Fighting Germs in the Home

Fighting Germs in the Home

Need For Indoor Air And Surface Quality Programs

Testing Indoor Air and Surface Quality

Anyone who is or has been the parent of a school-aged child will be familiar with the frustrating scenario – the kids were fairly healthy over the summer months or the holiday break, and then a few days back in school brings on the runny noses and nagging cough.  A schoolroom full of children will pass around germs at lightening speed. Containers of hand sanitizer have cropped up in schools and other public places so that we can clean our hands on the spot. Most people are careful to wipe down things that they are going to touch in public places in an effort to ward off germs.  But current research shows that our homes might be germier than we think, causing over 50 percent of food-borne illnesses and over 65 percent of colds.  Even with the most rigorous cleaning efforts, it turns out that some of the dirtiest air we breathe is in our own homes!

Areas inside the house that hold the highest levels of bacteria per square inch range from the expected, like the toilet bowl, to the more surprising, such as the kitchen faucet handle.  Some of the contamination can be mitigated with more stringent disinfecting routines.  Most homeowners regularly sterilize the toilet bowl, but how many do the same to the cutting board, which is a rich breeding ground for bacteria- and virus-producing germs?  However, even the most energetic house cleaning generally cannot address all levels of infecting agents in the home. Our homes now contain many of the irritants that we have worked so hard to reduce in the outdoor environment, from the chemical cleaners we use to the clothes in the closet laced with dry-cleaning compounds. Many houses have hidden problems, such as water leaks that are promoting mold growth.  With all of our modern knowledge about the impact of environmental pollution, we know that airborne toxins can affect physical health in many ways such as inducing asthma symptoms and exacerbating allergies.  Today’s homeowners need to take new and cutting-edge approaches to managing the household environment to keep the home cleaner and the family healthier.

One of the most beneficial tools available to homeowners now is the indoor air and surface quality evaluation. Some home and building inspectors have fulfilled educational and testing requirements in the area of indoor air quality, focusing on issues including mold, lead, radon, carbon monoxide, asbestos, and pesticides.  These professionals will come into the home, take air and surface samples to be tested, and produce a detailed report on the contaminants found.  They can also discuss the available solutions and help customize a plan for your situation.  By combining a professional evaluation with your own cleaning efforts you can achieve a comprehensive plan to make your home the healthiest place it can be.

Indoor Air Issues

Every Breath You Take

Indoor Air Issues

For many people, the home is a sanctuary.  However, the air there may not be as clean as we think.  Several aspects of modern living can actually spoil the air in the home.  And because houses are being built and remodeled in ways that tightly seal the shell, drastically reducing air movement between the indoors and outdoors, pollutants in the house will largely remain there. The better informed you are about any air issues affecting the family home and health, the better equipped you will be to control and prevent them.

Indoor air problems stem from many substances including biological pollutants, combustion by-products, hazardous building materials, and household products.

Biological pollutants come from living matter.  The most widespread examples include mold, animal dander, and dust mites.  Excess condensation and poorly maintained HVAC systems can promote mold growth. Therefore it’s critical to have appliances with condensing units cleaned and serviced regularly.  Minimize the impact of animal dander and dust mites with regular dusting and cleaning.

Fuels, including natural gas, propane, oil, and kerosene, produce harmful by-products. Any heating appliance that burns fuel can release carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, or excess water vapor.  Ensure that all fuel-burning equipment is well maintained, properly vented, and inspected regularly for safety.

Remodeling projects give your home new sparkle, but the process can create unhealthy air.  Home renovations often disturb areas containing old hazardous materials, such as asbestos and lead paint, and can release particles into the air.  Rather than try to remove them, which often creates more of a health hazard, it is better to carefully cover them up. A professional inspector can help you determine what hazardous materials you will uncover and how best to contain and clean them up.  Paints, adhesives, and stripping and finishing solvents can also create indoor air pollution. Some of these products are volatile and flammable.  Read all labels thoroughly and use them strictly as recommended.

The very chemicals we use to clean and disinfect our homes can also cause air pollution.  Follow manufacturers’ instructions for amounts and usage.  Use the least strong product that will do the job with the smallest amount necessary.  Ventilate the area that you are cleaning so that fumes do not linger.  Keep household chemicals tightly sealed in their original containers.

Be aware of the signs that you may have an indoor air quality problem.  You may notice stale and musty odors.  Dirty or faulty HVAC equipment will most likely affect the air quality.  Excessive condensation and humidity often correlate to the presence of molds.  And take note of any changes to the family’s health inside the home, such as irritated eyes and throat, sneezing, coughing, congestion, and fatigue. If you suspect a problem with the air in your home, take action promptly.  A professional air quality inspector can do a comprehensive review of your home’s environment and help you address issues effectively.  Once you have fixed existing problems, schedule annual inspections and service calls to prevent recurring damage.