Keep your home free from pollutants 2

This is the second part of how to keep your home free from pollutants.  In the first part, we discussed how to free your home from chemicals, cigarette smoke and moisture.  It was also stressed how important air circulation is.

In this article allergen inducers as well as toxic chemicals are discussed so that you would know how to keep them out.

1. Keep the dust Mites away

Dust mites are usually the culprit of many allergic attacks.  These are microscopic insects that thrive on moisture and live in pillows, mattresses, carpets and stuffed toys.  To combat this, it is best to vacuum and clean on a regular basis.  It is also important to keep the humidity levels low.

 2. There are no Hypo allergenic Pets

Allergy is a common occurrence when our immune system becomes over reactive.  These allergies can come from a wide array of substances which include secreted fluids from animals such as saliva and urine as well as dander.  Dander accumulates on animal fur and hair.   If you love pets but have family members prone to allergies, it is best to keep the pets outside.

 3. Use LOW VOC Paints

Paints contain many chemicals.  As paint dries, some of the most harmful ones release VOC or volatile organic compounds.  This toxic gas is released even months after the paint job.  Since the gas is odorless the toxins are not detected easily.  Rather than worry about these toxins, always opt for the low-VOC and no-VOC paints.

 4. Carbon Monoxide Detector

Flu like symptoms will appear if Carbon Monoxide reaches toxic levels.  Carbon Monoxide inhibits the body’s ability to supply oxygen.  You can have any of the following: headache, chest pain, dizziness and nausea.  Constant exposure can lead to organ failure and can be lethal especially for very young children.

There are many potential sources such as: heaters, gas stoves, generators, machines which use fuel, fireplaces and cars.  Make sure that your equipment are repaired and checked on a regular basis

To be safe it is important to install a Carbon Monoxide Detector.

5. Test for Radon

Radon is a cancer causing radioactive gas produced naturally from the earth.  Outdoors, radon is not dangerous as it dissipates into the air.  Indoors, it becomes concentrated especially when the ventilation is not sufficient.

It is the second leading cause of lung cancer.  It is a silent killer as you cannot see or taste it.  There are many radon testing kits available and it will cost you around $25 for a basic one to $300 for a professional one.

 6. Asbestos Abatement

Asbestos is a widely used mineral used for making the structure more rigid and fire resistant.    Asbestos can be found in roof insulation, ceiling and duct work.  It poses no threat when it is left undisturbed.  However, when it begins to crumble the fiber and dust poses a health hazard when inhaled.  High concentrations and constant exposure can lead to lung cancer.  It is best to have professionals remove asbestos.

7. Provide additional ventilation

The first article began on the importance of air circulation by opening the windows.  It is fitting that this article ends on additional ventilation mechanisms.

Ventilation is important to keep the fresh clean air constantly flowing while polluted ones are diffused outside.  You can provide an additional exhaust fan for your bathroom to remove the odor as well as prevent dampness and moisture.  Fireplaces and kitchen stoves should be fully vented outside.  You can even install air filters.  Read our article, 10 Tips For A Better Kitchen.