Dr. Wood: Tips for choosing products for the home and others that are not harmful to your health

April was the month we celebrated Earth Day, but our health is affected by the way we interact with our environment all year round. How we are affected by storms, whether our water is safe, and even our decisions about the products that we use for our hygiene, household cleaning, gardening and gardening, can have health implications.

However, we can be grateful that we can control the products we use. Here are some areas where careful consideration of the products you buy may be important to the health and safety of your family:

• Compact fluorescent lamps ( CFLs ) reduce the environmental impact, but also contain a small amount of mercury. Mercury is poisonous, and to protect your health, these lamps must be handled with care. For more information on how to clean a broken light bulb, visit https://bit.ly/2FeqXZr
• Interior paint can release harmful vapors when inhaled. Visit https://bit.ly/2KaKBJC to learn less toxic colors and ways to paint safely
• Molds can cause health problems, especially in children, elderly people or people with chronic illnesses. Learn how to prevent and clean forms at https://bit.ly/2HIdoH5
• Even beauty and hygiene products can cause health problems. Many ingredients in these products are not human-regulated or tested. To select the safest products for your family, use the Skin Deep database set up by the Environmental Working Group.
• Choose Cleaner with the keywords "Caution" or "Warning" instead of "Danger" or "Poison". Even better, choose products like vinegar and baking soda that do not need a word of warning. Discover eco-friendly cleaning recipes here or contact us for a free print-out that we send to you.

Another important area is your terrace. Scientists have found 23 pesticides (including herbicides and insect repellents) in our local watercourses. Overuse of these products is harmful to the soil, harmful to fish and wildlife and harmful to the health of our families.

If you work in the garden and have problems with weeds or pests, there are many ways to reduce the problem that does not contain pesticides or toxic fertilizers. Try natural gardening and get the free Common Sense Gardening Guides first . If you need to spray, visit the growsmartgrowsafe.org website for the safest products for your situation.

It is important to remember that the proper disposal of toxic household items is better not only for the health but also for the long-term health of the community. It is also free at the HazoHouse of Thurston County.

For people who want to explore these problems in their own home, county staff offers free and healthy home visits. Healthy Homes offers free, voluntary and confidential visits to residents and daycare centers in Thurston County. Trained volunteers help identify issues of interest and share ways to reduce exposure to toxins, asthma, mold, lead, and other health risks associated with housing. At the end of the visit, volunteers will help you determine what your top priority should be to take action to create a healthier space. Many of the proposed measures are weak or free. To apply for the Healthy Housewife brochure or to sign up for a visit to Healthy Homes, please call 360-867-2674, TTY / TDD 711 or 1-800-833-6388.

Choosing to care for your home, your sanitation and your home by making informed decisions is an excellent way to celebrate Earth Day every day.

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