Take Action to Improve Air Quality in Every Room

Mold can lead to allergic reactions, asthma, and other
respiratory ailments.

Mold can grow anywhere there is moisture in a house

m The key to mold control is moisture control

• If mold ts a problem in your home, you should clean up the mold

promptly' and 6s the water problem
¦ It is important to dry water-damaged areas and items within 24*48
hours to prevent mold growth

Children are especially sensitive to secondhand
smoke, which can trigger asthma and other
respiratory illnesses.

Secondhand smoke smoke comes from burning tobacco
products such as cigarettes, pipes, and cigars
» To help protect children from secondhand smoke, do not
smoke or allow others to smoke inside your home or cur

Asthma is a serious, sometimes life-threatening
respiratory disease that affects the quality of life for
millions of Americans.

Environmental asthma triggers are found around the home and
can be eliminated wi th simple steps

•	Doii'l allow smoking in your home or car

¦	Dust said clean your home regularly

•	Dean up mold and fix water leaks

¦	Wadi sheets and blankets weekly in hot water

•	Use allergen-proof waitress and pillow covers

¦	Keep pets out of die bedroom and ofT soft furniture

•	Control pests- -dtase up crack* and crevices and seal leaks,
don't leave food out

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer.

VOCs cause eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches,
nausea, and can damage the liver, kidney, and central
nervous system.

Volatile organic compounds < VOCs) are chemicals thai evaporate
at room temperature VOCs are emitted by a wide array of products
used «n homes including paint* and lacquers, paint stoppers,
varnishes, cleaning supplies, air fresheners, pesticides, building
materials, and furnishings VOCs are released from products into the
Itome both dimng use and while stored
m Read and follow all directions and warnings on common
household products

•	Make sure there is plemy of fresh air and ventilation (eg. opening
window, and using extra fans) when painting, remodeling, or
using other products thai may release VOCs.

¦ Never irux products, such as household cleaners, unless directed to
do so on the label

•	Store household products that conuun chemicals according to
manufactures*' instructions

•	Keep all products away from children'

Radon gas enters your home through cracks and openings in
floors and walls in contact with (he ground

¦ Test your home with a do-n-yourself radon kit If the test
result indicates you should fix. call a qualified radon mitigation
specialist

Carbon monoxide causes headaches, dizziness,
disorientation, nausea and fatigue, and high levels can
be fatal.

Nitrogen dioxide causes eyes, nose, and throat
irritation, impairs lung function, and increases
respiratory infections.

Sources include indoor use of furnaces, gas stov es, unvented
kerosene and gas space heaters, leaking chimneys, and tobacco
products

¦ Ventilate rooms where fuel-burning appliances are used
• Use appliances thai %eni to the outside whenever possible
» Ensure that all fuel-bunung appliances are properly installed, usedL
adjusted, and maintained

¦ Ask your builder about i ncluding radon-reducing features in
your new home at the tune of construction


-------