Continued - Preventing Allergens in the Home
Radon is another toxic and odorless gas that can cause serious health concerns for your family. Few states regulate the testing of this natural gas and almost one in fifteen homes in the U.S. is estimated to have high levels of this radioactive gas. Although radon is naturally found in soils (especially those with high slate content) it is toxic and is the leading cause of lung cancer after cigarette smoking.
Radon testing kits are readily available and easy to use. These low-cost kits usually take a week to accurately measure levels of radon in the home and can be found at hardware stores or by calling (800) 767-7236.
If levels of radon measure above 4 pCi/L (picocuries per liter of air) then test again to ensure the accuracy of the measurement. If the levels are the same, you should call a professional and schedule more testing. Radon levels can be decreased and eliminated by ensuring proper ventilation, or by sealing cracks and pipes.
Although there are many ways to reduce allergens and chemicals inside the home, the easiest is to prevent them from entering.
Cigarettes should stay outside the home. This is easier said than done. Although you may want people to smoke outside, be aware they still bring smoke particle back inside via their clothing. You can designate a “smoking jacket” to individuals who must indulge in this habit and leave it in the area where they smoke. This helps prevent smoke particles from entering your home.
When using a dry cleaning service, be sure they use silicone or carbon dioxide instead of perchloroethylene, a chemical shown to cause cancer in animals. Air your dry cleaning outside, or in a well ventilated area, for three hours prior to housing them in your closet.
When it comes to bringing in allergies, shoes tend to be the biggest culprit. Few people care to disinfect or properly clean the bottoms of their shoes and drag dirt and microorganisms through the home. These tiny beasts get trapped in your carpets where they live and contaminate the air until removed. Outside these particles would be killed or broken down by the sun and elements, but they find refuge in the home. By removing or changing your shoes when entering your home, you cut down on the risk of harboring these particles in your floor.
Firewood is great for ambiance but poor for allergy sufferers. Even untreated firewood can release gases and particles that are absorbed by the body. If you must light a fire, use artificial logs, and do so sparingly. Otherwise consider switching to a safer alternative: gas.
Finally, there are candles. These little fires also provide great atmosphere, but traditional paraffin wax candles release chemicals into the air. Beeswax and soy candles release fewer toxins but provide the same beauty.