When we hear the word “homesick,” we usually think of the cognitive state of sadness we experience while missing the place where we live. However, what many people don’t realize is that there’s another kind of homesickness: your actual home. There are many ways our homes can make us sick without us realizing it.

If you suspect your home could be the secret source of your recent illness, don’t panic. There are often easy, environmentally friendly steps you can take to eliminate the problem. Does this situation sound familiar to you? If this hits close to home, there are things you can do about it:

Repair the air

If your home is making you sick, one of the first things to look at is the air quality. You might start by testing the air quality or looking for radon in your home. You can take steps to eliminate asthma and allergy triggers from the air by keeping the house clean. Change the bedding regularly and make sure no one smokes indoors.

Although a good air duct cleaning can be immensely helpful, these services can also be expensive. However, you might want to invest in a cost-friendly air purifier. If someone in your home smokes cigars or you own a wood-burning stove, air purifiers are effective in removing allergens, toxins, and pollutants, including secondhand smoke from your home.

Whether you are on a tight budget or are looking to go green, there are other all-natural options for cleaning the air inside your home. Did you know many houseplants naturally clean the air? Adding houseplants is an excellent way to add peaceful greenery, bringing nature indoors and boost your health while purifying the air.

Eliminate toxins

The latest scientific studies show cigarette smoke is not just harmful to the smoker. Many people are unaware of the dangers of two other types of smoke: secondhand and third-hand smoke. People can breathe in Secondhand smoke if they are near a smoker.

Third-hand smoke is the fraction of cigarette smoke and its toxins that stay in the smoker’s environment even after the smoker extinguishes the cigarette. Third-hand smoke can impact anyone in the atmosphere, including infants and the elderly, making it particularly dangerous.

Both secondhand and third-hand smoke have a link to cancer, Alzheimer’s, and other health conditions. Luckily, there’s an easy DIY repair. You can start by applying a thick layer of KILZ primer to the walls to lock in nicotine, tar, and third-hand cigarette smoke. After it dries, use two fresh coats of paint on the walls to help seal everything in place.

Another affordable way is to clean your home with safe, all-natural cleaning products. Products such as fragrance-free soaps made from vegetable oil are free of the harmful toxins and bleaches found in most household cleaning products.

Plus, you can use natural, environmentally friendly and toxin-free plant-based essential oils. Studies show essential oils aid in killing viruses and bacteria. Oils such as peppermint, eucalyptus, or blends such as four thieves are effective.

Find a new home

You might want to work with a realtor to help you find a new home. Because this can be a lengthy process, it’s recommended only as a last resort. If you own your home but are unable (or unwilling) to sell it, you could consider hiring a property manager and turn it into a rental unit.

Another way is to downsize or move into a rental unit. These choices might be a good alternative if you need to relocate fast or if you are on a tight budget. Other reasons include not getting approved for a home loan or not wanting to buy your own home.

If all else fails and you need to consider moving, there are products and building materials you should try to avoid in a new home. Many of the materials used to build our homes are harmful. Please avoid the following products:

• PVC>triggers breathing problems
• Certain paints and sealants>release poisonous chemicals
• Heavy metals>damage the nervous system
• Cancer-causing chemicals such as asbestos

Conclusion

If your house is making you sick, you can make it safer by repairing the air. Test for radon, keep the house clean and change bed linens on a regular basis. Other ways to prevent your home from making you sick is to get rid of toxins. Apply a thick layer of KILZ primer to the walls to lock in nicotine, tar, and third-hand cigarette smoke. Plus, you can sell your house if the above tips do not work in your favor. However, tips such as cleaning the air in your home and eliminating toxins could keep your environment safe without having to move away.