The choice of furniture materials, kitchen utensils and cleaning products directly influences our health. Find out what to avoid and what healthy alternatives exist for your home.
Choosing wisely where we live and work is of vital importance for our health, but equally important is the choice of materials that make up our furniture and kitchen utensils, as well as the products we use to clean them.
Formaldehyde compounds are substances found in the resins, adhesives and varnishes used in the industrial treatment of wood. This wood is used in the construction of the buildings themselves — doors and windows, fitted wardrobes and kitchen furniture. In order to achieve very low formaldehyde levels in our homes and offices, we have carefully selected the solutions that guarantee the lowest possible levels. For us, analysing the traceability of all materials used in our projects is essential.
As mentioned above, we must pay particular attention to kitchen utensils, since most materials available on the market are capable of releasing heavy metals and other toxins that accumulate in our bodies, as we are unable to eliminate them. It is advisable to avoid materials such as plastic, aluminium, Teflon, lead-based enamels found in clay or metal pots, and copper, which typically also contains tin or nickel and which, when it comes into contact with acidic foods, produces chemical reactions that further increase toxin levels.
Fortunately, there are healthy alternatives on the market that produce no harmful effects: glass, ceramic and porcelain, or good-quality silicone. Two other options that seem to be gaining popularity are cast iron and titanium. Cast iron distributes heat well, withstands very high temperatures, and over time naturally develops a non-stick coating. Titanium has been shown not to migrate toxic substances into food and also distributes heat very effectively.
Most household cleaning products on the market are composed of substances that release volatile organic particles that can be harmful to our respiratory system, skin, eyes and mucous membranes. The problem is that these products are used daily and have become fully integrated into our routines — meaning we are in constant contact with them and inhaling them every day. People who are more sensitive, such as those suffering from asthma or respiratory conditions, may find their health affected more easily.
We are talking about products such as bleach, ammonia, air fresheners, laundry detergents and fabric softeners. It is therefore advisable, wherever possible, to use ecological products that are respectful of our health and the environment — or even to make them ourselves at home.
Recipe: homemade ecological dishwasher detergent
With just 200 g of coarse salt, 200 ml of water, 3 whole lemons and 100 ml of white vinegar, you can make your own completely ecological dishwasher detergent. Blend all the ingredients, bring to the boil for 15 minutes, leave to cool and store in a glass container.
Carolina Hernández
HAUS Healthy Buildings
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