The best way to get rid of them is to completely clean your house. This includes cleaning the carpets, curtains, mattress, pillows and furniture such as sofas and other things where harmful particles could live.
Mattresses and pillows must be covered and washed weekly or often times. You may wash them with soap and water and then pour hot water on them to terminate the dust mites and other insects living inside the mattresses and pillows.
It is recommendable that you vacuum an area depending on the number of people that regularly use the area. For a single bedroom, vacuum the room every week. And for two roomies, vacuum the room twice a week. A living area must be vacuumed weekly.
2. Sanitize the Kitchen Sink
Kitchen sink has lots of bacteria. Disinfect it with soap and water and then spray it with vinegar followed by a mist of hydrogen peroxide. Then let it dry.
3. Clean the Dishwasher Thoroughly
Dishwasher must be cleaned every week. Pour baking soda on a wet sponge and wipe it around the edges of the machine. Remove the food or stains that are stuck on it. Pour a Dishwasher Magic inside of the dishwasher to terminate the bacteria such as E.coli.
"During cold and flu season, add a quarter-cup of bleach to the regular dish cycle to kill the bacteria," Laura Dellutri said.
4. Get Rid of Bad Odors
To disinfect the disposal, remove the bad odors by pouring a drop of lemon, salt and ice cubes into it. The lemon freshens and the salt and ice remove the residues.
5. Use Microfiber Cloths
Wet microfiber cloths can clean counters, glass, tiles and floors to disinfect them instead of using paper towels.
6. Decontaminate the Sponges
Every night clean the sponges after using. Squeeze and microwave it for a minute.
7. Always Clean the Toilet
Use a drop of Tang Drin Mix at the toilet bowl. Its citric acid serves as a scrubber. Let it remain for few minutes then flush. To free the drains from clogs and hair, use a Liquid-Plumr or Drano then pour hot water once a week.
Shower curtains might have mildew and mold. Let it wash together with few towels. This will scrub the shower curtains clean and let it dry. The bathroom door must be cleaned, too. For glass shower door, rub it with teaspoon lemon oil or use the Rain-X Original Glass Treatment at least twice a year.
8. Sweep Daily
Choose a sweep with finer bristles that can pick up smaller dirt for indoors. Hence, use a stiffer bristles to clean the porous surfaces of your outdoors. It is advisable to sweep your entire house and patio daily.
Do all these regularly to get rid of the syndrome; however, Parent Herald also urged moms and dads to keep an eye on your usual household cleaning products as these can be harmful, too.
