THE 2020 HOME SAFETY CHECKLIST

Expert advice for a healthy and hazard-free life

- Rebecca Philps

We spend an astonishing 90 per cent of our lives indoors. And whether you live in an old house or a brand new condo, they’re filled with unseen pathogens, chemicals, stale air and other dangers. We talked to Canada’s leading experts—scientists, academics and wellness gurus— to find out what you can do to make your home safer for you and your family. Here are practical and easy changes to make in each room of your home, from the safest materials for new furniture to how to air out your bedsheets, to a simple trick to avoid exposure to the bacteria lurking in your shower head.

YOUR BEDROOM

Make sure the room where you rest your head isn’t shortening your lifespan.

INVEST IN A DECENT MATTRESS

Assuming you’re sleeping the recommended hours per night (that’s seven to nine for adults), you’re spending one-third of your life in your bedroom. And insufficient sleep—either short duration or poor quality—is associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, injuries, depression, irritability and reduced well-being.

BE MITE SMART

Let the sheets and duvet air out for an hour before you make the bed to help control moisture-loving mites. To really sock it to them, wash all of your bedding once a week in hot water, and vacuum your mattress.

BUILD UP HUMIDITY

In such a high-usage area of your home, the air quality matters—a combination of humidifiers, fans and fresh air will keep your bedroom at an ideal 45 per cent humidity for a good night of shut-eye.

DON’T LET IT GET TOO WET