HEALTH
better
•m old
Molds require moisture and oxygen to
flourish, so they crop up easily in bathroom
corners, dank basements, or under sinks. A
mold infestation can trigger asthma and
allergies, or, in more concentrated doses,
dizziness and flu-like symptoms. You can
tackle smaller removal jobs yourself by
scrubbing the mold off of hard surfaces
with detergent and hot water, then address-
ing the source of the water damage. Throw
out infested porous materials like carpets
or ceiling tiles. If you’re dealing with mold
growth that covers an area larger than ten
square feet or has spread inside your
central air system, the Environmental
Protection Agency recommends hiring a
mold remediation company or contractor.
Visit
epa.gov/mold
for more info.
H o w to b re ath e easier
►
Thirty
to 50 percent is optimal; any higher and
mold, bacteria, and dust mites flourish.
Measure with a digital thermometer or
hygrometer. Checkyour attic and
basement, where standing water or
humidity over 50 percent can contribute
to mold throughout your house. Run a
dehumidifier to fix the problem.
►
basement or attic get wet, or you notice an
occasional drip during a heavy rainstorm,
that’s usually a sign of a more extensive
moisture problem,” says Alex Wilson,
founder of Building Green,
(buildinggreen
.com
).
Call a plumber, foundation
specialist, or roofer to repair leaks.
►
vent outdoors and include a HEPA filter to
eliminate mold-causing moisture buildup.
*
________________
TO TRY
BIOKLEEN LAVENDER-
amazon
. com
help keep new growth at bay.
HONEYWELL WIRELESS
THERMO-HYGROMETER
($40,
amazon, com)
lets you check for moisture
anywhere in your home.
•sm o k e s & s c e n ts
Although we tend to think good smells are a
sign of a clean home, in fact, many of the
fragrances we love irritate the eyes, noses, and
throats of those with allergies or chemical
sensitivities. ‘That goes for cleaning products,
airfresheners, potpourri, and perfumes,”
notes Clifford Bassett, M.D., an allergist and
professor at NYU’s School of Medicine. And
think twice before you strike that match: “It
doesn’t matter whether you’re talking about
cigarette smoke, candles, or incense—they all
generate tons of harmful particles,” says Dr.
Siegel. But there is an upside, aside from
warmth, if you have a wood-burning fireplace:
The fire’s heat pushes air out your chimney,
taking harmful particles with it and actually
increasingyour home’s circulation.
H o w to b re ath e easier
SEND SMOKE OUTSIDE Your stove
should have a fan strong enough to vent
smoke outside.
►
“I cook outdoors as
much as the weather allows because it’s one
way to minimize how much pollution my
stove creates indoors,” notes Dr. Siegel.
►
products off-gas less than their scented
counterparts. This is especially important if
you just can’t live without candles; soy-
based are a better bet than paraffin.
► USE GREENER CLEANING PRODUCTS
Baking soda and white vinegar will cover
most of your household cleaning needs
without polluting your air. “When you do
need to use stronger stuff, use the smallest
dose possible in a well-ventilated area,”
suggests Dr. Siegel. “Then store those
products in an outdoor shed or other
storage area away from your living spaces.”
IT
ECOVER, CLOROX GREENWORKS, MRS.
MEYERS, and SEVENTH GENERATION
cleaning products replace petroleum-
based chemicals and other toxins with
safer plant resins and citrus-based solvents.
HILLHOUSE NATURALS
SOY CANDLES
($i2.50-$27,
hill house
naturals.com)
are safer
options when you want
some extra-special light.
ENJOY the
SW EET TASTE
of SUCCESS
s n a c k
2
: Special K” Crackers
m e a l 3 :
Lemon Pepper Salmon
r
DESIGN YOUR PLAN AT
"
SpecialK.com
®, TTvl, © 2010 Kellogg NA Co.
BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS MAY 2010
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