Is Your Home Harming Your Health? What You Need to Know (and What to Do About It)

We spend over 90% of our lives indoors, yet few of us ever stop to consider how the air we breathe, the furniture we sit on, or even the light in our homes may be impacting our health.

In a powerful conversation with environmental health expert Carrie Denning Jackson, we unpacked the hidden risks inside modern homes, from chemicals in your child’s mattress to the effects of artificial lighting and explored simple but meaningful shifts you can make to create a healthier, healing home.

Watch the video below...

Here’s what every health-conscious family should know. 

The Shocking Truth About Children's Mattresses

A new study revealed that children’s mattresses often contain phthalates, flame retardants, and UV filters which are chemicals linked to hormone disruption, developmental issues, and reduced IQ. Because children sleep longer and generate more body heat, they’re especially vulnerable to inhaling and absorbing these toxins during sleep.

What to do: Look for GOTS-certified organic mattresses, made from natural materials like organic cotton, wool, or natural latex. Also avoid waterproof mattress covers unless they’re labeled non-toxic or free from vinyl and polyurethane.

There's No FDA for Your Furniture

While food and medications are tightly regulated, household goods like couches, rugs, mattresses, and paint are not. That means companies can legally use materials and chemicals that may never have been tested for long-term safety.

Why it matters: Items labeled “green” or “eco-friendly” may still off-gas VOCs (volatile organic compounds) or contain flame retardants and formaldehyde.

What to do: Learn to read beyond marketing labels. Seek out products certified by third-party organizations like Greenguard, OEKO-TEX, or Made Safe.

Microplastics in Paint Are Polluting Your Air

We often think of microplastics as an ocean problem but it turns out over 50% of microplastics in marine environments come from household acrylic paints. These same particles can end up in the air inside our homes and even in our bloodstream.

What to do: Choose safer alternatives like mineral paints, milk paints, or low/zero-VOC paints. These are not only better for the environment, they’re better for your lungs and long-term health.

Flooring: A Hidden Source of Toxins

Shockingly, many vinyl flooring materials contain phthalates that are banned in children’s toys, yet remain legal in flooring and building supplies. These toxins can leach into your air and dust, especially with heat and wear.

What to do: Opt for natural flooring options like solid hardwood, bamboo, cork, or linoleum. If you must use vinyl, look for “phthalate-free” labeling, but know this doesn’t always guarantee safety.

Mold and Pesticides: The Silent Saboteurs

Carrie warns that mold is more widespread than most people realize, especially in humid or poorly ventilated homes. Combine that with the 25% of pesticides used indoors, and you have a major hit to your immune and nervous systems.

What to do:

• Run HEPA air purifiers in key areas like a JASPR air filter
• Use non-toxic pest control methods.
• Check for hidden leaks, condensation, or musty odors (which could indicate mold).
• If you’re chronically ill, consider mold testing, especially in bedrooms or basements.

Lighting: It's More Than Just Bright or Dim

With the rise of LED lighting, we’ve lost exposure to the full spectrum of light our bodies need for hormone regulation, sleep, and mood. Harsh artificial lighting can disrupt your circadian rhythm and contribute to fatigue, insomnia, and anxiety.

 What to do:

• Get natural sunlight exposure early in the day to anchor your biological clock.
• In the evening, switch to amber or red-hued bulbs that support melatonin production
• Avoid cool-white LEDs and screens (TV’s, computers, cellphones), especially after sunset and most importantly one hour before bedtime.
• Consider wearing blue blocking glasses after the sunsets

Building and Furnishing with Health in Mind

From particle board furniture that off-gasses formaldehyde to synthetic upholstery filled with flame retardants, many modern home goods quietly release toxins into the air for years.

What to do: Choose solid wood, stainless steel, glass, or natural materials like wool, hemp, and cotton. If replacing everything at once isn’t realistic, start small like switching your pillow or couch cushions to safer alternatives.

Small Swaps with Big Impact

You don’t need to gut your house or spend a fortune to make a difference. Start with simple, high-impact swaps such as:

• Organic bedding and towels
• Non-toxic cleaning products
• Natural rugs (like wool or jute) instead of synthetics
• Air and water filters
• Houseplants to naturally purify the air
• Use glass instead of plastic for food storage

Nature Is Medicine, Even Inside

Studies show that neighborhoods with more trees have lower rates of heart disease, mental illness, and even diabetes. Humans are biologically wired to thrive in natural environments.

What to do:

• Open windows daily to let in fresh air.
• Use natural materials inside your home.
• Spend time outdoors barefoot (grounding).
• Incorporate indoor plants and natural textures into your décor.

Home as a Hub for Healing and Connection

Your home isn’t just a physical space, it shapes your mental and emotional health. Creating an environment that’s calm, clean, and communal supports not only your body but your relationships.

What you can do:

• Create a cozy spot for shared meals or gatherings.
• Minimize clutter to reduce visual and mental stress.
• Light natural beeswax candles, play soft music, or bring in scents like lavender or eucalyptus.

Your Home Can Heal You

Creating a non-toxic home doesn’t have to happen overnight. It’s about progress, not perfection. Start with awareness. Make a few small changes. Build from there.

Your home should support your body’s natural ability to heal, not work against it.

Because vibrant health starts at home.

If you’re ready to optimize your home environment, listen to the full podcast episode here or watch the video above.