Indoor Air Quality Solutions, IAQS

The old cliché “what you don’t know can’t hurt you” has been proven true many times, but never so poignantly as it is when applied to state of indoor air quality. The air you breathe is an easily underappreciated commodity—and most of the real health concerns are odorless as well as invisible. So even though airborne hazards are easily overlooked, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), your home is most likely a very toxic environment. Believe it or not, your home is 2 to 5 times more polluted than the air outside.

This is why the EPA rates indoor air quality as one of the top five environmental risks to public health. The truth is that energy-efficient construction techniques save money on utility bills, but make your home into catch all for air contamination. Elements that are found outside easily make their way indoors and become collected and concentrated—but many of the items that we furnish our homes with have potent effect on the air as well.

The good news is that there are ways to make a huge impact on the quality of indoor air—and here’s 9 simple ways to make it happen:

1. Fresh Air

Modern homes are almost comparable to a Tupperware container in the manner in which they collect and store pollution. Older, “drafty” houses are proven to not hold onto contaminants like newer homes do, because those drafts allow air quality offenders to escape back outside. So make a point to “air out” your house. On a certain day each week, flick off the heater and open a few windows. In the winter, you can either time the airing out with a grocery store trip, walk around the neighborhood or while you’re baking or cooking. In the summer, it is advisable to open windows at night and keep them closed during the hottest points of the day

2. Health-Conscious Heating

The American Lung Association has cited that more than 70% of Americans have forced or central heating, but 50% of those heaters never get a regular filter change. Alarmingly, 10% have never had a filter replacement at all. It is important to have your heater inspected annually—and to replace the filter every 3 months. Most filters are very easy to change, and merely need to be slid out and thrown away. For extra protection, many people install HEPA grade furnace filters like those made by Dynamic Air Cleaners. These filters remove more particles in general, but also can catch the tiniest ones that pass right through regular filters. The Dynamic Air Cleaner furnace filters are as easy to install as a regular filter.

3. Hold Off on Household Cleaners

For the most part, household cleaners are as tough on soap scum, stains and grease as they are on your health. The fragrances used in the cleaners are often their only redeeming point when it comes to how they impact the people who use them. There are several natural cleaning agents that you might want to consider, such as baking soda and white vinegar. In addition there are a few brands with specially formulated non-toxic ingredients.

Another source of air pollution that we introduce to our house comes in the form of air fresheners. Whether they plug in or are “spritzed” into the air, it is guaranteed that most all of them have ingredients with toxic qualities. Many of the ingredients used in air fresheners have no been adequately researched to determine whether they are dangerous or not. For some tips to cure the cause of unpleasant smells, see my post on air fresheners.

4. Green Thumbs = Clean Air

The very same elements in the air that are dangerous for people are not a problem for plants, which not only thrive in spite of household air contaminants, but also help to remove them from the air. Airborne formaldehyde (a carcinogen that comes from materials like plywood, adhesives, carpet and paint) and carbon monoxide (produced by heating or cooking equipment) are readily removed by house plants. For more information on what plant types are the most effective at cleaning the air and most easily grown, check out this article on plants and air quality.

5. Fend Off Mold and Mites

Two of the most pervasive allergens and air quality foes are dust mites and mold spores. The primary requirement for both of these pests to thrive is moisture—so the trick to eliminating mod and mites at the same time is to keep indoor humidity under check. In rooms where humidity is usually high, like bathroom, kitchens and unfinished basements, try running a dehumidifier. For those with allergies, you might want to check out more quick tips dealing with mold and dust mites.

6. De-Shoe at the Door

An alarming statistic shows that 90% of a person’s exposure to pesticides occurs in an indoor environment. How do these chemicals make their way into homes? –they hitch a ride on shoes and are tracked throughout the house. Simply removing your shoes at the door is the best way to avoid importing pesticides.

7. Smoke Removal 101

Tobacco smoke contains more than 4,000 different chemicals, and lighting up indoors is one of the worst things that you can do for your living environment. If you or your friends smoke, try to keep smoking limited to the outdoors. Stepping outside to smoke can save your home and your health.

8. Test for Radon

Radon is the second most common cause of lung cancer and is right behind tobacco smoke, which is the number one cause of lung cancers. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is found in high levels in every corner of America. It leaches out of the ground and permeates homes through basements and building foundations. It is estimated that one out of 15 in the United States has radon levels that are considered unhealthy by the EPA.

Test kits for radon and cheap and easy to use and can be purchased at hardware stores. So test your air and make sure your home isn’t that one out of the 15.

9. Hazardous Home Improvements

Most all of the surfaces and substances that are found inside are home have been treated, coated or glued. This means that most carpeting, upholstery, furniture will introduce formaldehyde into the air. Beyond the risk of cancer, formaldehyde also causes mild to severe eye, nose, skin and throat irritation.

Look for furniture and other home goods that are made with “green” materials—or air out new furniture in the garage or backyard for a few days before bringing them inside.

While mold spores are all around us, mold growth can be prevented. As mentioned earlier, mold growing in your home requires MOISTURE, WARMTH, and FOOD. Depriving mold of any of these three items will stop it from growing, but it will not kill the mold that is already there. Mold spores will remain dormant, and if the moisture, warmth and food all reappear, mold will begin to grow again.

The most important steps in controlling mold growth are to clean any existing mold and to eliminate excessive moisture. You can take numerous precautionary steps:

Vacuum and clean regularly to remove possible sources of mold growth. Pay special attention to bathrooms and other areas of your home that are likely to generate a lot of moisture.

In portions of your home that are susceptible to moisture, use area rugs or washable floor surfaces rather than wall-to-wall carpeting. If you use area rugs, launder them periodically.

Do not store materials such as paper, books, clothes, or other possible sources of food for mold in humid parts of your home.

Repair water leaks in your roof, windows, or any other part of the home as soon as possible.

Clean refrigerator drip pans regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If your refrigerator and freezer doors do not seal properly, moisture can build up and mold can grow there. Remove any mold on the door gaskets and replace faulty gaskets.

If you live in a house, make sure that your gutters and downspouts are clear of debris that may block the flow of water from your roof. Make sure the area under your downspouts is properly graded so that rainwater from the roof flows away from your foundation. Splash blocks can help rainwater to flow in the proper direction. If necessary, extend your downspouts.

Make sure other areas around your foundation are graded so that rainwater does not flow toward the house. Do not put gardens or plants too close to your foundation so that watering them could cause water to flow toward your house. If you water your lawn with a sprinkler, make sure the water does not hit your house or the area next to the foundation.

In the kitchen and bathroom, open windows or use exhaust fans when engaging in activities that produce moisture. Exhaust fans should be vented to the outdoors and not to an attic or crawl space.

If you have a clothes dryer, make sure it is vented to the outdoors.

If you use a humidifier, make sure it does not produce an excessive amount of humidity. During the summer, 60 percent relative humidity or lower probably will prevent condensation and mold growth in most parts of the country, but that is too moist for the middle of winter, when 40 percent relative humidity or lower will prevent condensation on windows.

If you live in a house with a basement, consider using a dehumidifier there. The cool basement floor and walls can be a source of moisture build-up.

If your home has an attic, make sure it is properly insulated and ventilated.

If you have a crawl space under your house, cover the soil in the crawl space with waterproof polyethylene plastic. If your crawl space is ventilated, close the vents in the summer and keep them open in the winter.

If you have water problems in your basement or crawl space, clean up affected areas as quickly as possible and take immediate steps to resolve the source of the problem.

Reducing indoor allergens is simpler and cheaper than you think!

Sneeze, cough, blow your noise, sneeze, cough, and blow your nose… Does this sound familiar? Is this a seemingly never ending cycle for you while you are trying to relax in your own home? You’re not alone. Millions of Americans suffer from all sorts of allergies which affect daily living at home. In fact, as many as one in four Americans suffer from indoor allergies.

The most common indoor allergens are dust and mold. Your quality of life at home can greatly improve by taking steps to reduce household allergens. It’s not such a simple task, because at first it involves spending a bit of money and taking the time to clean more intensely. The good news is that it really helps and you’ll see an instant improvement in the way you feel. You may even notice a money savings as you’ll find yourself spending less on tissues for blowing your nose!

The severity of your allergy symptoms will determine how many steps you’ll want to take to reduce the allergens in your home. For some, an increase in dusting, vacuuming, and general cleaning can make a huge improvement. But for most, other steps must be taken as well. Here are practical ways to help reduce household allergens:

Carpets
Carpeting is the #1 household dust collecting problem. Carpets trap in dust mites and dust mites love carpets; not a good combination for those allergic to dust mites. The best idea is to remove all carpet and go for linoleum, wood, or ceramic floors. If that is not possible, make sure to vacuum daily with a HEPA filtered vacuum. Get your carpets professionally cleaned every few months.

Windows
Windows often trap in moisture which quickly turns into mold. Clean mold and condensation from window frames and sills. Replace weather stripping as necessary — it will help keep the moisture out. Caulk and repair around the window as needed, paying close attention to any cracks. Windows should be kept closed during high pollen times — usually in the early spring through the summer, but this depends on where you live. The best way to reduce household allergens is to not let them in! So keep your windows closed (and the AC on) and you’ll notice an improvement.

Furniture and window treatments
Avoid upholstered furniture. Leather, wood, and even plastic furniture is best for reducing household allergens. The best window treatments are washable roller type shades or washable curtains. Keep in mind that curtains collect dust — washing them frequently, even as often as every few weeks, will help to limit the dust.

Ventilation, humidification and filtration
Furnace and AC filters should be checked and changed frequently. It’s best to use a HEPA air filter which does not require monthly replacement. If your HVAC system does not have a whole house ventilation system, consider having one installed. You should also: Keep humidity levels at no more than 50 percent, make sure your dryer is properly vented to the outside, use a dehumidifier to reduce household dampness and clean it at least once a week, and have your air ducts cleaned every few years. Using a vented exhaust fan for the kitchen is ideal as it will reduce fumes and moisture and be sure it is properly vented to the outside. A bathroom exhaust fan is just as important in order to reduce moisture while bathing or showering.

Cleaning habits
Reducing clutter significantly reduces dust. Keep toys in bins and avoid or limit stuffed animals in your home. Magazines, cardboard boxes, and more are all magnets for dust — and pests. In fact, cockroaches, which happen to be a common allergen, can hide behind boxes. Other cleaning habits include: emptying the trash daily and using a trash bin with a lid. Start a cleaning routine which entails thoroughly dusting the entire house. The less clutter and items you have on counters and tables will decrease the dust and decrease the time needed for dusting.

Bathroom and kitchen
Check under all sinks in the bathrooms and kitchens for plumbing leaks. Use washable bathroom rugs. Consider using a floor towel instead of a rug/mat as it can be easily and more frequently washed. Remove bathroom wallpaper and use tile or mold-resistant enamel paint. Pay close attention to mold growth on the shower curtain and clean the mold off as necessary. Towel-dry the shower or tub after use as it will help limit mold growth. Regularly empty and clean the dripping pan of the fridge. Clean or replace moldy rubber seals around the fridge doors.

Other tips•Linens and mattresses are unfortunately yet another dust trap. Therefore, pillows, mattresses, and box springs should be encased in dust-proof covers which will significantly reduce the amount of dust that you breathe. Linens should be washed once a week in water above 54 degrees Fahrenheit.

•Limit or remove all plants. Spread aquarium type gravel over the dirt to contain mold growth.
•Consider a natural gas fireplace instead of a wood burning fireplace, which causes smoke.

Try one, or try all, you’ll surely notice a difference either way. These tips for reducing home allergens will also help to improve the general air quality in your home. Even if you do not have allergies, following these tips will make for a healthier home.

You may want to have your indoor environment assessed by a CIEC Council Certified Indoor Environmental Consultant to help identify any elevations of allergens in your home and identify the cause and origin so you can take the appropriate corrective action. If you need to have your home inspected for mold make sure your mold inspector is a Florida State Licensed Mold Assessor. To be licensed as a Mold Assessor the State of Florida ensures that your mold assessor is properly, insured, and trained.

Many sources can add moisture to the air in your home. When you go outside on a cold day and can see your breath, you really are seeing moisture coming from your lungs as a normal part of breathing. Breathing and perspiring send moisture from your body into the air of your home. Other sources are:

• Taking a shower or bath
• Boiling water or cooking
• Washing dishes and letting them dry on a drainboard
• Hand washing clothing and hanging it to dry indoors
• Operating certain types of appliances, such as a clothes dryer that is not vented to the outdoors
• Having house plants

Just because the activities listed above can increase moisture in your home does not mean you should stop doing them. You still can cook food, hand wash clothing, take showers and keep house plants.

Simply make sure your normal living patterns do not result in an excessive amount of moisture build-up in your home.

You may want to have your indoor environment assessed by a CIEC Council Certified Indoor Environmental Consultant to help identify any elevations of allergens in your home and identify the cause and origin so you can take the appropriate corrective action.

If you need to have your home inspected for mold make sure your mold inspector is a Florida State Licensed Mold Assessor. To be licensed as a Mold Assessor the State of Florida ensures that your mold assessor is properly, insured, and trained.

The earlier you can detect the growth of mold in your home, the better a chance you have to control it. Early detection and treatment are very important.
If you smell a musty odor in your house, start looking for the source immediately and remove it as soon as you find it. Prevention and early detection may save you from paying much greater cleanup and repair expenses later on. If you own your home, damage from mold and the cost of removing mold might not be covered by your homeowner insurance. (Read your policy or call your insurance agent to find out.)

Before hiring a mold assessor, check with the State of Florida to ensure that your mold assessor is licensed, insured, and trained.

Yes, but health agencies and experts do not recommend testing houses as a first line of detection and prevention.

Mold testing can be expensive and time consuming, and it usually requires special equipment and licensed, insured, and trained mold assessors to obtain reliable results. Once you determine the level of mold in a home, there are no standards for judging if the level could cause problems for the occupants or when a house is clean. But most importantly, you probably will not get the results from your mold test for a couple of days or even a week, during which mold problems could become significantly worse.

If you think you see or smell mold in your home, you should immediately contact a Florida State Licensed Mold Assessor to inspect the affected area and identify the cause and origin to prevent the further damage before you wait for test results.

If you have your home tested, a state licensed mold assessor will have to take an outdoor air sample at the same time as the indoor sample. This will allow the state licensed mold assessor to determine whether the number of spores inside your home is significantly higher than the number outside your home. A higher indoor level could mean that mold is growing indoors. Before hiring a mold assessor, check with the state of Florida to ensure that your mold assessor is licensed, insured, and trained.

Mold can grow anywhere in your home. We’ve got tips for how to keep it at bay.

There is no such thing as a mold-proof home. Mold spores exist in the air inside our homes, but we can cohabit peacefully as long as those spores don’t find moisture and start growing. If they do, it’s only a matter of time before mold spreads, and once that happens, it can be difficult to nearly impossible to eradicate. There is a silver lining: you can’t eliminate mold, but you can discourage its growth. By taking steps to make your home mold resistant, you’ll avoid the headaches of remediation and repair, as well as the potential health problems mold can cause.

When we say mold is everywhere, it’s no hyperbole. All that mold needs to thrive is moisture, a food source, and warmth. The “food source” can be any number of household items or materials: bedding and draperies, upholstered furniture and carpeting, shower walls and windowsills, wallpaper and ceiling tiles. Before you start to imagine yourself surrounded by angry, hungry mold spores, remember these three basic steps you can take to make your home mold resistant:

1. Prevent moisture.
2. Ventilate.
3. Reduce humidity.

Whether your home is new or old, there are specific steps you can take to make it resistant to mold. Mold affects indoor air quality and can make homes difficult to sell. Follow these mold-prevention tips, and you’ll breathe easier, in more ways than one.

Tips for existing homes
It’s important to remember that no action to make your home mold resistant will be successful if you have a perpetual moisture problem or if mold has already taken hold. Inspect your home thoroughly for problem areas, and keep in mind that mold can hide in places you can’t see, such as inside ductwork or above ceiling tiles. If you suspect you already have a problem, talk to a certified mold inspector to help resolve it before taking these steps to prevent mold growth.

1. Be vigilant of areas of potential moisture and clean up spills and repair leaks immediately, removing water-damaged furniture and fabrics if they cannot be dried out completely.

2. Use dehumidifiers to reduce humidity to 30 to 50 percent and fans to increase air flow in your home, especially if you live in a hot, humid climate.

3. Regularly clean and maintain roof gutters.

4. Regularly clean and maintain AC unit drip pans and drainage lines.

5. Vent moisture-producing appliances, like clothes dryers and stoves, to the outside.

6. Raise the air temperature in your home so moisture doesn’t end up on surfaces as condensation.

7. Open closet doors and doors between rooms and move furniture away from walls and corners to allow air to move freely through your home.

8. Ventilate crawl spaces, and install heavy-duty plastic sheeting over dirt to prevent moisture from coming up from the ground.

9. Add a mold retardant like Taheebo tea to houseplant water to stave off growth in soil and on leaves.

10.Clean and vacuum your home regularly, removing those tasty food sources, like dust particles, that mold feeds on.

Tips for new homes
When starting from scratch, you may be better able to control the mold-resistance of your home. However, since more and more homes are being built with energy efficiency in mind, airflow is more restricted in new homes—and good circulation is crucial for preventing mold. Still, you can have a home that is energy efficient and mold resistant by following a few important tips.

1. Use mold resistant construction products, such as mold resistant drywall, which uses fiberglass instead of paper facing, and drywall tape; paint treated with an EPA-registered fungicide, which discourages growth on painted surfaces; mold resistant insulation, such as Nu-Wool; wood treated with anti-mold chemicals, such as FrameGuard’s; and mold resistant trim, caulk, and sealant.

2. Keep construction materials dry and mold-free before installation, and watch for construction defects that may lead to leaks or water entry.

3. Grade the land down and away from the home’s foundation.

4. Install a strong moisture barrier under concrete slabs and basement floors.

5. Waterproof concrete used for floors, exterior basement walls, and the foundation, such as with a crystalline waterproofing system, which allows concrete to breathe so moisture doesn’t accumulate.

6. Insulate pipes and water-supply lines to prevent cracks and leaks.

7. Install gutters that take water away from the house.

8. Equip the HVAC system with a filter or electronic air cleaner for catching airborne mold spores.

9. Install a programmable dehumidifier to reduce indoor humidity and exhaust fans to prevent moisture.

10. Avoid wall-to-wall carpeting, or install plastic sheeting and subflooring between carpeting and a concrete floor to prevent moisture.

More resources:
• EPA’s guide to mold and moisture
• Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry
• Responsible Solutions to Mold Coalition