We spend about 80 to 90 percent of the day indoors – most of it within our own four walls. Healthy living conditions in the home are therefore important for well-being and health.
Asbestos
Asbestos has been banned in Germany since 1993 – but in the past it was used universally, considered a miracle cure. Sources of asbestos can still be found in the home today. Examples include night storage heaters, insulation boards, insulation and the backs of PVC floors that have worn through. Anyone who suspects asbestos in their home should definitely not start ripping out old floors, for example, because improper work is harmful to health. The most dangerous are the resulting fibers of asbestos – if they are inhaled, they can be carcinogenic. It is recommended to have the old covering torn out by a special company and to cover it with new covering without any gaps.
Lead hazard from old pipes
Lead – even in small traces – acts as a chronic poison and is deposited in bones, brain and teeth. It impairs the nervous and immune systems, making susceptible to infections. Children exposed to lead exhibit intelligence, learning and concentration problems. If you live in a home built before 1960, lead pipes may have been installed. Lead pipes are still installed in 10 to 30 percent of old buildings, according to estimates by the federal Environmental Protection Agency. Unlike copper and steel pipes, lead pipes are often slightly bent and sound dull when tapped with a screwdriver.
Floor coverings and carpets
The flooring affects indoor climate, acoustics, walking comfort, air hygiene and well-being. There may be the following reasons for any pollution:
- The materials themselves
- Any adhesives used or
- Reaction products of adhesive and flooring.
Floor coverings can release numerous substances of health concern. Outgassing of hazardous substances such as formaldehyde or even PCP are found again and again, especially with cheap imports. Hidden dangers: PVC floors contain ecologically questionable softeners, glued carpets can evaporate solvents. Carpets made of natural materials are often treated with pyrethroids, an insecticide, to protect them from moths. Tip: Short-pile carpets bind dust and are gentle on allergy sufferers. The carpet rather brace than glue, which reduces exposure to solvents and already before buying – ask exactly, because “pollutant-tested” does not mean in every case “pollutant-free”.
Electrosmog
Electrosmog includes the totality of electric, magnetic and electromagnetic fields. Electric and magnetic fields occur where power lines, cables and transmitters are present. Every electrical installation as well as the operation of household appliances generate low-frequency electric and magnetic fields. If the usual distance for use is maintained, the fields of the devices are low. High-frequency electromagnetic fields are generated by cordless phones, cell phones, cell phone shielding products, wireless “networks,” radio headphones, microwave ovens, or baby monitors. In Germany, limits are set for low-frequency electric and magnetic fields at 50 Hz (household electricity) and 16 2/3 Hz (electrified transportation systems) and high-frequency electromagnetic fields at 10 MHz and above. To minimize risks: Avoid exposure to electromagnetic fields more than necessary.
Toxins
Air that is contaminated with pollutants can cause health problems. The problem: most pollutants you get into your home without realizing it and – some home toxins also react with each other, their effects can even intensify. Formaldehyde can escape from chipboard or cabinets or paints, solvents from paints and adhesives, pyrethroids from wool carpets, softeners from carpets and wallpaper, PCBs from joint sealants, PCP and other wood preservatives from attics and wall coverings. If unexplained health problems occur, a medical expert should be consulted and an environmental hygienist should be consulted to inspect the living space. Checklist:
- Document the symptoms that occur. Try to limit the complaints spatially (for example, by room). Are thereby danger carriers e.g. molds or pungent odors obvious?
- Go to the doctor in case of health complaints
- Are animals or plants also affected by damage?
- Are there in the vicinity of the apartment possible pollutant emitters e.g. factories, dry cleaning, etc.?
- Have problematic building materials been used in the apartment or furniture Z. B. Chipboard, lead pipes, wood preservatives, etc.?
- Do you have the complaints only since they made a new purchase for the apartment?
Tip: There should never be too much of one material in one room.
Dust mites
Mites are among the most common allergy triggers. They feed on dander and mold. Their droppings attach to dust, circulate in dry air and are inhaled. Tips: Air regularly, use bedding impervious to mites, wash bedding at 60 degrees and iron hot. A natural alternative to combat dust mites is the active ingredient of the neem tree. People at risk should treat the apartment once a year – preferably in the spring.
Heating
Always heat only enough, not too much. Temperature monotony should be avoided. Better to set different temperatures in all rooms. If it gets very cold outside, close windows at night, otherwise the body will cool down and sleep will not be restful. The “rollover” due to open doors between warm and cold rooms – mold!
Insect screen
A fly swatter is healthier than reaching for insecticide. An insect screen keeps mosquitoes and flies out. It additionally keeps 87% of pollen outside the home. So-called pheromone traps are also suitable. These are glue boards that contain harmless insect sexual scents used to attract males of the same species.
Kitchen – working heights
The working height in the kitchen should be adjusted to the height of the body. The wrong height leads to a stooped posture, back pain and tension. The ergonomically favorable working height for heavy activities (e.g. kneading dough), is between 20-30 centimeters below the elbow bent while standing. For light work (vegetable cleaning), on the other hand, one assumes a comfortable working height of 10-15 centimeters below the elbow height.
Noise
Noise is harmful to health and you never get used to it. Windows and doors are weak points. Put thermal insulating windows in the stop or seal all around – keeps sound out. Seal or double up doors. Stomping children in the apartment can be stopped with a carpet. It absorbs sound and improves room acoustics.
