Three Ways to Make Your Home Healthy
Your home is your sanctuary. But just because it seems clean and free from germs, doesn’t mean that’s always the case. Black mold, bad indoor air quality and other pathogens and chemicals can make it unhealthier than you think. Use these tips for keeping your home healthy and prevent unwanted health problems in your home or business.
Off Gassing
Toxic paint fumes are pretty nasty. Not only do they smell bad, but they can also cause health problems if you’re exposed to the fumes for an extended period of time. While it’s always a good idea to paint in a well-ventilated area by opening windows and doors, it doesn’t prevent off gassing in the home’s interior. Even years after paint has dried, it can still release toxic chemicals known as volatile organic chemicals (VOC’s). By applying a low or no VOC paint product to your homes walls, ceilings trim, you can stop the vicious cycle of future off gassing. But it’s not just paint that can cause VOC’s to release later on down the road. Carpets, pesticides and even spray foam insulation can release toxic chemicals into your home and ruin your indoor air quality. Learn more about VOC’s and off gassing here at the EPA’s website.
Black Mold
All that it takes to get this nasty mold into your home is a little water and heat. Roof leaks, water leaks and poor water drainage are the main culprits of black mold, but in some cases, it can occur naturally. If air conditioning units have leaky vents and ducts, water can condensate, causing black mold spores to flow throughout the structure. These nasty molds can cause serious respiratory troubles; even in young healthy lungs. Learn more about the causes of black mold and what you can do to prevent them right here.
Synthetic Pesticides
We all hate bugs in our home; that’s why we use pesticides to get rid of them. But when synthetic pesticides are used frequently-even outdoors, your homes (and your families) health can suffer greatly. Some synthetic chemicals have been linked to Lymphoma and other dangerous cancers. By using natural pesticides to get rid of the critters, you’ll not only keep your home bug free, but you’ll also keep your family safe from these known carcinogens. Learn more about pesticides from the EPA right here.
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