Best Approaches to Action

1. 1.    Avoid Exposure to Tobacco (Second-Hand) Smoke
   

2. 2.    Ventilate well when Painting or Stripping Paint
   

3. 3.    Avoid the use of Moth Repellents
   

4. 4.    Reduce Air Fresheners and Artificial Fragrance Indoors
   

5. 5.    Use Natural Substitutes for Household Cleaners
   

Contaminants in indoor air are now thought to be 25-50% of our overall environmental health risk in the United States.

Avoid Second Hand Smoke

Approximately 2.7% of all deaths in the United States every year are caused by second hand smoke (SHS).  SHS contains 172 toxic substances whose health effects include developmental problems, respiratory and cardiovascular effects, cancer, and a broad range of additional (suspected, but not fully proven) effects.

Ventilate!

Paint stripper contains high amounts of methylene chloride in fumes which can have 100 or 1000 times more of an impact on indoor air quality than other household products.  Paints also contain a variety of toxic volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds that degrade air quality.  When using these products, keep an area well ventilated, limit exposure, and maintain ventilation as much as possible for a weak after application.  Whenever possible, store paints and other solvents away from the main living area (avoid attached garage storage of these chemicals when possible). 

Eliminate Moths Naturally

Using artificial moth repellents is 1000 times more toxic to individual health than living near a hazardous waste site.  Details regarding natural herbal  mix substitutes are described in the (post-Katrina) Managing Indoor Air Quality Report.

Use Natural Fragrances

Artificial fragrances (almost anything that is made to smell good for a long time) is one of the worst players in chronically degrading indoor air quality, having a broad range of chronic health effects including multiple chemical sensitivity, respiratory difficulty, and with some ingredients, carcinogenic and neurotoxic effects.   Cinnamon and cloves brought to a boil on the stovetop make a lovely natural air freshener, and natural perfumes are now available from a variety of vendors.  

Disinfect without Contaminating

Many household cleaners,for similar reasons to air fresheners, contain dangerous levels of toxic compounds.  Natural substitutes for cleaning (vinegar and water), disinfecting (borax and water), eliminating odors (baking soda), and scrubbing (baking soda) do just as well as artificial household cleaners.  Details regarding natural substitutes are described in the (post-Katrina) Managing Indoor Air Quality Report.

As part of our mission, our recommendations are delivered as a Balance among keeping the home Clean and disinfected; Free from undue biological contaminant; and A safe place where quality of life is maintained so that the individual consumer can make choices directly for good health.  

Our information is updated and supplemented regularly to reflect the latest research and testing results.