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— introduction
Most people spend over 90% of their time indoors. Your home is a very
important environment where you and your family may spend much of
your time. This brochure offers ways to make your home a healthy place.
It includes information on indoor and outdoor air quality, pesticides,
toxic household products, mold, tobacco smoke, radon, drinking
water contaminants and making your home"green". It has a little
information about a lot of different topics and links to web sites
to learn more. You can try the web links throughout the brochure
or go to the federal agency web sites listed below to learn more
about a particular topic that interests you.
^ U.S. Centers for Disease Control at www.cdc.gov
^ U.S. Department of Agriculture at www.usda.gov
>• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services at www.hhs.gov
>• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development at www.hud.gov
>• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency at www.epa.gov
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table of contents
staying healthy indoors: air quality 2
staying healthy indoors: toxics 5
staying healthy outdoors: air quality 8
go green at home 11
air quality index 14
10 ways to make your home healthier 15
contacts & links.... ... 16
contents
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first and secondhand
smoke
First and secondhand smoke comes
from a burning cigarette, cigar, or
pipe, or from an exhaling smoker.
Not only is secondhand smoke an
asthma trigger but those exposed
to it tend to have more ear and
respiratory infections such as bron-
chitis, pneumonia, respiratory and
ear infections. EPA estimates that
secondhand smoke is responsible
for about 3,000 lung cancer deaths
each year among nonsmokers in
the U.S. About 800 of these are
estimated to be from exposure
to secondhand smoke at home,
and 2,200 deaths are from expo-
sure in work or social situations.
Smoking greatly increases the risk
of lung and heart disease. In addi-
tion, smokers, and former smokers,
EPA estimates that
secondhand smoke is
responsible for about
3,000 lung cancer deaths
each year among non-
smokers in the U.S.
are at greater respiratory risk from
other exposures such as asbestos
and radon. Smoking also is associ-
ated with an increased risk for Sud-
den Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Consider quitting smoking today!
^Action you can take:
>• Take the smoke-free pledge.
>• Choose not to smoke in your home
and do not permit others to do so. Small
children are especially vulnerable to the
health effects of secondhand smoke.
>• Choose to smoke outside, if you must
smoke. Moving to another room or
opening a window is not enough to
protect your children.
radon
Radon is a naturally
occurring radioactive
gas that can seep into
your home through
cracks or holes in the
basement walls and floor.
Radon gas is colorless, odor-
less and tasteless. Much of the New
England region has elevated levels of
radon due to high amounts of granite
bedrock. Risk depends on how much
and how long you have been exposed
to radon gas, which is believed to
be the second leading cause of lung
cancer after smoking.
^Action you can take:
Test your home for radon. Radon
test kits are available at hardware
stores. If the level exceeds the stan-
dard, have a professional help
you design a plan to vent the gas to
the outside. Look in the phone book
under "radon" for professionals in
your area. While radon test kits are
available at hardware stores, they
also can be purchased through the
National Safety Council at a discount-
ed rate. For information on these dis-
counted test kits go to www.nsc.org/
issues/radon/radonkitcoupons.pdf
or to www.epa.gov/radon and look
for the link to the discounted test kits.
carbon
monoxide (CO)
Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colorless,
odorless, tasteless gas produced by
incomplete burning of fuels such as
gas, oil, propane or wood. People with
anemia or with a history of heart
or respiratory disease can be
especially sensitive to CO ex-
posure. Depending on the
level and length of expo-
sure.carbon monoxidecan
cause shortness of breath,
nausea, headaches, diz-
ziness, impairment of vi-
sion and coordination, mental
confusion, fainting or even death.
* Action you can take:
To prevent CO poisoning:
>• Make sure your heating systems,
gas or propane stoves, ovens,
and dryers are well-vented and in
proper working order.
>• Don't idle your car or lawnmower
or other gasoline-powered equipment
in the garage.
>• Don't use propane heaters or
candles inside of tents.
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COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
This respiratory illness primarily affects
people over age 45 and has no known
cure. COPD includes chronic bronchitis and
emphysema. It is a serious health threat for
New Englanders and likely affects as many
as 24 million Americans nationally. Chronic
coughing, chest tightness and breathless-
ness of COPD make everyday activities
difficult because even simple actions put too much strain on damaged lungs.
The best way to prevent COPD is to avoid smoking. While smoking is the
primary cause of COPD, air pollution can play a significant role in both causing
the disease and making it worse. Air pollution irritates the lungs and contrib-
utes to the total overall burden. Individuals with respiratory diseases like COPD
are especially sensitive to air pollution. Exposure to air pollution may aggravate
symptoms and make it difficult to breathe.
Exhaust from cars, trucks, and power plants reacts with sunlight on hot
summer days to create ozone and emit tiny or fine particles, both of which
contribute to air pollution or smog. Air quality in New England is closely tied to
temperature and precipitation — the hotter and drier the summer, the higher
the concentration of regional pollutants.
People who are living with COPD need to pay careful attention to the air
quality. When levels of pollution are unhealthy, slow down your activities and
consider postponing outdoor activities. Throughout the summer, listen for
radio or television announcements by meteorologists about "Ozone Action
Days" designated by EPA New England or your state. An Ozone Action Day
is announced when ozone is predicted to exceed national health standards.
On these days it's especially important to try to reduce pollution production.
* Action you can take: Early detection can help prevent further
lung damage and alter the progress of the disease. Your healthcare provider
can perform a simple test using a spirometer to determine if you have COPD.
staying healthy
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>• When the power goes out, becareful
with generators and avoid unconven-
tional heating and cooking methods.
>• Put CO monitors/alarms that
meet UL (Underwriters Laborato-
ries), IAS (International Approv-
al Service) standards in sleeping
areas and basements.
>• Consider purchasing a vented space
heater when replacing an unvented
one.
>• Use proper fuel in kerosene space
heaters.
> Install and use an exhaust fan vent-
ed to outdoors over gas stoves.
^ Open flues when fireplaces are in use.
> Choose properly sized wood stoves
that are certified to meet EPA emission
standards. Make certain that doors on
all wood stoves fit tightly.
>• Have a trained professional inspect,
clean, and tune-up central heating
system (furnaces, flues and chimneys)
annually. Repair any leaks promptly.
organic vapors or
volatile organic
compounds (VOCs)
many household products, includ-
ing: paints; paint strippers and other
solvents; wood preservatives; aero-
sol sprays; cleansers and disinfec-
tants; moth repellents and air fresh-
eners; stored fuels and automotive
products; hobby supplies; and dry-
cleaned clothing.
VOCs vary in their potential to
affect health. Possible health effects
of exposure include: irritation to eyes,
nose and throat; damage to the liver,
kidneys and central nervous system;
and cancer.
* Action you can take:
Look for safer alternatives and choose
environmentally friendly products.
If you must use products with VOCs,
reduce your exposure by ventilat-
ing work areas and buying only the
amount of product that you need.
Take care to dispose of any unused
products as directed and in a safe
manner (for example, take advantage
of municipal household hazardous-
waste collection days).
mold
Organic vapors or volatile organic
compounds (VOCs) are found in
Mold thrives in moist environments.
Mold spores, which are found al-
most everywhere in our environ-
ment, need moisture to germinate.
If mold spores from the air land on
a wet surface in your home, they
may just need a day or two to grow.
Potential health effects and symp-
toms associated with mold expo-
sure include allergic reactions, asth-
ma and other respiratory complaints.
For more information on mold, go to:
www.cdc.gov/health/mold.html
^Action you can take:
The key to controlling mold
problems in your home is to control
moisture! Fix leaks. Dry water-dam-
aged areas and items within 24-48
hours. Reduce indoor humidity (to
30%-60%) by:
>• venting bathrooms, dryers, and
other moisture-generating sources
to the outside
>• using air conditioners and
de-humidifiers
> increasing ventilation
>• using exhaust fans whenever
cooking, dishwashing, and cleaning
If mold is in your home, killing it with
bleach or cleaner is not enough.
The mold itself has to be removed.
^Action you can take:
To remove mold from hard surfaces,
scrub it with a detergent cleaner and
water. Be sure to wear safety gear
such as goggles, gloves and a mask.
After removing the mold, take care to
dry the surface completely! Certain
mold-damaged, non-washable items
may have to be thrown away or treat-
ed by a specialist. For more informa-
tion, go to www.cdc.gov/mold/
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staying healthy
indoors: toxics
asbestos
Asbestos is a mineral found in some
older construction materials. It was
used in shingles for roofing and siding,
pipe and boiler insulation. It was also
used in floor tiles, ceiling panels (includ-
ing acoustical tiles), coatings, gaskets
and some vermiculite insulation, and in
brake linings and disc-brake pads of older
and some imported vehicles. Asbestos-
containing materials in good condition
do not pose a health risk, so the safest,
easiest and least expensive option may
be to leave it alone. When construction
materials break down, are damaged or
disturbed, tiny fibers of the mineral can
be released into the air. Inhaling
asbestos fibers can cause
serious lung damage, in-
cluding lung cancer.
* Action you can
take: If you decide
to have asbestos re-
moved, hire a state-cer-
tified asbestos abatement
professional to remove any
asbestos from your home. Do
NOT do it yourself! Lookinthe phone
book under "asbestos" for professionals
in your area. Hire a professional mechanic
to maintain or repair any vehicle parts that
may contain asbestos.
lead
Lead, once widely used in many different
materials, is still found in many older New
England homes. It was added to paint
before being banned in 1978. Lead paint
that is chipping, peeling or in high use
areas (like window sills, doors, or stairways)
can form dust. When this lead, contained
in dust and paint chips, is breathed
into the lungs or eaten, it poses a risk
to children. Toys may also pose risks.
Some old toys contain lead or lead
paint, and toys can pick up lead from
contaminated soil or house dust. Lead
was also used in older pipes, solder and
plumbing fixtures that can corrode and
release lead into drinking water.
Exposure can result in lower intelligence
in children and has been associated with
behavioral and attention problems. It
can lead to kidney, liver, brain and nerve
damage. At very high levels, it can cause
seizures, coma and even death. In addition,
lead exposure can contribute to osteopo-
rosis, can cause high blood pressure and
heart disease, especially in men. Lead ex-
posure may also lead to anemia.
* Action you can take:
>• Get kids tested for lead by
their doctor or health care
provider.
>• If your home was built
before 1978 test it and
the soil in your yard for
lead paint hazards and
their source.
>• Wash children's hands be-
fore they eat; wash bottles, paci-
fiers, and toys often.
>• Wash floors and window sills to protect
kids from dust and peeling paint contami-
nated with lead -especially in older homes.
>• Run cold water until it becomes as cold
as it can get. Use only cold water for drink-
ing, cooking, and making babyformu
>• If you, or a family member, suspect ex-
posure to lead, have a health professional
test your blood for lead levels, and follow
up as recommended.
>• For information on how to test and/or
remove lead in soil, go to www.epa.gov/
region 1/eco/ne_lead 7index.html
toxics
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Mercury is a potent neurotoxin that
can cause damage to the brain and
central nervous system. The primary
route of human exposure is eating
fish that have acquired and accumu-
lated mercury in their tissues. Some
commercially available fish, especially
large fish such as shark, swordfish,
king mackerel and tilefish, tend to
have higher levels of mercury. Canned
light tuna has lower mercury levels
than albacore, fresh/frozen tuna and
canned white tuna. Get more infor-
mation at: www.epa.gov/mercury/
advisories.htm
Mercury can also enter the body by
breathing vapors from broken mer-
cury thermometers, broken fluorescent
bulbs, or spilled liquid mercury. In ad-
dition, some people may unknowingly
expose themselves to mercury (also
called azogue or vidajan) through
cultural and spiritual practices. These
practices, which include sprinkling
or burning mercury, release mercury
vapors into the home.
Exposure to mercury may result in
irritability and mood swings, chang-
es in vision, hearing or speech, and
memory and mental problems. It can
also cause serious kidney damage.
Children exposed to mercury, either
before they are born by the mother's
exposure or as very young children,
may have developmental and learn-
ing delays and disorders.
* Action you can take:
>• Avoid exposure to mercury!
>• Pregnant women and children
should limit or avoid eating fish with
higher mercury levels.
>• Check local fish advisories with
your state health department to find
out which fish have higher levels of
mercury in your area.
>• Find alternatives to mercury-
containing products such as digi-
tal thermometers, or substitutes in
cultural and spiritual practices.
>• Take precautions when cleaning
up spills.
> For more information, go to: www.
epa.gov/mercury/disposal.htm/
todo
drinking water
contaminants
also
Clean drinking water is necessary
for good health. High concentra-
tions of bacteria, synthetic chemi-
cals and natural contaminants
in drinking water all can pose a
threat to your health. Public water
6
supplies are monitored by the gov-
ernment and the vast majority are
safe and dependable. Every year,
water suppliers are required to send
a water quality report to the house-
holds they serve. In the rare case
when there is a problem with the
public water supply, the supplier
must alert, either by mail or through
the media, everyone who might be
affected. If you have a private well,
in most cases it is your responsibil-
ity to have it tested. You should con-
sider testing it anually to ensure the
quality of your drinking water.
* Action you can take:
Find out about the quality of your
drinking water. If your water comes
from a public water system, read your
water quality report carefully. If you
have a private well, have it tested!
pesticides and toxic
household products
Exposure to some household chemi-
cals, such as pesticides, may cause
harm to children, pets or the envi-
ronment. Always carefully read and
follow all instructions on product
labels regarding use and storage.
Examples of household pesticides
include:
>• cockroach sprays and baits
> insect repellents for personal use
>• rat and other rodent poisons
>• flea and tick sprays, powders, and
pet collars
>• kitchen, laundry, and bath disinfec-
tants and sanitizers
>• products that control or kill mold
and mildew
>• some lawn and garden products,
such as weed killers
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Examples of household chemicals
include:
>• disinfectants and cleaning supplies
>• cosmetics
>• medicines
>• paints and stains
>• air fresheners
>• swimming pool chemicals
By their nature, many pesticides may
pose some risk to humans, animals,
or the environment because they are
designed to kill or otherwise ad-
versely affect living organisms. At the
same time, pesticides are often useful
because of their ability to control dis-
ease-causing organisms.insects, weeds,
or other pests. The pesticide label is
your guide to using pesticides safely
and effectively. It contains pertinent
information that you should read and
understand before you use a pesticide
product. Poisoning from household
chemicals may have a range of effects
from mild distress like nausea or dizzi-
ness to more serious harm including
injury to the lungs, or damage to the
nervous, reproductive, endocrine and
immune systems. Health effects de-
pend on thetoxicity of the product and
the amount and length of exposure.
EPA regulates pesticides in the United
States under the pesticide law (the
Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and
Rodenticide Act). Before EPA allows
a pesticide to be marketed for use in
the U.S., EPA carefully reviews scientific
data on the chemical to understand its
toxicity and any potential concerns for
human health and the environment.
EPA periodically re-evaluates older
pesticide chemicals to ensure that
they conform to current health and
safety standards. EPA also sets health-
protective standards on the amount of
a pesticide residuethat may remain on
food if pesticides are applied to a crop.
All pesticide product labels carry a
signal word of "danger," "warning" or
"caution" to indicate relative hazards
to people (from higher concern to
lower concern). EPA requires certain
pesticides to be in child-resistant pack-
aging. It is important for parents to
take precautions to keep all pesticides
and other household chemicals in
secure places safely out of the reach of
children and pets.
* Action you can take:
>• Try to use the least toxic and
environmentally friendly options
available for the job.
>• READ THE LABEL before you buy,
use, store or dispose of household
pesticides and chemicals.
>• Wash fruits or vegetables to
remove dirt, chemicals, bacteria,
and chemicals.
>• Eat a variety of foods, from a variety
of sources to obtain a better mix of
nutrients and reduce the likelihood
of exposure from a certain pesticide.
>• Always wash your hands after
using any chemical product.
>• Store pesticides and toxic house
hold products in their original con-
tainers in high, locked cabinets, away
from the reach of children.
>• If you suspect poisoning, call
POISON CONTROL at 1 -800-222-1222.
>• For more information on using
pesticides properly, visit EPA's web
site at www.epa.gov/pesticides/
health/safely.htm
staying healthy
indoors:
toxics
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Asthma is the leading cause of
long-term illness in children and
is also common in older adults
who may have managed it for
years or developed it later in
life. Indoor asthma triggers,
such as smoke, dust mites,
pet fur and skin flakes, molds,
cockroaches, house dust, and
pollen are some of the irri-
tants and allergens common in
many homes. These irritants and
allergens can cause more fre-
quent or more severe asthma at-
tacks for some children with
asthma.
Research on environmental
factors that cause or wors-
en asthma has focused on in-
door and outdoor environmen-
tal triggers, including nitrogen
dioxide, pesticides, plasticizer,
volatile organic compounds,
and fine particles. Chronic
exposure to ozone may be linked
development of asthma
in children who exercise out-
side. Chronic exposure to fine
particles may affect lung function
and growth. Such pollutants also
can exacerbate asthma, leading
to breathing difficulties, increased
use of medication and visits to
doctors' offices, emergency rooms
and hospitals.
* Action you can take:
>• Keep your home as
free of these triggers as
possible.
>• For more in-depth
information on asth-
ma, go to: www.epa
gov/envirohealth/
children/or to
www.asthmaregionalcouncil.org
Ground-level ozone (one of the
main ingredients in smog) is
created when pollution from cars and
trucksand industrial sources reacts
;•» with sunlight on hot sum-
mer days. Ozone near
ground level can harm
the respiratory system,
causing irritation in
the throat, coughing
and chest discomfort.
Ozone can aggravate
asthma, emphysema and
bronchitis and can inflame and
damage, temporarily or permanently,
the cells that line the lungs.
* Action you can take:
>• Listen to forecasts for high ozone or
smog in your area. This advice applies
especially to children and adults with
respiratory problems.
>• If levels are high, limit your outdoor
activities or slow down your activi-
ties to reduce your exposure. On high
ozone days, take steps to minimize
emissions, such as refraining from
using gas-powered lawn and garden
equipment and reducing the number
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of trips you take in your car.
>• Fuel your vehicle in early morning or
in the evening.
airborne particles
Airborne particles (also called fine
particles or particulate matter) are an-
other major ingredient of smog and
the main ingredient of haze. Airborne
particles come from various sources,
including fuel burning activities such
as power plants, incinerators, trucks
and buses, and wood stoves and fire-
places. Smoke, airborne dust, dirt,
soot and liquid droplets can pose seri-
ous air quality problems in the home
and to children. Particle pollution
can occur year-round and can affect
both the lungs and heart. Short-term
exposure to particles can aggravate
lung disease, causing asthma attacks
and acute bronchitis, and may also
increase susceptibility to respira-
tory infections. Particle levels can be
elevated indoors, especially when
outdoor particle levels are high.
4 Action you can take:
To reduce indoor levels of fine parti-
cles, refrain from smoking and reduce
the use of candles, wood-burning
stoves and fireplaces. Certain filters
and room aircleanerscan help reduce
indoor particle levels. However,
some air purifiers release
potentially harmful levels
of ozone and some fail
to effectively remove un-
wanted particles. Listen
to local forecasts to find out
when particle levels are high
in your area and reduce outdoor
activities to reduce exposure. This
advice applies especially to people
with respiratory or heart disease,
the older adults and children.
contaminated soil
Soil surrounding the home can
become contaminated by lead and
other metals, especially from chip-
ping and peeling lead-based house
paint. Vegetables or fruits grown
in lead-contaminated soil may also
contain lead.
* Action you can take:
Have your soil tested for lead
(see Actions, p.5). Don't grow veg-
etables if the testing shows high
staying healthy
air quality
-------
levels of lead in the soil. If your
soil is contaminated and you still
want to grow fruits or vegetables,
purchase topsoil and potting soil and
grow the plants in containers. Also,
landscapeyour yard to minimize expo-
sure. Go to www.epa.gov/region01/
leadsafe for detailed information on
what more you can do.
ultraviolet (UV)
radiation
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun
may damage skin, cause eye damage
and suppress the immune system
when exposure is excessive. Sunlight
tends to be strongest in the summer
in the middle of a clear day; however,
UV is present at some level whenev-
er the sun is up, all day, all year
— even on cloudy days.
Overexposure to the
sun's harmful UV light
may damage skin,
cause eye damage
and suppress the
immune system.
* Action you
can take:
>• Avoid overexposure to the sun
by using sun screen, staying in the
shade or inside and covering up with
light clothing and a hat when the UV
radiation is at its peak.
>• Wear sunglasses.
air quality forecast
works in coordination wit
local weather forecasters to
provide a color-coded chart that
reports air quality levels in com-
munities across New England.
You may see this chart on
local weather fore-
casts. The purpose
of the Air Quality
Index and Fore-
cast is to help you
understand what
local air quality
means to your health.
It is divided into cat-
egories that corresponds to a
different level of health concern.
For more information,
please refer to the
detailed AQI chart
on page 14.
pJ temperature extremes
New England's unusually hot or cold weather can present a threat to the health of older
adults people. When winter temperatures drop significantly below normal, staying warm
and safe can become a challenge. Many homes will be too cold, either due to a power
failure or because the heating system isn't adequate for the weather. When people
must use space heaters and fireplaces to stay warm, the risk of household fires increas-
es, as well as the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. In summer the opposite can be true.
During a heat wave, it can be difficult to find cool relief and homes can become dangerously
overheated. Sensitivity to temperature extremes increases as we age.
^Action you can take: Those with chronic diseases are at greatest risk.
Stock food, fluids and clothing appropriate for extreme cold or heat. Identify some
public places you could go to escape the extreme weather. Be aware of current
and forecasted air quality by signing up to receive free air quality alerts at www.epa.gov/ne/aqi/, and plan activi-
ties accordingly. Know who to call if you need help.
10
-------
o sreen at home
reuse
The old adage "One man's trash is
another man's treasure" defines reuse.
Reusing items by repairing them, do-
nating them to charity and community
groups, or selling them reduces waste.
Reusing products, when possible, is
even betterthan recycling becausethe
item does not need to be reprocessed
before it can be used again.
* Action you can take: Consid-
er reuse when disposing of household
items such as old computers, clothing
and appliances. For reuse opportuni-
ties, see EPA New England's pamphlet
titled Reuse in New England, a resource
guide to donation opportunities at
www.epa.gov/region1/assistance/
reuse/i ndex.html
recycle
Sost 7''Od Co-op and the City of I
Tf RECYCLING CENTER^
- TS, „ ~
Recycling includes collecting recy-
clable materials that would other-
wise be considered garbage, sorting
and processing recyclables into raw
materials, and manufacturing raw
materials into new products. Recy-
clable materials typically include: pa-
per and paperboard (like newsprint,
cardboard, direct mail), glass, metals
(such as steel and aluminum), plas-
tics (like bottles, grocery bags), yard
waste (such as grass clippings, brush),
electronic equipment (like comput-
ers, televisions, cell phones) and food
wastes. Collecting recyclables varies from
community to community; however,
there are four primary methods
of recycling: curbside, drop-off
centers, buy-backcenters,and
deposit/refund programs.
* Action you can
take: Identify your
community's recycling
program at www.epa.gov/
regionl /communities/
recycling.html or contact your
local department of public works
or state environmental agency.
recycling electronics
(eCycling)
Electronic equipment, sometimes
referred to as "e-waste" is an emerging
and growing waste stream. E-waste
includes electronic products discarded
by consumers such asTV and computer
monitors, CPUs and computer peripher-
als (e.g., keyboards, mice), cell phones,
and printers/copiers.
Check what kind of electronics can be
collected in your community and which
retailers and manufacturers will take
their products back for free or for a fee.
E-waste contains natural resources,
including metals and plastics that
can be reclaimed. In addition, com-
puter monitors and older TV picture
tubes contain an average of two
to four pounds of lead (depend-
ing on their age) and require special
handling when disposed. Electronics
also can contain other substances of
concern, including mercury, cadmi-
um, and brominated flame retardants.
When electronics are disposed of
improperly, these toxic materials can
present problems.
at home
-------
* Action you can take:
Extending the life of your electron-
ics or donating your most up-to-date
and working electronics can save you
money and saves valuable resources.
Safely recycling outdated electronics
promotes safe management of haz-
ardous components and supports the
recovery and reuse of valuable materi-
als. For detailed information on what
you can do, go to: www.epa.gov/
regionOI /sol id waste/electronic/
what-u-can-do.html
composting
Composting, the controlled biological
decomposition of organic matter such
as food and yard wastes into humus,
a soil-like material, is another form of
recycling. It is nature's way of recycling
organic wastes into new soil which
can be used in vegetable and flower
gardens, landscaping and many other
applications. Composting can be done
in your backyard in a compost pile or
bin or in your home with a worm bin.
It is nature's way of recycling organic
waste into new soil, which can be used
in vegetable and flower gardens,
landscaping, and many other
applications.
* Action you
can take: Collect
your yard and food
wastes and start your
own composting
at home. See www.
epa.gov/NE/compost-
ing/index.html and check
your state environmental
agency's composting site.
household
hazardous waste
Discarded household products that
contain corrosive, toxic, ignitable, or
reactive ingredients are considered
to be household hazardous waste.
Products, such as paints, cleaners, oils,
batteries, pesticides and solvents,
which contain potentially hazardous
ingredients, require special care at
disposal. If mishandled, these
products can be danger-
ous to your health and
the environment.
+Action you
can take:
Never pour house-
hold hazardous wastes
down the drain, on the
ground, into storm sew-
ers, or put them out with
the trash.
* Action you can take:
Proper disposal opportunities gener-
ally include community sponsored
household hazardous waste days. Go to
www.epa.gov/NE/communities/
hazwaste.html for detailed information.
pressure treated wood
Pressure-treated wood is
wood that has been treated
with a preservative to pro-
tect it against dry rot, fungi,
molds, termites and other
pests. Since the 1970s, the
majority of wood used to
build outside structures, such
as swing and play sets, decks,
walkways, fences and picnic
tables, was treated with chromated copper arsenate (CCA).
CCA is a chemical wood preservative containing chromium,
copper and arsenic. Exposure to inorganic arsenic may pres-
ent certain hazards. Use of CCA for wood products around
the home and in children's play areas is no longer allowed as
of December 3 7, 2003. Even though CCA can no longer be
used in residential settings, many existing decks and other
structures are made of wood treated with CCA. Although
EPA's review of CCA is still ongoing, the agency does not be-
lieve there is any reason to remove or replace CCA-treated
structures, including decks and playground equipment.
* Action you can take: Always wash hands thor-
oughly after contact with any treated wood, especially prior
to eating and drinking. Food should not come into direct
contact with any treated wood. Wash play clothes and toys
if they have come in contact with any treated wood. If you
are concerned, you may want to consider the application of a
coating product to pressure-treated wood on a regular basis.
The following link provides information on sealants: (www.
epa.gov/oppadOO 1/reregistration/cca/index.htm#sealants).
Some studies suggest that sealants can reduce the amount
of CCA that leaches from treated wood. Treated wood should
never be burned in open fires, stoves, fireplaces, or residential
boilers. For more information on CCA, see EPA's web site at
www.epa.gov/oppad001/reregistration/cca/
12
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how to start saving
energy with
ENERGY STAR® today
Money Isn't All You're Saving
ENERGY STAR® is a government-backed
program helping businesses and in-
dividuals protect the environment
through superior energy efficiency.
Energy efficient choices can save fami-
lies about a third on their energy bill
with similar savings of greenhouse gas
emissions, without sacrificing features,
style or comfort. There are several sim-
ple actions you can take to save energy.
>• Change a light and save a bundle.
ENERGYSTAR®qualifiedlightbulbsare75%
more efficient than incandescent bulbs.
When just one room in every home
is brightened by ENERGY STAR® lighting,
the change will keep over one trillion
pounds of carbon dioxide out of our air.
>• Make a quicktrip to the hardware store
or home improvement center for a hot
water insulation kit to wrap your water
heater and save on water heating costs.
>• Use an ENERGY STAR® qualified
programmable thermostat that can
automatically adjust the temperature of
your home when you are away.
>• Ensure that your whole system (i.e.,
furnace, heat pump, air conditioner,
and heating and cooling) is energy
efficient. Leaky ducts can decrease the
overall energy efficiency of your heating
and cooling system by as much as 20%.
Duct sealing increases efficiency and
lowers your utility bills.
>• Upgrade your refrigerator if it is 10
years old or older. Refrigerators use more
energy than any other appliance in
your home, but an ENERGYSTAR®qualified
refrigerator uses about half the energy
ofa 10-year old conventional model.
>• Consider replacing your central air
conditioning system if it is more than
seven years old. Look for the ENERGY
STAR® label when you buy and use 20%
less energy than a standard model.
If just one household in 10 bought
ENERGY STAR® heating and cooling equip-
ment, the change would keep over 17
billion pounds of pollution out of our air.
>• Replace your clothes washer with
an ENERGY STAR® labeled model when
it is time. Clothes washers use energy
to both clean clothes and heat water,
so to save on energy costs, wash your
clothes in cooler water. ENERGY STAR®
qualified clothes washers use 50% less
water and 70% less energy per load;
that's up to $100 every year.
>• Run your washer, dryer, and dish-
washer only with a full load.
>• Seal and insulate your home to
improve comfort and reduce heating
and cooling costs. EPA recommends
Home Sealing to improve your home's
"envelope" or the outer walls, ceiling,
windows and floors. To improve the
envelope of your home: Add insula-
tion, seal air-leaks, and choose an
ENERGY STAR® labeled window if you're in
the market for new windows.
>• Check with your local utility or use
our Special Offers search to see what
incentives or rebates are available for
the purchase of ENERGY STAR® qualified
appliances, lighting, or HVAC systems.
>• Start saving energy by using our
Home Improvement Tools. These tools
can tell you how efficiently you use
energy at home and recommend the
most cost-effective improvements.
13
at home
-------
Air Quality
Index (AQI)
Values
Levels of
Health
Concern
Cautionary
Statements
for Ozone
Cautionary
Statements for
Particle Pollution
0-50
51-100
Good
Moderate
101-150
Unhealthy
for Sensitive
Groups
None
Unusually sensitive
people should
consider reducing
prolonged or heavy
exertion outdoors.
Active children and adults,
and people with lung
disease, such as asthma,
should reduce
prolonged or heavy
exertion outdoors.
Active children and adults,
and people with lung
disease, such as asthma,
should avoid prolonged or
heavy exertion outdoors.
Everyone else, especially
children, should reduce
prolonged or heavy
exertion outdoors.
None
Unusually sensitive
people should
consider reducing
prolonged or heavy
exertion.
People with heart
or lung disease,
older adults, and
children should
reduce prolonged
or heavy exertion.
The Air C^. ''.y
Index v~ <..,
is a standa, 4ized
method of \c^nnr*-
ing air poll ition. It
measures puiiuiant
concentral DHS in a
community's air to a
number on c.. ""'eof
0 to 500. lt<=- ^.es
the public o dete
mine whei.ier air
pollution h veiidie
good, r ' .n-
healthful— ^e.
It is often s 'ei on
weather br—-'—'•s
on television.
Active children and adults,
and people with lung
disease, such as asthma,
should avoid all outdoor
exertion. Everyone else,
especially children, should
avoid prolonaed or heavy
People with heart or
ia disease, older adu
all physical activity outdoors.
Everyone else should avoid
prolonged or heavy
Hazardous
ryone should avoid all
People with heart or lung
disease, older adults,
remain indoors and keep
activity levels low. Everyone
else should avoid all
physical activity outdoors.
-------
ten ways to make your home healthier
Take the smoke-free pledge. Choose
not to smoke in your home and do not
permit others to do so. Small children
are especially vulnerable to the health
effects of secondhand smoke. Choose
to smoke outside, if you must smoke.
Moving to another room or opening a
window is not enough to protect your
children.
Listen to local forecasts for ozone, smog
and particulate matter. When levels are
high, limit your outdoor activities.
Test the level of radon gas in your home
with a radon test kit. If the test result is
4pCi/L or higher, takes steps to reduce
radon.
'ater, water
Know the quality of your drinking
water. If you have a private drinking
water well, test it periodically.
Avoid potential sources of lead. If your
home was built before 1978, have
your home tested for lead paint. When
remodeling or doing home repairs, be
careful that you do not create lead dust.
Keep children visiting your home away
from lead hazards.
Limit your intake of specific types of
fish with high levels of mercury. Have a
mercury-free home—find alternatives
to mercury thermometers or mercury
used for cultural or spiritual practices.
Use with caution! Look for alternatives
to pesticides and household chemi-
cals. If you must use them, always read
the label and follow directions exactly.
Always store them in high locked cabi-
nets and in their original containers.
Check that all potential sources of car-
bon monoxide, such as space heaters
and wood stoves, are well-vented and
in proper working order. Never idle the
car or lawnmower in the garage, or use
propane heaters in tents!
Cover up, use SPF 15 or higher sun
screen, and stay out of the midday sun
to avoid damaging UV rays.
Talk about the weather. Make a plan
for temperature extremes—keep food,
fluids and clothing stocked for extreme
cold or heat, think of public places to
go to escape the extreme tempera-
tures, and identify who you can call for
help if you need it.
Keep the dirt outside. Remove shoes at
the door. Wash your hands to keep dirt
that might be contaminated with lead,
and pesticides off you and your kids.
10 Ways
to make your
home healthier
-------
i- contacts & links
poison control
National Poison Control Hotline:
1 -800-222-1222 (emergency)
202-362-8563 (TDD)
202-362-3867 (administra-
tive materials requests)
American Association of
Poison Control Centers:
info/ (information about poisoning)
www.aapcc.org
y information
www.epa.gov/ne/aqi
(information about New England
air quality)
www.airnow.gov
(information on national
air quality)
EPA New England
1 Congress Street, Suite 1100
Boston, MA 02114-2023
www.epa.gov/ne/
EPA New England's
Customer Call Center:
1-888-EPA-7341 (1-888-372-7341)
EPA New England
Children's Health website:
www.epa.gov/ne/topics/
humanh/childrenh.html
EPA National Headquarters
Office of Children's Health
Protection website:
www.epa.gov/children
Environmental Justice Hotline:
1-800-962-6215
email:
environmental-justice-epa@epa.gov
Pediatric Environmental Health
Center at Children's Hospital:
1-888-CHILD14 (1 -888-244-5314)
email:
suzanne.giroux@tch.harvard.edu
EPA National Headquarters
Aging Initiative website:
www.epa.gov/aging
National Pesticide
Information Center Hotline
1-800-858-73 78 (PEST)
National Service Center for
Environmental Publications:
1 -800-490-9198
email: ncepimal@one.net
Contact
& Links
-------
-------
www.epa.gov/ne/healthyhomes
United States
Environmental Protection
k Agency New England
EPA901-K-06-001
May 2006
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