We all know that pollution affects the soil, air, and water in our outdoor environment. Many of us in Florida have taken measures to minimize harm to our planet, but what about our indoor environments-the places we call home?
When you're seemingly safe inside your house, you may assume that you and your loved ones are protected from all the toxic pollutants that poison the outdoors. The scary truth, however, is that home air pollution is a reality-and an all-too common one.
In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has estimated that the air inside can be as much as five times more polluted than the air outside. This is largely because of the furnishings decorative items we choose to surround ourselves, as well as the cleaning products we think we need to keep all our possessions pristine.
Since the EPA has its hands more than full trying to enforce earth-friendly policies pertaining to the health of our outdoor environment, the responsibility for minimizing indoor air pollution falls squarely on the shoulders of homeowners.
So what's a homeowner like yourself to do in order to make your dwelling a safe, clean, and healthy environment that's free from pollution? The first step is to understand-and eliminate-the sources of indoor air pollution. They include the following:
- Carpets: The ideal home for an irritating combination of pet dander, dust mites, dirt, fungus, and other tiny particles, carpet can contribute to lung irritation, allergies, and asthma. It can also be harmful because it releases cancer-causing chemicals, including formaldehyde, that are seriously dangerous to humans. The American Lung Association actually suggests avoiding carpets altogether.
- Paint: Lead paint, which was banned in the U.S. 30 years ago, is still present in many older homes. As it ages, cracks, and peels, it transforms into a poisonous dust that is harmful if inhaled or touched. Think covering up old lead paint with modern paint will solve the problem? Be careful; even contemporary paints release toxins that aren't good for your health. Always choose a paint that is labeled as low-VOC or no-VOC (volatile organic compounds). And when you paint, open windows and use fans to ensure there is plenty of ventilation.
- Toxic Cleaning Products: Instead of spending money on chemical-ridden cleaning products full of poisonous chlorine, pesticides, and harmful solvents, simply make your own using such mild, effective, and inexpensive ingredients as vinegar and baking soda. Recipes for homemade cleaning products are easy to find online. You can save a bundle, get everything clean as a whistle, and make your home environment much safer.
- Wood Fixtures & Furniture: Like carpet, furniture, shelves, countertops, and other furnishing fashioned from pressed wood typically contain formaldehyde. These wooden facets of your home will "off-gas," releasing the formaldehyde over time, effectively poisoning the air in your indoor environment. To prevent this, choose wood fixtures and furniture that are not made of pressed wood.
- Air Purifiers: Oddly enough, the machines that are purported to purify the air in an indoor environment can actually be extremely harmful to human health. Many air purifiers put out large quantities of ozone, which is not safe. The primary component of smog, ozone can cause asthma attacks, coughing fits, and scarring on the lungs. If you feel compelled to use an air purifier, make sure to choose one that has not been included on a "buyer beware" list published by the California Air Resources Board; there were over 30 listed!
For any of your insurance questions, Contact Insurance Wagon today.