If you’re committed to going green to protect the environment, you obviously don’t want to create additional risks to your health. Use the suggestions below to prevent unsafe situations that can arise from going green.
CFL bulbs for lighting are encouraged for use by homeowners concerned with energy conservation. However, the compact fluorescent bulbs contain mercury and present a significant health threat to human beings if broken. If you choose CFL bulbs, make sure they’re located in places where they’re less likely to be broken or cause harm if they’re broken or choose LED lighting instead.
Recycled toilet paper and other paper products have been found to have BPA, bisphenol A, which is dangerous to human beings. Unfortunately, labeling is not always clear regarding whether recycled paper products contain BPA.
Solar panels are a great way to use green technology but have posed significant risks of electrocution to firefighters dealing with home fires in homes with solar energy. New legislation has been proposed to mandate that homes have a sign indicating their use of solar energy panels as well as a switch to turn off the solar panels on the exterior of homes.
Using building materials that include recycled wood products have been shown to grow more mold than other natural materials. The problem is addressed by using recycled wood materials that have a chemical finish put on them to prevent mold growth.
If you’re going to use reusable grocery sacks rather than choosing bags from the grocery store, you must be sure to wash them. Bacteria that collects on the reusable bags have been traced to illness in people eating foods from the bags.
If you’re switching to a low-flow shower head, make sure that you use current technology that indicates it is anti-scald. The older technology in the low-flow shower heads made scalding a risk of trying to conserve water.
When you use kitchen cloths or sponges to replace using paper towels you should be sure to wash them frequently to remove contaminants.
If you’ve decided to grow your own vegetables as part of greener living, it makes sense to have the soil you’ll be planting your vegetables in analyzed. Many gardens near homes are found to have soil containing lead paints or other contaminants that can make your home-grown vegetables dangerous.
If you decide to use solar lighting outside your home, be careful to have alternate lighting available if your solar lights fail or dim to avoid increased risks from tripping in the darkness.
Composting garbage in order to provide nutrients to the earth requires research about the proper way to compost. Avoid the risks of infestations of mice and other pests which can present health risks and learn about what you can compost as well as how frequently you should turn your compost pile to keep yourself safe while going green.
Going green is a great goal for the planet, but you shouldn’t risk your own safety to do so. Use the suggestions above to be sure that your green efforts coincide with your health goals.