Cutting down on hidden threats

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Ways to make the air inside cleaner

Winnipeg Sun - Canada

http://winnipegsun.com/News/AirWeBreathe/2006/05/29/1603675.html

Butt out. Smoke is the No. 1 threat to indoor air quality. Visit

www.smoke-free.ca to find out what you're breathing when someone

else smokes.

Choose carbon monoxide detectors that indicate low levels. Place

them near sleeping areas. Inspect oil and gas appliances and wood

fireplaces once a year.

Many homes need a heat recovery ventilator to provide ventilation.

Check for blocked vents, intakes and chimneys.

Dry up damp. That " basement smell " is mould. Spores can trigger

asthma attacks, allergies and respiratory infections. Fix leaks and

wet basements and install exhaust fans venting outside in the

kitchen and bath. Use a dehumidifier in the basement.

Seal out radon, a leading cause of lung cancer that can leak into

homes. Sealing foundation cracks and sump pumps will keep radon out.

Homeowners can have their homes tested.

Don't dirty the air with cleaning. Use baking soda, vinegar and

unscented, phosphate-free detergents. Long exposure to the chemicals

in many cleaners can cause dizziness, nausea, eye and respiratory

irritation to multiple chemical sensitivity and cancer.

New carpets, upholstery and building materials can off-gas

chemicals. Look for solid wood furniture, ceramic or wood floors and

paint with little or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Ask about

low-emission carpets and building materials, like formaldehyde-free

pressboard. Wash or air permanent press clothes, sheets or drapes

before using them.

Check for lead and asbestos before sanding old paint or disturbing

old insulation. Even low levels of lead and asbestos can harm kids.

Get the CMHC's The Clean Air Guide at 1-800-668-2642 or at

www.cmhc.ca or get the Lung Association's Healthy Home Audit at 1-

888-566-5864 or at www.lung.ca.