The EPA has ranked indoor air pollution as one of the top five environmental risks to public health. Why? Because the air inside our homes is all too often loaded with unseen pollutants that are emitted by home furnishings and appliances, left behind by household chemical products, and let in from the great outdoors. Trapped by the typical hyper-insulated modern residence, the accumulation of these materials creates an indoor air supply that's commonly 2-5 times more polluted than the supply on the other side of the walls. The solution is to eliminate as many current and potential sources of indoor air pollution as you can. While many people prefer to rely on air purifiers to keep air clean, this strategy is imperfect: Air purifiers require frequent maintenance and constant electricity. Very few (if any) can remove every type of pollutant present. They may make air cleaner, but they can't make it 100% clean 100% of the time. When the source of a particular air pollutant is removed, on the other hand, the pollutant itself is gone forever and indoor air is made that much cleaner permanently. While the following list is by no means complete, everyone should consider the steps it suggests to reduce indoor air pollution, especially if you have any of these things in your home: unusual and/or lingering odors stale or stuffy air dirty or faulty central heating or cooling equipment damaged flue pipes and or chimneys appliances that use carbon-based fuels (gas ranges, furnaces, portable heaters, etc.), especially if they're not vented outside high humidity and/or the presence of mold and/or mildew recent remodeling, weatherization, or new "tight" construction new furniture or carpets furnishings made from pressed or composite woods synthetic chemical household cleaners and/or pesticides textile products labeled permanent press, easy-care, wrinkle-free, flame-resistant, etc. items that are frequently dry-cleaned smokers or regular visits by guests who smoke in your home You should also take action if you find you seem to feel better whenever you're away from home for any length of time, or if you notice a health reaction after any change in your home. Here's what you can do to help: Ventilate your home frequently (even in winter!) by opening windows and promoting air exchanges. If you have a gas range make sure the flames are blue (an indication of complete combustion). Orange flames should be adjusted. All gas ranges should have a ventilation hood that sends air outside (and away from windows and doors). If you don't have a hood, open the nearest window during cooking. Similarly, vent all gas or kerosene heaters to the outside. Never use a gas range as a heat source. When buying a new gas range, don't purchase one with a pilot light. Have your furnace, hot water heater, fireplace and/or wood stove cleaned and inspected annually. Periodically check all pipe joints and gaskets to make sure they're sealed properly. Avoid furniture and fixtures made from plywood, particleboard, and other composite wood materials. Whenever you buy new furniture or carpeting, leave it in the garage for a week to air out before bringing it indoors. Have your carpets and rugs professionally steam-cleaned once a year. Make sure only steam is used and don't maintain rugs between these cleanings with any kind of chemical cleaning product. If you use a humidifier, clean it frequently with a strong solution of vinegar and water. Clean air conditioners regularly and check for mold or bacteria growth inside. Ventilate bathrooms well and often. Keep their fixtures clean and mold-free. Subject all new linens and clothing to a one-time initial washing. Do not use hair spray or other synthetic personal care products, especially those you spray. Do not use any synthetic chemical-based household cleaning products, air fresheners or room deodorizers. Do not use chlorine bleach or products containing it. Be aware that chlorine hides inside ingredients like sodium hypochlorite and other chemicals that have "chlor" in their names. Do not use pesticides. Ever. Clean your home as frequently as possible with naturally-based products or materials. Dust with a very slightly damp cloth instead of a dry one. Vacuum upholstered furniture. Use a HEPA vacuum or one that offers enhanced filtration of its exhaust Groom pets regularly and outdoors if possible. Do not use chemical flea collars, repellents or treatments. Test your basement for radon. Do not use urea-formaldehyde insulation. Do not allow smoking inside your home. If this is politically challenging, use a HEPA air filter that features activated carbon post-filtration and offers a high air exchange rate. Tightly seal partially used paints, solvents, strippers, and other chemical products and store them in a well-ventilated area as far away from the living sections of your home as possible. Better yet, take these products to a hazardous waste collection site. If you have an attached garage, do not leave your car running inside it for any period of time. If you have a computer laser printer or a photocopier, place and use these devices in a well-ventilated space. Turn them on only when they're actually being used. Non-Toxic Times (Seventh Generation)Vol 3 No 4 Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.