Environmental Toxins
How to Identify and Eliminate Them From Your Home
Please Read This Before You Light Another Candle or Spray More Cleaner.
When we think about toxins, our minds often jump to fast food, car exhaust, or polluted water. But did you know some of the most harmful toxins could be lurking right inside your home—right under your nose, quite literally?
Whether you’re managing health concerns, supporting someone going through cancer treatment, or simply trying to make your home safer, this post will walk you through some of the biggest environmental threats inside your four walls—and what to do about them.
☢️ Radon Gas: The Silent Intruder
You can’t see it. You can’t smell it. But radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. after smoking.
What is it?
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that seeps into homes from the ground. It’s especially a concern in basements and crawl spaces.
How to test for it:
Radon test kits are available at hardware stores or online (under $25). I recommend a plug in monitor that’s on the job 24/7. You can also hire a professional for around $150–$300.
How to get rid of it:
If levels are high (4 pCi/L or more), radon mitigation systems can be installed—usually costing between $800–$2,000. A fan vents the gas from beneath your home before it enters the living space.
🦠 Mold: It’s Not Just Ugly
Mold is more than just an eyesore—it can trigger allergies, respiratory issues, and even neurological symptoms depending on the type and extent.
Types to watch out for:
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Cladosporium (common allergen)
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Penicillium (can trigger sinus infections)
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Stachybotrys (black mold—dangerous and toxic)
Order a mold test kit for your home. It’s quick and easy to use.
Where it hides:
Bathrooms, under sinks, around windows, in HVAC systems, and anywhere with moisture.
How to clean it:
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For small areas: Scrub with vinegar or hydrogen peroxide and ventilate well.
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For larger problems: Hire a mold remediation specialist (cost can range from $500 to $6,000 depending on severity).
Bonus Tip: A dehumidifier can help prevent recurrence—aim for indoor humidity levels between 30–50%.
“You don’t have to do it all today. You just have to begin”
🧴 Household Chemicals: Are You Cleaning or Contaminating?
That “clean” smell isn’t always safe.
Most conventional cleaners, bug sprays, air fresheners, and even laundry products contain ingredients linked to hormone disruption, asthma, and more.
Watch for these toxins:
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Ammonia
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Chlorine bleach
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Formaldehyde
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Phthalates
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Fragrance (a broad category that can hide dozens of chemicals)
Safer alternatives:
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White vinegar + baking soda
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Castile soap
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Essential oil-based sprays
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Brands like Branch Basics, Seventh Generation, or ECOS
Bug & Weed Killers:
Skip glyphosate-based weed killers and use vinegar and salt in boiling water on cracks in sidewalks. Use diatomaceous earth indoors instead of harsh chemical sprays.
🎨 Lead-Based Paint: A Hidden Threat in Older Homes
If your home was built before 1978, there’s a good chance it may have lead-based paint under those newer coats. If you’re selling a home, there is a ‘lead-based paint’ form that must be used for disclosure.
Risks:
Lead exposure is especially harmful to young children and pregnant women. It can affect brain development and cause neurological damage.
What to do:
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Have your home tested.
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NEVER sand or scrape lead-based paint yourself. Hire certified professionals for lead abatement (costs vary widely based on the amount and location of lead paint).
🏁 Final Thoughts: Don’t Panic, Just Take Action
You don’t have to fix everything overnight. But awareness is the first step. Take a slow, steady approach to cleaning up your home environment—and you’ll breathe a little easier, literally. Please contact me with questions.