This is a supplement to the October 2008 Newsletter.  If you would like to receive Dugald's newsletter in the mail every second month, contact us here.

Tips:

Reducing Your Exposure to VOCs and Mold

Make Smart Choices in Building Materials.

• For floors, use tile or solid wood—hardwood, bamboo or cork—instead of composites.
• Instead of using pressed particle board or indoor plywood, choose solid wood or outdoor-quality plywood that uses a less toxic form of formaldehyde.
• Choose low-VOC or VOC-free paints and finishes.

Purify the Air That’s There.

• Make sure your rooms have adequate ventilation, and air out newly renovated or refurnished areas for at least a week, if possible.
• Clean ductwork and furnace filters regularly.
• Install air cleaners if needed.
• Use only environmentally responsible cleaning chemicals.
• Plants can help—good nonpoisonous options include bamboo palm, lady palm, parlor palm and moth orchids.
• Air out freshly dry-cleaned clothes.

Fight the Carpet Demons.

• Choose “Green Label” carpeting or a natural fiber such as wool or sisal.
• Use nails instead of glue to secure new carpet.
• Install carpet LAST after completing painting, wall coverings and other high-VOC processes.
• Air out newly carpeted areas before using.
• Use a HEPA vacuum or a central vacuum system that vents outdoors.

Prevent Mold.

• Clean up water leaks fast.
• Use dehumidifiers, if necessary, to keep humidity below 60 percent.
• Don’t carpet rooms that stay damp.
• Insulate pipes, crawl spaces and windows to eliminate condensation.
• Kill mold before it gets a grip with ½ cup bleach per gallon of water, but use care when applying. See www.epa.gov/mold/cleanupguidelines.html for details