| Radon
is a naturally occurring radioactive gas emitted from
soil or rock that you cannot see, smell, or taste.
It can seep into your house through cracks in its foundation
and walls, construction joints, and drains. The
effects of radon poisoning are not immediate, but radon
contributes to between 7 000 and 30 000 lung-cancer deaths
each year. You can find test kits at most hardware
and homebuilder stores. Or for more information
on radon, call the radon helpline at (800) 557-2366
Molds
and mildews build up from too
much moisture. To prevent buildup, use exhaust fans
vented outdoors in kitchens and bathrooms; vent clothes
dryers outside; ventilate attics and crawl spaces; clean
humidifiers and refill with fresh water daily or as directed
by the manufacturer; and thoroughly clean and dry water-damaged
carpet and building materials, or replace them.
Carbon
monoxide may be emitted by
your heating system. That's why it's wise to keep
gas appliances properly adjusted, replace unvented space
heaters
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with
vented ones, and have a trained professional annually
inspect, clean and tune up your central heating system,
including furnaces, flues, and chimneys. Carbon
monoxide detectors are available at most hardware stores.
Gases
from stoves, heaters fireplaces, and chimneys
emit respirable particles that cause eye, nose and throat
irritations, respiratory infections, bronchitis, and lung
cancer. Furnish you house with efficient appliances,
and clean and check them regularly.
Organic
chemicals are widely used in
household products. They may cause impaired lung
function and, in young children, increased respiratory
infections. Some are even known to cause cancer.
Keep you exposure to products that contain methylene chloride
-- found in paint strippers, adhesive removers, and aerosol
spray paints -- benzene, often found in paint, and perchloroethylene
-- used in dry cleaning -- to a bare minimum, and avoid
purchasing them whenever possible.
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Formaldehyde
is found in building materials and many household products.
Although it may cause eye, nose, and throat irritations,
wheezing and coughing, fatigue, skin rashes, and severe
allergic reactions, emissions from formaldehyde decrease
as products age. Today, the formaldehyde content
of most pressed-wood products is regulated, but ask before
you buy, and keep in mind that you can buy wood that is
completely free of formaldehyde, though it will usually
cost you more.
Pesticides
cause irritation to eyes, nose, and throat,
damage to the central nervous system and kidneys, and
increase the risk of cancer. Use a natural alternative.
New
carpeting or padding may be
hazardous to your health. Before you buy, ask for
information on carpet and padding emissions; also ask
for low-emitting adhesives if they are needed. Consider
leaving the premises during ant immediately after carpet
installations, and open doors and windows during installations.
Dry and/or get rid of wet carpet immediately.
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