A lot of ideas are currently in vogue to make your home greener, but many of our older Hamilton homes could be updated to be healthier too. For instance, the air inside could be several times more polluted than the outside air. Because we live in a climate where the windows are closed much of the year, this can be more of a health issue than in warmer states. As you alter your lifestyle choices to become more environmentally sensitive, make smarter choices about what is inside your home as well.
When shopping for furniture, find out how the pieces were made and whether they will emit toxins into your home. Avoid pressed woods like particleboard, plywood, and medium density fiberboard. These all contain urea-formaldehyde resin; the fiberboard has the highest amount. Formaldehyde is a colorless gas that can cause skin rashes, chronic headaches, and is a suspected carcinogen.
Paint also can give off gases into the inside air. Paints and finishes are the leading sources of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can cause breathing problems, and have been linked to asthma rates in children. When you redecorate a room or refinish furniture, shop for low or no-VOC products. Most paint companies now have these options, and paints without VOC are just as durable and cost-effective.
Buy only the amount of paint, thinner, or finish that you need for the project on your Hamilton home. Any leftover products are considered household hazardous waste and need to be disposed of in a special manner.
Another area that can be toxic to your home health are the cleaners you use inside. Household cleaners that are chemically based can also pollute - toxins evaporate into the air or are left behind on cleaned surfaces. If the product has a warning or danger label, it most probably is not good for you, your family, or your environment. Choose a plant-based cleaner, like vinegar or baking soda, that will help reduce the pollution inside your Hamilton home.
Do your part to make your home healthier and you and your family will breathe easier.
Joe Giancarli, Sales Associate
609-658-2612
jgiancarli@remax.net
http://www.joegiancarli.com/
http://www.njhomesource.com/
http://www.newjerseynewhomes.blogspot.com/
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment