Clearing the Air

Several common products and practices reduce the quality of your indoor air. Here are some products you may want to consider to minimize indoor air pollution.

• Air fresheners, especially oil-based fresheners that plug into outlets, contain known or suspected neurotoxins. Asthmatics may suffer attacks in homes with air fresheners.
• Candles, while good for a romantic atmosphere, produce black soot that accumulates on ceiling and carpet edges -- and on occupants' lungs.
• New carpeting, paints and varnishes, if not chosen properly, generate significant amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are chemical compounds that evaporate readily, can be toxic, and contribute to poor indoor air quality. Ask for low-VOC paints and other coatings. The Carpet and Rug Institute's (CRI) "Green Label" testing and labeling program identifies carpet products that are truly low-VOC. You can find these products on the CRI Web site.
• Cars, gasoline, paint and other chemicals generate toxic gasses. When these are stored in garages, especially attached garages, they can leak into your home. Garages should be well ventilated, preferably with an exhaust fan. Store chemicals, fertilizers and gasoline in an outside shed as far away as possible from home entryways.
• Pesticides and chemicals applied outside your home can be tracked into your home and can also come in through open windows. Use natural methods to control pests, fertilize lawns and gardens, and kill weeds. Learn about such organic and natural products on www.extremelygreen.com. Gas-powered lawn mowers are notoriously polluting, and that exhaust gets into your house through open windows. Find out how to get better, healthier lawns with less effort, less expense and less mowing.

Courtesy of PATH

www.pathnet.org/homeowners