Are you one of the millions of people working remotely? If so, it’s important that your home office environment is as healthy and toxin-free as possible. Unfortunately, many common products and materials used in the home contain potentially dangerous toxins.
To ensure that your home office is a safe and healthy place to work, follow these do’s and don’ts for creating a toxin-free environment. From using natural cleaning supplies to avoiding certain hazardous materials, these tips will help keep you safe while working from home:
Material: Solid Wood
Finish: Water-based Non-toxic Finish
We all know that a healthy home office environment is essential for productivity and success. But why is it important to have a non-toxic home office specifically? Here are some research reasons why having a non-toxic environment in your home office is beneficial:
Overall, creating a safe and non-toxic workplace should be seen as an investment rather than an expense because it will pay off over time through improved productivity, better health outcomes, and greater employee job satisfaction.
The most common pollutants to avoid in home offices include:
This is a colorless, odorless gas that can be found in certain building materials, furniture, and cleaning products. Formaldehyde has been linked to respiratory illnesses as well as cancer.
These are chemicals that are emitted from products such as paint, aerosol sprays, and glues. They can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and other health issues.
These are chemicals that occur naturally in many products, such as detergents, pesticides, and disinfectants. They can cause skin, eye and respiratory irritation, headaches, and fatigue.
This heavy metal can be found in pipes, paints, solder, and some types of furniture. Exposure to lead has been linked to neurological and developmental issues.
These are chemicals that are used to make plastics softer and more flexible. Exposure to these compounds has been linked to reproductive issues as well as cancer.
Cigarette smoke contains numerous toxins, including carbon monoxide, which can contribute to air contamination. It is important to discourage smoking in the home office to ensure that the environment is free from these pollutants.
These fungi grow in damp and humid environments and can cause health issues such as coughing, sneezing, sore throat, skin irritation, and eye irritation.
When shopping for non-toxic office furniture, it’s important to look for certifications from organizations such as Greenguard GOLD, Sustainable Furnishings Council, or the Forest Stewardship Council. Greenguard certification ensures that products meet stringent standards for low chemical emissions, making them safe for indoor air quality.
SFC certification ensures that materials used are sourced from renewable or recyclable sources. The Forest Stewardship Council ensures that wood products come from responsibly managed forests.
In addition to these certificates, always look for furniture made with CertiPUR-US certified foam free from hazardous substances such as formaldehyde, flame retardants, PBDEs, and heavy metals. You can also opt for natural sofa and armchair fillings such as wool and natural latex.
The fabrics used in upholstery and curtains should also be checked for certifications such as Oeko-Tex, which ensures low chemical emissions, or GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), which ensures that textiles are made from organic materials and produced responsibly.
Creating a safe and non-toxic home office environment should be seen as an investment rather than an expense. Taking the time to find products with proper certifications can ensure that your home office is free from dangerous pollutants and toxins, protecting both your health and productivity in the long run.
Read More: Best Non-Toxic Furniture Brands
My name is Kamila, and I'm passionate about researching non-toxic, organic products for the home. I believe it's so important to create a safe and healthy environment for our families, and I enjoy helping others do the same.
By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. more information
The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this.