Book III Green Cleaning in VS .NET

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Radon: A gas created when uranium in the Earth decays, radon can enter your home through cracks and other entry points in the foundation It s the second-leading cause of lung cancer The good news is you can test for radon and prevent it from getting into your home For more information, visit the US Environmental Protection Agency s Web site at wwwepagov Chemicals in some building materials and furnishings: Treated wood used in home construction, carpets, flooring, and furniture can emit chemicals known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) harmful substances, such as formaldehyde, that are released as gases and remain in the air until after the new smell has worn away Older homes may contain asbestos insulation, which, if it s in poor or deteriorating condition, can release fibers dangerous to lung health Household products: Personal-care toiletries, pesticides, paints, solvents, and cleaning solutions may be sources of hundreds of potentially harmful VOCs and chemicals that compromise the air quality of your home The next two sections tell you what you need to know about these common pollutants

Dander and dust mites and mold oh, my!

Some of the worst-offending home pollutants come from biological sources: your beloved family dog and cat (pet hair and dander), pollen, tiny little dust mites that like to snuggle into your pillows and bed linens, and mold spores that reproduce like rabbits in the privacy of your home s dark, damp hiding places Most of these contaminants are so small that they can t be seen, but what they lack in size they make up in impact, penetrating into your airways and lungs and potentially producing a string of symptoms Some effects are as mild as headaches, dizziness, flu or cold symptoms, and fatigue For those sensitive to respiratory conditions, these contaminants can trigger allergic reactions and asthma attacks The worst pollutants such as toxic black mold have been linked to serious immune deficiencies, attacks on the central nervous system, and, in rare cases, death Keys to eliminating these sources of indoor air pollution are good cleaning practices:

Cleaning bathrooms weekly helps wipe out mildew and mold before it can do damage Vacuuming floors and carpets with a HEPA (high-efficiency particular air) filter picks up irritants Both bag and bagless models can be effective but do be careful with bagless vacuums so that you don t accidentally release dust and particles when you open the machine Washing bedding and curtains frequently helps reduce pet hair, dust, dust mites, and other contaminants Good ventilation helps fend off the negative effects of pet dander, bacteria, dust mites, and the formation of mildew and mold And, of course, controlling the humidity in wet-prone areas, such as bathrooms, basements, and kitchens, helps, too

You ve probably walked into someone else s home and, by your first inhale, known that something in the place was new the carpeting, the kitchen cabinetry and countertop, a sofa, or even paint Although sharp, acrid, and sometimes overwhelming, the odor frequently elicits positive feelings people often equate the new smell with cleanliness and abundance To many people, however, that first breath of new smell equates to dizziness, nausea, coughing, and difficulty in breathing Others may not react as strongly, but the chemicals emitting those smells affect all people who are exposed to them at any length

That new smell whiff comes from VOCs, which are in many of the following materials: Carpeting Pressed wood Upholstery Varnish Fiberglass insulation Adhesives Air fresheners Mothballs Insect killer Vinyl flooring Furniture Paint Treated wood Solvents Nail polish remover Gasoline Cosmetics Cleaning products

VOCs include a variety of chemicals, such as formaldehyde, benzene, and tuolene, found in adhesives in carpeting The new smell lingers in the air for quite some time as the gases continue to slowly release This process is called outgassing or off-gassing, and it s another good reason to keep your home well ventilated Eventually, all of the VOCs dissipate in anywhere from three months to five years or more But in the meantime, they re known to cause both shortand long-term adverse effects ranging from eye, nose, and throat irritation; headaches; and nausea They also damage the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system Some VOCs are suspected or known to cause cancer in humans