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THE TOXIC HOUSE

PESTS - PESTICIDES

Overview:
Many households store at least one chemical pesticide in the house. Most basic pest problems can be dealt with through prevention.

Problems:
Pesticides are poisons that can be inhaled, that can linger on surfaces, or make their way into mouths. Organophosphates, which are a key ingredient in insecticides, can affect the nervous system; cause headaches, dizziness, twitching, and nausea. These chemicals can also be found in most pet products like flea collars and powder. Rodenticides pose a particular risk for accidental poisoning of humans and pets because of their proximity to our everyday environments.

Solutions:
Deny pests their basic needs for air, moisture, food, and shelter by getting rid of their original supply. Fix water sources like leaky plumbing. Remove or block off indoor pest hiding places. Caulk cracks and crevices to control pest access. Avoid storing newspapers, paper bags, and boxes for long periods of time. Block pest entry ways by installing screens on floor drains, windows, and doors to discourage crawling and flying pests from entering your home. Remove food by using well-sealed food and waste containers. Use herbal flea collars for your pets, or use simple measures like regularly washing and brushing them.

BASEMENT

IMPROPER STORAGE - VOCs

Overview:
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) can escape from bottle and cans. Store closed containers away from your living space in a shed or garage.

Problems:
Organic chemicals are widely used in common household products, as well as in paints and varnishes. These products can release organic compounds (VOCs) in small amounts, even when sealed and stored. Even the rags and brushes used to apply the products should be stored or disposed of safely. Their impact on our health depends on how VOCs interact with their environment: they can be exchanged to the outdoor air, which is a good thing. They can stick to or be absorbed by indoor materials such as carpeting or even the surface of fruit. These VOCs can then be re-emitted by the contaminated material, which means that toxic compounds can be in your immediate environment for months or years. Symptoms associated with VOCs are eye, nose, and throat irritation; headaches, loss of coordination, nausea; damage to liver, kidney, and central nervous system. Some organics can cause cancer in animals; some are suspected or known to cause cancer in humans.

Solutions:
Solvents, paints and household products should be sealed and stored in a well-ventilated area, away from children and pets. If the product is flammable or an aerosol, it should also be stored away from heat, flames or sources of ignition. The best way to dispose of solvents is to use them up as intended. Otherwise, solvents and similar products should be secured and stored for professional hazardous waste collection, or taken to a hazardous waste site.

WALLS - RADON

Overview:
Radon is a colourless, odourless, radioactive gas that may be harmful. Detection kits are easily available for preliminary testing.

Problems:
Radon gas occurs naturally in the environment. It forms during the natural decay of uranium, and can be found in high concentrations where soils and rock contain uranium, granite, shale or phosphate. Studies have shown that long term exposure to low levels of the gas can cause lung damage and lung cancer. It can build up in your basement. Lung cancer has been associated with radon gas.

Solutions:
No two houses are alike when it comes to radon. Elimination of the gas depends on the source. Among the steps that can be taken to lower radon levels are: renovations to existing basement floors, particularly earth floors, sealing cracks and openings, and sub-floor ventilation of basement floors. Certified analysts should be consulted if radon is suspected.

PAINT - LEAD

Overview:
Lead is a harmful pollutant and poses a serious threat to children's health. Leave lead-based paint undisturbed if it is in good condition.

Problems:
Lead affects practically all systems within the body. Lead at high levels (lead levels at or above 80 micrograms per decilitre of blood) can cause convulsions, coma, and even death. Lower levels of lead can cause adverse health effects on the central nervous system, kidney, and blood cells. Blood lead levels as low as 10 micrograms per decilitre can impair mental and physical development, particularly in children. Lead also accumulates in the body's bloodstream and organs.

Solutions:
Keep areas where children play as dust-free and clean as possible. Don't use antique cribs and toys as their paint work probably contains lead. Do not remove lead paint yourself. Do not bring lead dust into the home. If your work or hobby involves lead, change clothes and use doormats before entering your home. Eat a balanced diet, rich in calcium and iron, which can help prevent a buildup of lead deposits in the digestive tract, brain, bones and kidneys. Note that all paint should be kept in good condition since it can contain other chemicals like mercury and cadmium. Acrylic paint has the lowest emissions and keep in mind that pigment also increases emissions, therefore white paint is safest.

FURNACE - EMISSIONS

Overview:
Fuel-burning appliances are potential sources for carbon monoxide. Make sure appliances like your furnace are well maintained.

Problems:
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a by-product of the incomplete burning of fuels, including natural gas, wood, heating oil, propane, kerosene, gasoline, diesel fuel, coal and charcoal. Some potential CO sources include natural gas heating systems and appliances that are not properly maintained; an inadequate fresh air supply for the safe burning and venting of exhausts; a blocked chimney or flue. Carbon monoxide is odourless, colourless, tasteless and very toxic, and interferes with the delivery of oxygen throughout the body. Symptoms of poisoning include headaches, dizziness, weakness, nausea, confusion, and disorientation, and fatigue in healthy people. Individuals with chronic heart disease should be particularly mindful.

Solutions:
A natural gas furnace, water heater or other equipment that is properly installed and regularly maintained should not release carbon monoxide into your home. But all natural gas appliances should be regularly inspected and well maintained to ensure proper function. Between inspections, make sure that the external openings of all exhaust vents are not blocked by insulation, leaves, or other debris. Maintain good air supply and ventilation for your fuel-burning equipment. A carbon monoxide detector is a must in any household. It should properly located, installed, tested, and maintained.

BEDROOM

CARPET - DUST

Overview:
Carpets are reservoirs for mould, dust and other allergens. Many of these culprits stay outside if shoes are removed at the door.

Problems:
For small children, house dust is a major source of exposure to cadmium, lead and other heavy metals, as well as polychlorinated biphenyls and other persistent organic pollutants. Despite regular vacuuming, dust and other toxic compounds easily accumulate in rugs. Plush and shag carpeting in particular provide sticky fibres where dust can settle.

Solutions:
Investing in a good doormat will help prevent the tracking of dirt. Better yet, insist that all family members and visitors take off shoes at the door. Floors covered with wood, tile or linoleum are the best, and the easiest to clean. If you do have extensive carpeting, use an effective vacuum cleaner, one with a power head. A dirt-finder vacuum (which has a light that turns from red to green when the carpet is clean) is even better.

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