5 Things to Avoid for a Healthy Home

by WellBeing Team October 14, 2026

Your home might look stunning, but have you considered what’s lurking beneath the surface?

Most interiors are designed for aesthetics and functionality. But what about health? The materials you choose today will impact your health for years to come. It’s well documented that poor indoor air quality can have devastating effects on your health, from eye, nose and throat irritation to liver and kidney damage.

If you’re renovating or building, selecting the interior finishes can be exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time. It’s a huge investment and mistakes can be costly. Even when engaging a professional, it pays to know what is and isn’t harmful to your health. In this case, it’s not what you put in, but what you leave out that matters. Building materials contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other pollutants that can hang around your home for years, all of which are a health hazard. If you already have a chronic condition like asthma, you’re more likely to be triggered.

What exactly are VOCs?

VOCs (volatile organic compounds) are gases released from products such as paints, adhesives and cleaning supplies. These chemicals easily evaporate at room temperature, mixing with the air you breathe, making them a major contributor to poor indoor air quality. The risk of your health being affected by inhaling toxins and pollutants is dependent on several factors:
The amount of toxic chemicals in a product.

How fast toxins are released.
Room size and air volume.
Ventilation rate.
Outdoor toxin levels.
Your personal sensitivity to toxins.

Who’s most at risk?

Children, older adults, pets and those with asthma or chronic illness are especially vulnerable to indoor air pollutants. Their bodies are more sensitive, and they typically spend more time indoors. Taking action to reduce toxins is even more critical when they’re in your household.

What are the health effects of poor indoor air?

According to the US EPA, health effects associated with long exposure to air pollutants can include:

Eye, nose, throat irritation.
Headaches, nausea, dizziness and fatigue.
Liver and kidney damage.
Allergic skin reactions.
Shortness of breath.
Some pollutants may cause cancer

5 products to avoid and what to use instead:

Paints and coatings

That fresh coat of paint might be loaded with VOCs, which are linked to headaches, respiratory issues and long-term cognitive effects. Many paints also contain other toxic compounds like formaldehyde, benzene and toluene, all of which can contribute to poor air quality. Low-VOC and
natural alternatives help, but not all “green” labels are created equal. Make sure you read the fine print and do your research.

Vinyl and engineered flooring

PVC-based flooring and some laminates contain phthalates, known hormone disruptors. These chemicals make plastics more flexible but are not tightly bound, meaning they leach out over time into dust and air. Safer alternatives include certified low-emission flooring or natural materials
like cork, solid hardwood, linoleum and bamboo, materials that not only perform well, but are biodegradable and renewable.

Cabinetry and joinery

MDF, plywood and particleboard often contain formaldehyde-based resins that off -gas for years. These are found in built-in wardrobes, kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities. While convenient and cost-effective, they can trigger allergies, irritation and more serious health concerns. Choose products that are E0-rated (low formaldehyde emission) or made from solid timber with natural finishes. If using engineered products, ask for third-party certifications that validate their low-emission status.

Sealants and adhesives

These are everywhere, from floors to wall panels, and many contain VOCs, isocyanates and synthetic solvents. Sealants used in bathrooms,
caulks, grouts and construction adhesives can be particularly toxic in small, enclosed areas. Choose low-toxicity, solvent-free adhesives where
possible and ensure good ventilation during and after application.

Insulation materials

Some foam-based insulations contain flame retardants and isocyanates, harmful to both installers and occupants. These chemicals have been linked to developmental and reproductive issues. Natural insulations like wool, hemp or cellulose off er strong thermal performance without the toxicity and they’re also more sustainable.

Tips for a healthier home

Do your research and take your time.
Don’t be afraid to ask for information about what’s
in your materials.
Request low-toxic alternatives, there are many
options available today.
Brief your designer or builder early in the project
to avoid delays or cost blow-outs.
Breathe easy. It’s a journey, but one worth taking.

Nature’s air purifiers might already be in your living room

Forget fancy gadgets, some of the best air purifiers are already growing in your home. Certain indoor plants don’t just look good, they actively help remove toxins like benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene from the air. Plus, they add oxygen, balance humidity and create a calming atmosphere. Here are a few science-backed varieties according to the NASA Clean Air Study:

Peace lily: excellent for removing VOCs and
mould spores.
Spider plant: hardy and known for cleaning up
carbon monoxide and xylene.
Snake plant (Mother-in-Law’s Tongue): great
at night-time oxygen production, perfect for
bedrooms.
Boston fern: filters pollutants like formaldehyde
and xylene.
Aloe vera: helps clear formaldehyde and benzene;
loves a sunny window.

Wellbeing tip: While plants alone won’t solve indoor air pollution, they’re a beautiful, natural addition, especially when used with good ventilation and low-toxic choices.

This simple habit improves air quality instantly

You don’t need high-tech filters or designer diffusers to breathe cleaner air. Sometimes, the most powerful action is the simplest: open a window.

Just 15 minutes of cross-ventilation a day can significantly reduce indoor air pollution by flushing out trapped VOCs, excess carbon dioxide and stale air. Yet many of us keep our homes sealed tight, especially in cooler months or in newer homes built with airtight principles to save energy.

Tip: Ventilation is free, effective and immediate. Make it a daily ritual, throw open the windows while you stretch, meditate or make your morning tea. Go the next level by opening windows and using fans or air purifiers to move pollutants out faster.

That renovation dust might be more dangerous than you think

That beautiful new kitchen or freshly painted wall might be hiding a cloud of invisible pollutants. Renovation and repair work like sanding, painting, tiling or installing new flooring can release dust, VOCs and fine particles that linger long after the job’s done. These tiny pollutants can irritate your lungs, trigger allergies and contribute to poor indoor air quality.

Here’s the simple fix: