Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/94702
Creating a By Emily Bradley The Paint Predicament The problem: If your home was build before 1978, it may contain lead paint (which is toxic to every organ system and especially harmful to children younger than age 6), but even newer, lead-free paints contain volatile organic compounds that pose health risks. Some are even known carcinogens. The solution: Lead-based paint that is not chipping is generally not harmful, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. But if paint deteriorates, dust may contaminate your home and the paint has to go. Get a state-certified contractor trained in lead- removal procedures, or visit dhs.wisconsin. gov/lead for guidelines on how to safely remove it yourself. For new paint jobs, shop for low- or zero-VOC paint formulations found through local retailers. A new year will mean plenty of resolutions to improve your health—so why not start with where you live? From cleaner air to safer water, local experts offer simple tips for making a healthy home Healthier Home Dusty Ducts The problem: Every year, a six-room home stirs up a quite a cloud of dust—40 pounds to be exact— according to Justin Vondra, president of Dirty Ducts Cleaning. In addition to recycling indoor air pollutants and worsening allergies and asthma symptoms, most of that dust collects in the duct- work, which reduces energy efficiency. The solution: Breathe easier by getting ductwork cleaned every two to five years by a National Air Duct Cleaners Association–certified contrac- tor. Vondra says regular duct cleaning increases energy efficiency by approximately 11 percent and prolongs the life of your furnace. Water Woes The problem: Though lead paint often causes the most alarm, there's another place lead might be lurking in your home— the pipes. Older homes may still have pipes containing high lead levels, but even newer fixtures labeled "lead free" may contain up to 8 percent lead, according to the Madison Water Utility. The solution: When you're going to drink it or cook with it, the EPA suggests turning the tap to cold and letting it run for a moment to flush out water that's been sitting in pipes. If you suspect you have lead plumbing, you can test your water through a reliable laboratory such as the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene. If replacing plumbing fixtures isn't an option, opt for bottled water or a lead-removing filter. No Modest Mouse The problem: It's a find icky enough to have you on a leaping onto a chair in fright: mice droppings in your home or garage. And because some mice can carry a dangerous virus that becomes airborne when droppings are moved, it's important to take proper pre- cautions when cleaning up the problem. The solution: According to Ryan Neerland of Kwik Kill Pest Control, some over-the- counter rodent killers can be more toxic than professional-grade products. So shop carefully, consult a professional about which products are safe to use and make sure to wear protective gear when using rodent killers and sweeping up droppings. 56 BRAVA Magazine December 2012