Keeping Your Home Free of Pollution

If you reside in a metropolitan area then you are probably familiar with a “level red” pollution day. Pollution that is outdoors can be a danger to your health, but what is even more dangerous is pollution that is indoors. It is important for your health and the health of your loved ones that live with you that you keep your home free of pollution.

Here are a few steps that you can take to keep air pollution out of your house.

∗ The first thing you should do is install a carbon monoxide detector in your home. When you are changing the batteries in your smoke detector change them in the carbon monoxide detector as well. You should know that fuel-burning devices, such as a barbecue or charcoal grill, will release carbon monoxide. If you use these things you should use them outside of your home.

∗ Try to control the growth of mold in your home. Get rid of sources of moisture, such as leaks from your roof, showers, or windows. If moisture is common in various areas of your home, such as your kitchen or bathroom, you should remove the carpet in the room periodically.

∗ Using a special tester, check the radon levels in your home. You can also have this professionally done. Radon is a type of radioactive gas that can slowly penetrate your home from the soil that surrounds your home. If there is a problem with radon you should seal cracks in your basement or the foundation of your home. You also need to be sure that you keep your home well ventilated.

∗ Look out for formaldehyde gas on your cabinets and furniture. Before you buy furniture or building materials see if they have formaldehyde content. Formaldehyde causes problems with breathing and can also cause your eyes, throat, and nose to have a burning sensation.

∗ Reduce pesticide exposure inside your home by using pest control methods without chemicals. You can use natural or herb oil sprays rather than chemical-based sprays. Make sure you always follow the directions when using any type of pesticides. No matter what type of pesticides you use you have to make sure that after you spray your home you have to keep your home well ventilated.

∗ Find out if you can get an inspector to check the building you live in for asbestos. This is especially the case if your home was built before 1978. If there is asbestos in your home and it is intact, leave it be. You should then call a professional in order to cover or seal off the asbestos. You can completely remove it but it is generally only the last resort. Never try to remove asbestos yourself.

∗ When the weather outside is severe with pollution keep your home sealed.

∗ If you have an attached garage on your home never keep the car running in the garage unless you are driving in or driving out of it.

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