Ever since men and women lived in caves, humans have felt compelled to adorn their homes with paint and other materials, as well as objects, to add comfort and a sense of their own individuality. However, most of the wall and window treatments, paints and stains, furniture and floor coverings used today, while often attractive, can actually be sources of air pollution, discomfort and illness. No matter what the current fashion dictates, your well-being and that of your family should always come first.This is because many of the materials now used to make decorating and furnishing materials can outgas (emit) potentially harmful chemical odors.
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At the same time, certain home components, such as soft furnishings and elaborate window dressings, are made to be difficult, if not impossible, to clean thoroughly on a regular basis. So, they become havens for dust and microorganisms, such as dust mites.
As you begin to create your own healthy household, remember that, while color and style are important, your primary decorating consideration should always be the potential health effects of what you put in your home. No matter what the current fashion dictates, your well-being and that of your family should always come first. Therefore, choosing truly cleanable, less-toxic, low-odor materials is extremely important.
If you need professional help with your home decorating, some interior designers are now becoming aware of how homes and furnishings can lead to ill health, so you may find a local person knowledgeable about healthy decorating. Some interior-design companies, are including health considerations in all their projects.
From Creating a Healthy Household: The Ultimate Guide For Healthier, Safer, Less-Toxic Living, © 2000 by Lynn Marie Bower.
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