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8. Carbon monoxide/particulates. Colorless, odorless carbon monoxide as well as fine particulates and other combustion pollutants come from many sources. Their effects can be flu-like symptoms, serious illness or death. “With the last several years of higher energy costs and problems with the economy, a lot of folks are trying to really tighten their homes,” says Vogel. “But many don’t do a whole house assessment. They can tighten their homes beyond what combustion air is need for appliances. That brings on carbon monoxide and other problems because the house is not allowed to breathe.”
| | | |  | |  | | | | | Learn more about the air you breathe
• “Pollutants like mold, radon, carbon monoxide and toxic chemicals have received greater attention than ever as poor indoor air quality has been linked to a host of health problems,” says Dale Kemery, press officer with the U.S. EPA. He suggests using the criteria from EPA’s Indoor airPLUS as a guide to decrease the risks.
• Find local resources for indoor air quality. Healthy Indoor Air is a national consumer education program offered in concert with about 3,100 county Cooperative Extension Service offices. Healthy Homes Partnership is offered as a collaboration of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Department of Housing and Urban Development and Alabama Cooperative Extension System at Auburn University.
• Proper ventilation is key. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority offers an informative online guide that even includes simple DIY tests to check the air flow of exhaust fans. Energy Star offers a list of qualifying ventilation fans.
• “Be good consumers,” says Bernheim. “Ask questions, continually ask questions. Go to product Web sites to research. Look for third-party certifications such as Green Label Plus for carpeting. The higher the temperature in your home, the more stuff in the air. If you can, keep your home cooler.” | | | | | | | | | | |
Be sure to vent woodstoves and gas stoves in your home. Properly install and maintain chimneys and flues. In the annual furnace inspection, make sure the heat exchanger is not cracked. Refrain from smoking in the home. Consider installing a carbon monoxide alarm, use a properly sized range hood if there is a gas stove and vent all clothes dryers to the outside so moisture and particulates also can be removed.
9. Formaldehyde. Pungent and colorless, this gas can prompt irritating to life-threatening immediate reactions or reactions after repeat exposures. It’s found in many building materials and products, from pressed-wood drawer fronts and book shelves to furniture tops, subflooring and cabinets. The products that use urea-formaldehyde (UF) resin emit more than those using phenol-formaldehyde (PF) resin, according to the EPA.
Before purchasing a product, ask about the formaldehyde content. New products can release increased amounts of formaldehyde when indoor temperatures or humidity is high so provide plenty of ventilation. Emissions usually drop as products age. Check for alternative products such as those offered by Columbia Forest Products that offers a formaldehyde-free PureBond® technology.
10. Pesticides. Pesticides may not be thought of as indoor air pollutants yet the liquids, sprays, powders, crystals and foggers used to kill insects, termites, rodents, fungi or microbes in our homes are just that. Pesticides also may be tracked in from yards or drift in through open windows. Depending on a pesticide’s mix, health effects may range from minimal to eventual damage to the central nervous system and kidneys and increased cancer risk.
To reduce impacts, take the manufacturer’s directions seriously. Don’t store chemicals in your home. Consider non-chemical methods. Keep indoor spaces clean and dry to reduce the chances of problems. Make informed decisions about pesticide use by visiting the National Pesticide Information Center.
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Text by Maureen Blaney Flietner
© 2009 BobVila.com
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