- The air in our homes can be more damaging to health than the air outside.
- Building materials, cleaning supplies, personal care products, pesiticides, finishes and cooking all contribute to the pollution in our homes.
- The interaction of these pollutants is not understood and many of the items used in the home have never been tested to determine their effects on health. Headache, fatigue, coughing, sneezing, dizziness, and eye, nose, throat and skin irritation are some of the problems caused by this pollution.
- They do not always occur at the time of exposure so connecting them to the source can be difficult.
- Identify and eliminate the source of pollutants whenever possible. Choosing natural materials is the ideal solution. Make sure that natural materials were not grown or treated with pesticides or chemicals.
- Most building and cleaning supplies give off volatile organic compounds. They include but are not limited to manufactured wood products, flooring, textiles, paints,aerosol sprays, adhesives, cleaners and disinfectants to name a few.
- Biological pollutants including bacteria, moulds, mildew, viruses, animal dander, house dust mites and cockroach faeces, and pollen. Biological pollutants can form part of household "dust" and be respirable
- Always check before disturbing existing materials and take the necessary precautions if harmful substances are found. Removal is not necessarily the best option. Seek expert advice.
- Proper ventilation is important for a healthy house. A home that is too air tight is harmful. If you have problems with condensation , mould or stuffy air, your home needs to be better ventilated There is a fine balance to to assure that there is enough ventilation to maintain a healthy home but not too much so that energy efficiency is lost.
- Store cleaners or solvents in a garage or other area separate from the living area. Keep outdoor pollutants ouside by removing shoes, using doormats and other measures.
- Keep compost heaps and bins away from the house as they can be a source of fungal spores. Maintain your compost correctly.
- Make sure the flue outlets of gas, water heaters and room heaters are kept away from open windows.