What you don't know can hurt you -- learn how to eliminate hidden health hazards in your house.
By Jessica Ross
13. Cover the soil in an unfinished, dirt-floor basement with six-mil polyethylene to prevent moisture from seeping into the house.
14. Use dehumidifiers in summer to prevent mould and mildew growth in fabrics and furnishings.
15. Install a 0.3 or smaller micron air filter in your forced air system to stop circulating dust and other particles through your home.
16. Check your plumbing for lead pipes or soldering. If it's lead, get your tap water tested for lead content. You may have to replace some of your plumbing.
17. Formaldehyde, a carcinogen, is used in many products, including adhesives in plywood manufacturing. Buy furniture made of low-emission or solid wood materials.
18.Air fresheners simply mask odours and some contain pollutants such as formaldehyde. Deal with the source of the odour or use natural materials, such as cedar balls.
19. Use a cedar chest and lavender paper to dissuade moths from off-season clothes. Moth balls contain naphthalene, a harmful toxin that may cause cataracts and cancer.
20.Remove carpet from bathrooms and basements -- mould often grows in high humidity areas.
21.Dust mites and their droppings are a common allergen. Thwart them by keeping humidity below 45 per cent, using pillow and mattress covers and washing bedding and pillows in hot water often and drying on high heat in the dryer. Avoid decorating your bed with throw pillows.
22. Turn on your bathroom fan when you turn on the shower and leave it running for 10 to 15 minutes afterward.
23.Smoking indoors is harmful to everyone's health, and smoke and tar linger on surfaces. Smoke can trigger or aggravate asthma.
24. Use mild cleaners as those containing harsh chemicals can trigger asthma attacks.
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