Kitchen & Bath Business March/April 2024 - 18

WELLNE S S
MO VEMENT
Well-Being in the Kitchen & Bath
Taking a healthy, safe, holistic approach to design
SAFETY IN THE KITCHEN and bath has been a concern for many decades.
With global health events, including COVID-19, and the growing awareness
of the everyday presence of hazardous chemicals within the home,
health has become top-of-mind for consumers. Recognizing concerns
and understanding and applying a holistic approach to health and safety
in living environments is vital to overall well-being.
Safety. Kitchens and bathrooms - two of the busiest rooms in a home -
pose challenges for occupants for safety and health. It is probably no surprise
that most research shows that the bathroom, typically the smallest room in
the house, is the location for most injuries. CDC studies show that injuries
in or near the bathtub or shower account for about two-thirds of emergency
room visits. On the other hand, the kitchen is likely to be where the most
serious accidents occur. Th e kitchen is home to hot appliances that produce
toxic gases, heavy cookware, sharp tools and breakable dishes and glassware.
Kitchen Safety. In the kitchen, open fl ames can be a source of serious
injury; therefore, if specifi cations call for gas appliances, extra precaution is
necessary, especially with young children and the elderly. A better alternative
is electric appliances; however, they can still pose a safety risk.
In both the kitchen and bathroom, well-planned storage areas are important.
Height location should be considered in all zones of the kitchen.
Locating heavy items and items used daily in lower cabinets limits the
need for stools and ladders. In addition, glassware and dishes can be a safety
hazard. Drawers that store dishes and glassware can be a solution instead of
traditional upper cabinets.
 Bathroom Safety. Within the bathroom,
several easy, proactive measures can be taken
to avoid common hazards. Non-slip rugs and
mats, textured surfaces and grout can help keep
materials from contributing to a fall. Removing
accessibility barriers to showers and tubs, raising
the height of toilets and adding grab bars
for the elderly decrease the potential for falls.
Making sure adequate lighting is addressed in
the design phase can reduce injury. Proper storage
and the addition of locks for prescription
medication can reduce the risk of accidental
BELOW In this Wellness Within
Your Walls-certifi ed show
home in Atlanta's Serenbe
neighborhood, Dana Lynch
Design in collaboration with
DES-SYN chose natural
stone surfaces, natural light
and multiple showerheads
to make this bathroom an
oasis at home. Photo credit: J.
Ashley Master
consumption.
Mitigating the Impact of Harsh Chemicals.
Occupants tend to store cleaners and other toxins
in kitchen and bathroom cabinets, making
them one of the key areas of concern for human
well-being. Common household cleaners are
used to mitigate dirt, grime, grease, bacteria, viruses
and mold. Disinfectants, such as bleach and
ammonia, synthetic air fresheners, anti-bacterial
products, aerosol sprays, harsh cleaners and other
harsh chemicals are known to be highly toxic
and should be stored away from the kitchen or
bathroom, preferably in an outdoor, ventilated
and locked cabinet. Th ere are nontoxic products
on the market that can clean and mitigate viruses,
bacteria and other contaminants. When harsh
chemicals are required, off-gassing protocols
should be implemented.
With the use of fuel-burning appliances,
kitchens pose additional concerns. The gases
emitted use up fresh air as they burn and give
off waste gases, including the highly toxic gas,
carbon monoxide. Symptoms of CO2
poisoning
include drowsiness and fl u-like symptoms. Proper
ventilation is key when all stovetop appliances
are in use. On the other hand, the use of harsh
cleaners and disinfectants and aerosol and other
personal care products in the bathroom creates
challenges. Th e bathroom is where most mold
issues arise.
Breathing Easier. Air quality in kitchens and
bathrooms is critical for health and comfort, made
all the more important with energy-effi cient homes
that require tight building envelopes. Mechanical
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/ MARCH-APRIL 2024
Kitchen & Bath Business March/April 2024

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