"Women's Health and Healthy Homes: Safeguarding Present and Future Generations"

Women’s well-being is intricately linked to the health of their families and the prosperity of future generations. However, homes—intended as safe havens—often expose families to harmful toxins that threaten the development of children and the health of older adults.

Toxic exposure can begin as early as the womb, with potentially severe and long-lasting consequences for fetal development. Despite decades of research connecting chemical exposure to adverse health outcomes, regulatory frameworks often fail to provide adequate protection. In Australia, while regulatory bodies such as the National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme (NICNAS) aim to assess and manage chemical risks, significant gaps remain. Of the thousands of chemicals used in everyday products, many lack comprehensive safety evaluations, leaving Australian families vulnerable and burdened with the responsibility of creating healthier living environments. Similarly, in the United States, only a small fraction of the 86,000 chemicals in use are restricted under the Toxic Substances Control Act (Landrigan et al., 2018), underscoring the global need for more robust regulatory measures.

Maternal exposure to hazardous substances can adversely impact the fetus and the health of both the parent and child. Children are particularly vulnerable during the first three years of life due to their rapid development, immature immune systems, and higher relative intake of air, water, and food. These factors amplify their susceptibility to environmental toxins, which can result in lasting effects on cognition, behaviour, and overall health (World Health Organisation, 2023).

Homes are key sources of toxic exposure. Indoor air quality, for example, is often 3 to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air, with contaminants linked to diseases such as stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer. Women, due to gendered expectations and roles, tend to spend more time at home, increasing their exposure to these harmful substances (World Health Organisation, 2023).

The building materials used in homes also pose dual threats to health and the environment. Many are derived from fossil fuels, contributing to climate change while exposing residents to harmful substances. Reducing reliance on these materials improves both human health and environmental sustainability.

The LIVINGHAUS vision is a world where toxic chemicals are eliminated from building products, healthier materials are accessible and affordable, and homes truly support well-being. Our mission is to address vulnerabilities across a woman’s life—from in utero to adulthood—by providing research-based information and empowering women to make informed decisions. We also promote affordable, safer alternatives to conventional building materials.

By advocating for healthier homes and reducing toxic exposures, we can create spaces where current and future generations thrive. Prioritising women’s health today builds a foundation for a safer, healthier world, where every home is a sanctuary for well-being.

References

Landrigan, P.J., Fuller, R., Acosta, N.J.R., et al. (2018). The Lancet Commission on pollution and health. The Lancet, 391(10119), pp.462–512.

World Health Organization (2023). Household air pollution and health. Available at: https://www.who.int.