improving indoor air quality
Warning signs and simple fixes
YOUR HOME IS YOUR CASTLE – THE PLACE YOU EAT, SLEEP, PLAY AND RAISE YOUR FAMILY. It should also be a haven where you are protected from pollutants that can compromise the health of you and your loved ones as much as possible.
ventilation
As the air changes in your home, airborne toxins can be trapped inside with you and your family. Opening a window isn’t always practical and if dust or outdoor allergens are a problem, it can cause even more issues. A healthy home needs a way to exchange the stale inside air with fresh, preferably filtered, outdoor air.
One effective method is to dilute the indoor air with an Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV). These units remove indoor air and replace it with filtered outside air while capturing part of the energy (heating or cooling). Unfortunately, not every home can be easily retrofitted with an ERV; your licensed HVAC professional can guide you on the best options for your situation.
Whether or not you are able to install an air exchange system, you can reduce your family’s exposure to airborne toxins with these easy tips.
mold
Limit mold growth by running the bathroom exhaust fan when bathing or showering. Mold needs moisture to grow and a steamy bath provides the perfect environment. Other potential problem areas include kitchens, leaky pipes, windows with condensation and uninsulated water pipes. If possible, keep indoor humidity levels under 60 percent; the ideal range is between 30 and 50 percent. Relative humidity can be measured with a moisture or humidity meter, a small, inexpensive ($10-$50) instrument available at many hardware stores.
Safe and inexpensive products to kill mold are undiluted white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide. Rubber gloves and a dust mask will offer some protection from spores while cleaning small areas. Seek qualified professional help if you have a large area in need of remediation.
cleaning products
Many products promise to clean your home with minimum effort and leave it smelling like roses, a meadow, ocean breeze, etc. Unfortunately you may be swapping one problem for another; an itchy throat, restricted breathing, watery eyes, lightheadedness or similar symptoms are indicators that the product you’re using is hazardous.
Avoid cleaners with chlorine bleach and toxic antibacterial agents such as triclosan and triclocarban. The American Medical Association advises against using antibacterial products because they are probably no more effective than regular soap and promote the proliferation of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Keep a spray bottle with white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide handy for disinfecting kitchens and bathroom, they are safe for most non-porous surfaces, but test in an inconspicuous spot if in doubt.
At least 90% of household cleaning can be achieved using white vinegar, baking soda and a liquid, castile soap. Look online for effective methods and recipes for everything from shower scrubs to furniture polishes and carpet cleaners.
air fresheners
The first step towards a fresh smelling home should always be to clean/eliminate the source of an offending odor, rather than covering it up. Many plug-in and spray air fresheners contain chemicals such as formaldehyde and phthalates, which have been linked to cancer, asthma and hormonal or developmental disruptions. These chemicals accumulate in the fatty tissues over time, so the dangers increase as they build up inside the body.
On a calm day if dust and pollens are not a problem, you can remove stale air by opening a window or door and running an exhaust fan at the other end of the house for a few minutes. Discretely placed bowls of baking soda will absorb odors for a few days or weeks - mix a few drops of an essential oil if you’re fond of a particular scent.
Finally, be aware of what you bring into your home, including chemicals used for pest control, paints, and solvents. Better yet, leave them in the garage if you need to store them. Wash or air purchases (rugs, shower curtains, bedding, furniture) with that “new smell” outside for a few hours before bringing them in.
Websites such as www.ewg.org, www.healthyhouseinstitue.com, and www.motherearthliving.com can help you further navigate the vast amount of information available.