Hassle-Free Steps For A Healthier Home - (Part 2)

In The Playroom/Kid's Room:

• Vacuum, dust and damp mop area regularly to wipe out dust bunnies that carry flame-retardant residue from electronic equipment, carpet backing, foam rubber and other furnishings.
• Test paint surfaces for lead which has neurotoxins that can be released into the air when paint peels or chips. If you suspect toys of having lead paint, check recalls.gov site.
• Disinfect doorknobs and toys which can be full of germs for 48 hours. Use handheld germ blaster for cleaning.

In Laundry/Pet Area:

• Decant kibble into sealed containers.
• Opt for paper or plant-based cat litter box. Those containing dust-creating silica maybe harmful to pets and people when inhaled.
• Wash pet's bedding regularly with hot water. Take it to a laundry service if your wahser can't handle the bulk.
• Make sure your clothes dryer vents outdoors to prevent moisture build up indoors which can create mildew.
• Wash sheets, covers and bedspreads once a week in hot water to keep asthma-inducing dust mites under control.

In The Bedrooms:

• Air out your bed before you make it each day, to allow mite-friendly moisture to evaporate. Airing out pillows and mattress also helps control mites.
• Screen out pollen. Change or wahs the filte often, and keep windows closed.
• Stop using moth balls. They contain possible carcinogens. Instead, store clean silks and wool in zip bags.
• Avoid placing office equipment in the bedroom like copiers and printers which can generate lung irritants.

In The Basement:

• Check for radon, an odorless natural gas which is the 2nd leading cause of lunc cancer after smoking.
• Schedule an HVAC check up to make sure furnaces, boilers and water heaters are properly venting carbon monoxide.
• Clean or replace your furnace or forced-air system filter every 3 months.
• If you have sump pump, check if working properly so mold-inducing moisture won't build up.
• Check for flaking asbestos around pipes and boilers. Call an expert if you suspect it's present.
• Avoid air fresheners which may mask mildew odors with fragrance-bearing phthalates and may contain VOC's as well.