Consuming healthy foods and living in a healthy environment is vital for good health. People are starting to understand the dangers of dryer sheets and toxic cleaning products and are removing them from their homes, but no one is aware that there are dangers present in our bedrooms where we spend a big part of our lives.

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Make your bedroom cancer-free

Making your bedroom cancer-free and clean is difficult, not to mention expensive, so you need to start with small things and work your way up slowly. Every little change you make will have a positive impact on your health. How you begin is up to you – some people start by replacing their mattresses, while others start with the bedding. Here are 12 cancer-causing things you need to remove from your bedroom immediately.

  1. Replace your pillows and pillow cases with organic materials

Most people think cotton pillows and pillow cases are safer than synthetics, but the truth is that cotton uses 25% of the world’s insecticides and 14% of pesticides. If you can afford it, replace your cotton bedding with organic materials.

  1. Replace or Remove All Artificial Fabrics From Your Bedding, Bedroom, and Closet

Synthetic materials are made from thermoplastics, which release plastic molecules when heated. If you’re wearing wrinkle-free clothes, you are breathing in dangerous formaldehydes, so try to replace them with organic materials.

  1. Replace or Remove Artificial Clothes in Your Closet

Most synthetic fabrics are coal, oil or natural gas-based. The liquid is spread through holes of a nozzle called a spinneret, and as it emerges it is instantly cooled to form tiny threads which are woven to create a fabric. To make them more durable, a layer of Teflon is added. Synthetic clothing can become very dangerous over time, which is why you need to replace it with organic material.

  1. Remove faux\fabric furniture

If you have furniture in your bedroom that’s made from artificial leather, you should immediately replace it with organic materials. Artificial leather contains polyvinyl chloride (PVC) which is considered the most dangerous of all fabrics. It is made more flexible with the use of phthalates which have been known to disrupt the endocrine system. Pillows and cushions that are stain and water resistant are sprayed with toxic chemicals which can cause numerous health problems, so you might want to replace them with organic materials.

  1. Remove particle board and MDF

If you have furniture that contains MDF, melamine or is made of particle board, you should throw it out right away. MDF is made from softened and powdered shredded wood which is combined with resin and bonding agents compacted into solid boards. It also contains formaldehyde which is dangerous for your respiratory system.

Particle board also contains formaldehyde, which has been linked to numerous conditions including cancer. According to How Stuff Works, particle boards reduce their toxicity by 25% within 2 months, and 50% in a year. From there, it may emit gasses for up to 10 years!

Instead of these products, try to find solid wood furniture or buy glass or metal tables and desks.

  1. Remove accent\throw rugs

Wood and tile floors can be cleaned easily and are much better for asthma patients. Many people put small rugs in their bedroom which look great, but collect dirt, dust mites and allergens which can cause problems. These rugs are made from polyester which is produced with antimony, a toxic chemical which may be fatal in some cases. Other dangerous compound found in synthetic carpets and rugs include olefin and nylon.

  1. Use No-VOC paint

When painting a room, make sure you use non volatile organic compounds that are safer for the environment. When VOCs vaporize in the air, they react with other elements to produce ozone which pollutes the air and causes respiratory issues.

  1. Shoe-free zone

Make your home a shoe-free zone, and have a pair of indoor and outdoor shoes to avoid letting contaminants inside. Buy a shoe tray and put it by your door, and change your shoes whenever you enter your home.

  1. Minimize electrical devices

Avoid putting electrical devices in your bedroom as they have been known to disrupt sleeping patterns.

  1. Replace or cover your mattress

Replacing or covering the mattress is a difficult step, but it is required if you want to live in a healthier environment. Most mattresses are sprayed with flame retardants and chemicals that can cause health problems. If you can’t afford to replace your mattress, wrap it in a foil barrier cloth which you can find online.

  1. Buy an air cleaner

A whole house air cleaner is a costly but a great investment. Do your research and pick an option – some people like portable air cleaners which you can take from room to room. Find one with HEPA filtration and make sure it doesn’t contain ozone.

  1. Remove chemically treated drapes or shades

Drapes and shades are full of dust, pollen and numerous other allergens. Try replacing them with organic materials – if it’s too expensive for you, barter with a friend who can sew curtains. Wood blinds are also a great alternative – if you’re remodeling or moving in a new home, consider the ones that are trapped between the glass.