The Maids of Portland, Maine

Friday, February 15, 2013

Let's Protect the Air That We Breath in Our Homes

Thanks to the The Daily Green, a consumer's guide to green from GoodHouskeeping.com, here are a few tips on how to purify the air in your home...

A.) Beware of Dry Cleaning Chemicals...Dry Cleaning solvents are strong chemicals and can be toxic to breathe. Let dry cleaned items air outdoors before bringing them inside.

2.) Use Low-VOC Paints...Paint releases trace amounts of gases for months after application. These gases are called volitile organic compounds and can include highly toxic chemicals such as formaldehyde and acetaldehyde.

3.) Do Not Idle the Car in the Garage... Burning gas or other fuels indoors can produce dangerous levels of indoor air pollution and deadly carbon monoxide. Protect you health by turning off carbon-monoxide emitting motors in garages and sheds.

4.) Kill the Dust Mites...Dust allergies are actually allergies to dust mites. To fight dust mites in your home keep humidity levels below 50% indoors. Remove carpets if you can and vacuum and steam clean all of your upholstered furniture.

5.) Beware Formaldehyde...Keep formaldehyde away from your home by choosing wood panel products that are not made with urea formaldehyde glues,lumber or materials. Cigarette smoke is also a major source of indoor formaldehyde.