How To Create A Non-Toxic Home Updated 13022024

A GUIDE TO A HEALTHIER LIVING ENVIRONMENT
How To Create A
Non-Toxic Home
Edwin Low
Nontoxic Wellness, 390 Victoria St, #02-30, Singapore 188061
(+65) 62922991, (+65) 83338375, www.nontoxic.sg
HOW TO CREATE A NON-TOXIC HOME EDWIN LOW
Table of
Contents
Introduction 02
Chapter I: Be Cautious With Paint 03
Chapter II: Tread Carefully With Cabinetry 04
Chapter III: Bedroom Pollution 06
Chapter IV: Tackle Pollution In The Bathroom 07
Chapter V: Living/Study Room Concerns 08
Chapter VI: Kitchen Awareness 09
Chapter VII: Additional Tips to Reduce Exposure to Toxins 10
Conclusion 25
WWW.NONTOXIC.SG PAGE 1
INTRODUCTION
Are you coming back

to a safe home?
Our urban environment is rife with hazards, teeming with various substances, toxins, and
challenges. When we return to our homes, it's only natural to desire a safe, clean, and non-
toxic haven. Here are some essential pointers on creating a non-toxic living space.
CHAPTER I
Be cautious with paint
The walls of our homes cover a significant surface area, making wall paint a potential source
of indoor pollution. Wall coatings may contain harmful pollutants such as formaldehyde,
benzene, toluene, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can quietly affect our
health.
Solution:
Choose water-based latex (emulsion) paint for the wall. Compared with oil-based paint,
latex paint is healthier and more environmentally friendly. It has good anti-fouling, scrub
resistance, crack resistance, and other functions. Most of the high-quality latex paints on the
local market do not contain formaldehyde and, at the same time, have antibacterial
properties and even release negative ions to purify the air.
When buying, the most essential point is looking at the paint product production certificate
and various safety certifications. Generally speaking, it is best to choose those big brands
tested by the market to ensure their quality. Environmental indicators are VOC and
formaldehyde content. We should look at VOC (volatile organic compounds) ≤ 120g/L, and
the formaldehyde content should be ≤ 100mg/kg. Of course, the lower, the better. A good
latex paint has no pungent smell.
CHAPTER II
Tread carefully with

cabinetry
At present, the cabinets sold on the
market are mainly panel cabinets. The
main materials required to make panel
cabinets are MDF and particleboard. We
can collectively call such panels man-
made panels. An artificial board is made
of natural wood and its processing waste
after pressing and bonding. Since the
inferior adhesive used in bonding
contains formaldehyde, it is easy to carry
formaldehyde residues in the artificial
board. Cabinets made of synthetic
boards may cause pollution to the indoor
environment. Synthetic boards were
generally classified according to
environmental protection standards. Still,
according to our understanding, there are
no strict local regulations. Also, many
cabinets may be imported from
neighboring countries. Therefore, if the
money permits, use solid wood panels as
cabinets.
CHAPTER II
Solution:
After the cabinet is installed, it is
necessary to do an excellent job of
ventilation. Proper ventilation can
discharge the formaldehyde released by
the cabinet in time and, at the same time,
introduce fresh air to reduce the
formaldehyde concentration in the air.
However, it should be noted that the
volatilization rate of formaldehyde is very
slow and can last for 3-15 years. Hence,
the ventilation work needs to be carried
out consistently.
Activated charcoal could help absorb

formaldehyde in the cabinet. When used
in conjunction with good ventilation, it
could help to shorten the treatment
cycle of formaldehyde and reduce the
concentration of toxic fumes in the air.
DECLUTTER YOUR HOME AND FIND MORE PEACE HENRIETTA MITCHELL
CHAPTER III
Bedroom Pollution
The most significant sources of pollution in
bedrooms are wardrobes, beds, curtains,
and carpets. Bedrooms can harbor pollution
from wardrobes, beds, curtains, and
carpets.
Dr. Lauren Bean Freeman, an American

Cancer Research Center expert, said that
compressed board furniture is a major
source of formaldehyde, and new furniture
must be placed in a ventilated place for a
period of time. The lesser the amount of
furniture in the bedroom, the better. In
addition, it is best to use primary colours
and pure cotton for bed sheets because
chemical dyes are toxic. If the curtain has a
fireproof coating, it also has a certain
degree of toxicity. Although carpets can
absorb sound and make the room quieter,
they are also one of the sources of
pollution. In addition to dyes, since cleaning
is not easy, it can easily become a breeding
ground for mites and microorganisms.
Solution:
Minimize furniture in the bedroom,
especially those made from
compressed board.
Choose primary colors and pure cotton
for bedsheets to avoid toxic chemical
dyes.
Be cautious of curtains with fireproof
coatings.
While offering sound absorption,
carpets can become breeding grounds
for mites; regular cleaning is essential.
HOW TO CREATE A NON TOXIC HOME EDWIN LOW
CHAPTER IV
Tackle pollution
in the bathroom
Chemical cleaners, anti-mildew products
or insecticides, disinfectants, body washes,
and shampoos with added chemicals, such
as fragrances and foaming agents, all
contain toxic and harmful substances. In
addition, the chlorine gas contained in tap
water is also unhealthy. Some cleaning
agents not only smell pungent but also
have strong corrosiveness.
Solution:
1. Use these products in well-ventilated
spaces, wear gloves when using strong
chemicals, and keep them out of reach of
children.
2. Minimize the use of products with added
fragrances and foaming agents.
3. Ensure proper ventilation when using the
bathroom.
4. It is best to wear gloves when dyeing
your hair and using cleansers to avoid
splashing on your skin and eyes. These
cleaners should be capped and kept out of
the reach of children. In addition, makeup
removers and nail polishes contain volatile
substances called VOCs. If the bathroom is
connected to the bedroom, the bedroom
should also be ventilated when bathing.
CHAPTER V
Living/Study rooms
concerns Living Room/Study Room Concerns
Pay attention to the safety of materials
used in furniture in these areas. Carpets, in
particular, can be treated with harmful
chemicals.
Solution: Ensure that furniture materials are
safe, and consider alternatives to
chemically treated carpets.
CHAPTER VI
Kitchen Awareness
The kitchen can be a source of air
pollution, with cooking fumes and gas
emissions. Beware of oily smoke. The
fumes and gas generated when
cooking at high temperatures will
cause air pollution. Some say that the
kitchen is the most dangerous place in
a home.
CHAPTER VI
Solution:
The fumes produced by high-temperature
cooking are carcinogenic, and food cooked
at high temperatures can also have
carcinogens. It is best to use low-
temperature cooking methods. If this is not
possible, reduce the frequency of frying
foods in addition to using a kitchen hood,
exhaust fan, or opening windows.
On top of that, stone and tableware on the

kitchen countertop, especially painted
plastic tableware and painted chopsticks,
may release toxic substances. It is
necessary to choose qualified products
carefully and use them as little as possible.
Install ventilation fans, preferably with
bidirectional control: flexible use of
ventilation fans can reduce the
concentration of toxic gases in the indoor
air. Ideally, have one for every enclosed
space, including restrooms, kitchens,
bedrooms, living and dining rooms, and
storage rooms.
CHAPTER VII
Additional Tips to
Reduce Exposure to
Toxins:
1) Use a landline telephone to reduce radiation exposure.
Whether at home or in the office, using wired phones can reduce the body's radiation
exposure by 20%.
CHAPTER VII
2) Use your cell phone less.
I know that is near impossible.

However, compared with wired
Internet access, wireless
Internet access has more
significant radiation; if you put
your mobile phone directly on
your ear to talk, your brain will
also be impacted by strong
electromagnetic waves.
Therefore, when you don't use
your mobile phone, please don't
put it by your side, especially
when you are sleeping, and don't
put it on your head. It's better to
put it far away.
CHAPTER VII
3) Install a water purifier.
Decades ago, a good quality water purifier was expensive. Now, it's much cheaper. The
water you drink at home is best filtered to remove impurities from the water. Local water is
safe and hygienic and can be drunk without getting sick. However, it still contains some
contaminants, including microorganisms, animal and plant humus, and chemical residues.
So, I do recommend that you filter your tap water before consumption.
Tap here and here to get a high-quality water filter at Non Toxic Wellness!
PAGE 11
WWW.NONTOXIC.SG
CHAPTER VII
4) Stay away from microwave

ovens.
When the microwave oven is

working, one should be kept at
least ten steps away from the
front and at least 5 steps from
the side to prevent radiation.
The induction cooker also has
strong radiation, so do not let
children get close to the working
induction cooker. General
electric stoves and infrared
stoves are safer.
5) Heat pots and pans

over medium-low heat.
For pots and pans with a

Teflon coating, a medium-
low heat is best. In
addition, avoid high-
temperature cooking. It is
best to learn low-
temperature cooking
methods to reduce the
release of chemical
poisons.
PAGE 11
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CHAPTER VII
6) Use low-density
polyethylene plastic
products.
Most plastics emit toxic

gases when exposed to
high temperatures. If you
have to use plastic
products, choosing low-
density polyethylene
plastic (LDPE) is best.
Remember: No matter
what kind of plastic, it is
best not to use it in the
microwave. Glass
container is safer but
fragile.
CHAPTER VII
7) Wear cotton pyjamas to bed.
Sleeping time accounts for one-third of the day, and you should wear clothes made of safe
and natural materials when sleeping. It is best to choose organic cotton textures for
pyjamas and bedding. First, select comfortable fabrics, preferably pure cotton fabrics
dyed with environmentally friendly dyes. Clothes are best made of cotton. Clothes of
chemical fibers will generate static electricity, which is uncomfortable to wear and affects
mood and sleep. Chemical dyes can be toxic!
CHAPTER VII
8) Add half a cup of white vinegar to laundry and minimise the use of strong chemical
detergents.
Use natural more environmentally friendly substance instead. When washing clothes in the
washing machine, replace the fibre softener with 1/2 cup of white vinegar, which will reduce
static electricity and make clothes softer and more comfortable to wear.
CHAPTER VII
9) Don't wear clothes immediately after dry cleaning.
They should be hung on the balcony and other well-ventilated places to dry for at
least two days to allow the chemicals to evaporate as much as possible. Never put
dry laundry directly in the closet or in the bedroom.
CHAPTER VII
10) Allow the mattress to breathe.
When washing the bed sheets, open the

windows to allow the mattress to ventilate
throughout the day.
11) Unplug the appliance when it is not in

use.
In the standby state, the appliance

consumes electricity and emits
electromagnetic radiation.
12) Choose bedroom appliances with red

lights.
While it is preferable to rest and sleep in a

completely darkened room, red light
interferes less with melatonin secretion
than white or blue light. It is more helpful
in improving sleep quality. Besides other
functions, melatonin is the hormone to
promote sleep.
PAGE 16
WWW.NONTOXIC.SG
CHAPTER VII
13) Blue Light Hazards in LED Lights.
LED bulbs (like smartphones, tablets, TVs, etc, that use LED backlit displays) do not
emit ultraviolet light, but "blue light". Blue light is known to stimulate the production
of melanopsin, a hormone in our eyes that regulates alertness/sleepiness. Natural
daylight has plentiful blue light content to stimulate the secretion of melanopsin.
The concern is that excessive use during evening hours will cause our bodies to
overproduce melanopsin, making it harder to fall asleep naturally. Moreover,
excessive exposure to blue light might cause harm to the eyes: myopia, cataracts,
and macular degeneration.
Wear blue light blocking glasses when using computers, smartphones, tablets, and
other display devices, and limit their usage at least 4 hours before bedtime.
CHAPTER VII
14) Replace table salt with natural

sea salt or rock salt.
Sea salt is rich in various alkaline

complexes and is healthier than
refined salt. Given Japan has begun to
discharge nuclear-polluted water into
the ocean, one might choose
Himalayan rock salt over sea salt to
reduce the danger of consuming salt
laced with radioactive wastes.
Likewise, switch to natural cane sugar
instead of refined sugar.
15) Stay away from preservatives.
Preservatives like parabens, phthalates,

and formaldehyde are all toxic. When
shopping for skincare products like
moisturizers, choosing more natural
products that don't contain parabens is
best.
CHAPTER VII
16) Don't use mothballs.
Mothballs are divided into natural

mothballs and synthetic mothballs.
Natural mothballs are generally
extracted from camphor leaves. They
are aromatic organic compounds that
can be used as anti-moth and
mildew-proof products with relatively
low toxicity. Artificial mothballs are
highly toxic and contain para-
dichlorobenzene and neon. Synthetic
chemical camphor has a pungent
taste. It is harmful to the liver and
blood. Pregnant women who often
smell or come into contact with
mothballs might have involuntary
abortions within the first three
months of pregnancy. If children are
exposed to mothballs, symptoms will
appear within a few months,
manifesting as mental retardation and
blood system diseases. Frequent
exposure to mothballs over five years
can cause chronic poisoning in adults,
possibly leading to fatal leukemia and
liver cancer.
CHAPTER VII
17) Reduce the use of synthetic

fragrances.
Fragrances are chemicals made from

organic compounds that make people
smell and feel good. In recent years,
injuries caused by artificial fragrances
have occurred from time to time.
Some people spend a period of time
in the environment where the
perfume has been sprayed, and they
will experience symptoms such as
skin itching, dizziness, coughing, and
even asthma in severe cases. Some
people will experience itching,
unbearable dermatitis, nausea, and
vomiting as soon as they come into
contact with a certain type of
fragrance. Those who have allergic
asthma, dermatitis, and respiratory
diseases should minimize contact
with fragrances. Most fragrance
ingredients are very complex,
containing many volatile substances
which are prone to chemical
reactions. They will affect the health
of the human respiratory tract and
skin, are not conducive to the
function of the nervous system, and
will stimulate the respiratory mucosa
of children. Some people feel dizzy
and vomit when they come into
contact with fragrances. People with
respiratory diseases and other
diseases cannot come into contact
with fragrances. Because of the above
hazards, everyone should use less
fragrances.
CHAPTER VII
18) Use natural soap for bathing and

reduce the use of shower gel.
The commercial shower gel contains

many chemical ingredients, and long-
term excessive use can dry the skin and
even lead to allergic dermatitis. If the
body is not dirty, I recommend bathing
with water alone; if you want to use it,
you must control the amount, use the
size of a coin each time, and clean
thoroughly with water.
19) Do not overuse nail polish.
Among the ingredients of nail

polish that are harmful to the
human body are mainly phthalates,
toluene, formaldehyde, xylene, etc.,
in the colour enhancer, among
which phthalates are more
dangerous to the human body.
Long-term use of these
substances can adversely affect
the body's hormones, leading to
reproductive damage and other
health problems. Benzene and
formaldehyde are carcinogens;
acetone and ethyl acetate will
produce a pungent odour when
they volatilize, and long-term
inhalation is likely to cause harm to
the nervous system.
CHAPTER VII
20) Consider purchasing air purifiers and negative ion generators.
Although the purifier can purify the air and filter the particles in the air. However, the effect
of the purifier alone is limited to a few meters around the purifier. It has little impact on so-
called air particulates, which can be suspended in the air for several hours. Airborne
particulate matter (PM) is not a single pollutant but a mixture of many chemical species. It
is a complex mixture of solids and aerosols composed of tiny droplets of liquid, dry solid
fragments, and solid cores with liquid coatings. Because these suspended particles are
positively charged, they can collide with each other in the air to stay airborne for hours.
Therefore, you should consider installing a negative ion generator at a higher place vis the
air purifier. Negative ions can neutralize the positive charge of the suspended particulates,
allowing the suspended particulates to settle, and then adsorb and filter it with the help of
an air filter. The effect will be better.
CHAPTER VII
21) Do not hang wet clothes in the bedroom.
After washing clothes, many people hang wet clothes directly indoors or use indoor air
conditioners to dry them. This practice creates an optimal breeding environment for
deadly mold spores, which can be dangerous for people with weakened immune systems
or severe asthma. A British study showed that wet clothing can increase the humidity in
the house by 30%, which is just right to promote mold spores' reproduction; mold spores
are more harmful to asthma than dust. Among them, Aspergillus fumigatus spores are the
most worrying because inhaling it may cause a lung infection that can cause fatal damage
to the lungs and sinuses. Recently, more and more people have become infected with
respiratory and pulmonary diseases due to inhalation of Aspergillus spores. The research
team analyzed that this is related to drying clothes indoors. It said a pile of wet clothes
contained nearly 2 liters of water, which would be evaporated in the air.
CHAPTER VII
22) Do detox periodically.
In our hectic lifestyle, locals (young and not-so-young) tend to eat out a lot. As a result,
ingesting and inhaling large volumes of artificial chemicals unknowingly. Therefore,
regularly observing a detox routine is advisable to help the body's systems function
properly. Moreover, try to eat more moderately or lightly cooked foods with steam, stir
fry, or boiling to minimize the intake of dangerous chemicals formed due to the high-
heat cooking.
CONCLUSION
Your Well
Being Begins
At Home
CONCLUSION
The above practices can help create a safer, nontoxic living space. For further
information and discussions on health-conscious living, consider joining our mailing list
or participating in our upcoming talks. Remember, your well-being begins at home.
This article is compiled by Edwin Low, Author, Yoga &

Wellness Chi Gong Teacher & Entrepreneur.
You can connect with Edwin Low on Facebook.
For product and service inquiries, please contact:

Nontoxic Wellness
390 Victoria Street #02-30 Singapore 188061
Tel: +65-62922991
Web: www.nontoxic.sg
connect with us!

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A GUIDE TO A HEALTHIER LIVING ENVIRONMENT

Are you coming back

Be cautious with paint

Tread carefully with

Activated charcoal could help absorb

Dr. Lauren Bean Freeman, an American

On top of that, stone and tableware on the

2) Use your cell phone less.

I know that is near impossible.

3) Install a water purifier.

4) Stay away from microwave

When the microwave oven is

5) Heat pots and pans

For pots and pans with a

Most plastics emit toxic

7) Wear cotton pyjamas to bed.

9) Don't wear clothes immediately after dry cleaning.

10) Allow the mattress to breathe.

When washing the bed sheets, open the

11) Unplug the appliance when it is not in

In the standby state, the appliance

12) Choose bedroom appliances with red

While it is preferable to rest and sleep in a

13) Blue Light Hazards in LED Lights.

14) Replace table salt with natural

Sea salt is rich in various alkaline

15) Stay away from preservatives.

Preservatives like parabens, phthalates,

16) Don't use mothballs.

Mothballs are divided into natural

17) Reduce the use of synthetic

Fragrances are chemicals made from

18) Use natural soap for bathing and

The commercial shower gel contains

19) Do not overuse nail polish.

Among the ingredients of nail

20) Consider purchasing air purifiers and negative ion generators.

21) Do not hang wet clothes in the bedroom.

22) Do detox periodically.

This article is compiled by Edwin Low, Author, Yoga &

For product and service inquiries, please contact:

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