In a recent EPA study of air quality in the home, researchers made a startling discovery; the air inside most homes was significantly worse than the air outside!  To reduce toxic fumes from carpeting and synthetic fabrics, cleaning substances, painting supplies and gas appliances, try the following:

·   All-purpose cleaners generally contain ammonia, which can cause burns, or pine oil, which releases oils and terpenes during use and pollutes the air with hydrocarbons.  Make your own cleaner by mixing water, liquid soap and borax.  Lemon juice or vinegar can be added to cut grease.

·   Products used to clean rugs, carpet and upholstery can include chemicals such as perchlorothylene and naphthalene.  Steam cleaning with natural soap is safer and more effective.

·   Typically, furniture polish contains silicone or wax, suspended in petroleum solvents.  When polish dries, the solvents evaporate in the air, releasing hydrocarbons and volatile organic compounds.  Try a mixture of two tablespoons olive oil, one tablespoon vinegar and one quart of water.

·   Environmental Air Quality Professionals are here for you!

Other steps you can take to reduce problems associated with poor air quality include:

·   Keep water out.  Fix any leaks within 24 hours.

·   Install and use exhaust fans that are vented to the outdoors in kitchen and bathrooms and vent clothes dryers outdoors. 

·   Ventilate the attic and crawl spaces to prevent moisture build up.  Keep humidifiers clean and refill with fresh water daily.

·   Thoroughly clean and dry water-damaged carpets and building materials within 24 hours if possible, or consider removal or replacement.  Water-damaged carpets and building materials can harbor mold and bacteria which is very difficult to remove completely.

·   Keep the house clean.  House dust mites, pollens, animal dander and other allergy-causing agents can be reduced  but not eliminated through regular cleaning.

·   Consider purchasing allergen-proof mattress covers and pillow covers.

·   Do not finish a basement below ground level unless all water leaks are patched and outdoor ventilations and adequate heat to prevent condensation are provided.

·   Be on the lookout for discoloration of walls, ceilings, or anything made of wood or paper.  Mold growth can be almost any color; white, black, green, fluorescent.

·   Look behind cabinets or pictures on cold outside walls, where condensation can occur.  Keep furniture away from outside walls.

·   Check around air handling units (air conditioners and furnaces) for stagnant water.  Keep these units serviced with regular cleaning of ducts and air filters.

·   Be aware of odors.  Mildew has been described as pungent, or "aromatic."

·   Know the symptoms of mold-related illnesses, which can range from chronic sinus infections and asthma to nosebleeds, extreme fatigue, severe headaches, dizziness, rashes and central nervous system problems.  To the symptoms get better when you go on vacation or worse when you come home?

·   Clean dirty refrigerator drip pans.