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Ten ways to make your home healthier
- Clear the air.
Take the smoke-free pledge. Choose
not to smoke in your home and do not
permit others to do so. Small children
are especially vulnerable to the health
effects of secondhand smoke. Choose
to smoke outside, if you must smoke.
Moving to another room or opening a
window is not enough to protect your
children.
- Air quality.
Listen to local forecasts for ozone, smog
and particulate matter. When levels are
high, limit your outdoor activities.
- Rid your house
of radon.
Test the level of radon gas in your home
with a radon test kit. If the test result is
4pCi/L or higher, takes steps to reduce
radon.
- Some household
products are toxic.
Use with caution! Look for alternatives
to pesticides and household chemicals.
If you must use them, always read
the label and follow directions exactly.
Always store them in high locked cabinets
and in their original containers.
- Check for
carbon monoxide.
Check that all potential sources of carbon
monoxide, such as space heaters
and wood stoves, are well-vented and
in proper working order. Never idle the
car or lawnmower in the garage, or use
propane heaters in tents!
- Water, water
everywhere.
Know the quality of your drinking
water. If you have a private drinking
water well, test it periodically.
- Get the lead out.
Avoid potential sources of lead. If your
home was built before 1978, have
your home tested for lead paint. When
remodeling or doing home repairs, be
careful that you do not create lead dust.
Keep children visiting your home away
from lead hazards.
- Keep mercury
from rising.
Limit your intake of specific types of
fish with high levels of mercury. Have a
mercury-free home-find alternatives
to mercury thermometers or mercury
used for cultural or spiritual practices.
- Too much sun
is not much fun.
Cover up, use SPF 15 or higher sun
screen, and stay out of the midday sun
to avoid damaging UV rays.
Talk about the weather. Make a plan
for temperature extremes-keep food,
fluids and clothing stocked for extreme
cold or heat, think of public places to
go to escape the extreme temperatures,
and identify who you can call for
help if you need it.
- Wash your hands of it.
Keep the dirt outside. Remove shoes at
the door. Wash your hands to keep dirt
that might be contaminated with lead,
and pesticides off you and your kids.
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