Is Your House Sick?

Indoor pollutants can impair your health without your knowing it. These steps can help make a healthier home.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission recently investigated complaints that Chinese drywall, installed in thousands of American homes, contains harmful chemicals that sicken homeowners. But Chinese drywall is hardly the only cause of “sick house syndrome.” Just ask Bob Kretvix. The principal consultant for EHS Innovators, an environmental safety consulting firm in Flemington, Kretvix recalled a recent client in Clinton whose home contained drywall — not made in China — composed of small amounts of industrial ash. The ash, typically recycled from power plants, was added to the gypsum (a mineral) that went into the drywall, Kretvix says. “Turns out we were able to detect the same airborne chemicals from her drywall as you would find in Chinese drywall,” he notes.

The case illustrates the many potential sources of sick house syndrome. The phrase refers to the presence of chemicals and other indoor pollutants — often found in paints, cleaning agents, and pesticides — that can cause headaches, nosebleeds, and respiratory ailments. The problem is more acute in winter, when we tend to keep our windows shut for weeks at a time.

This winter, follow these tips for preventing sick house syndrome. They’ll help you and your family breathe a little easier:


Household Chemicals
When painting indoors or using other household products containing chemicals, open some windows to ensure the area is properly ventilated. Most sick-house problems, Kretvix says, can be traced to a simple lack of fresh air. So, crack open those windows, even in winter. “By bringing in fresh air, you tend to dilute things that are in the house already,” he says. “It makes people feel more comfortable, so they’re less prone to the ills of whatever else is in there.”

When storing products that release volatile organic compounds (VOC), follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Better yet, consider buying low-odor, no-VOC cleaning products and paints, such as Benjamin Moore’s Natura or any of the paints sold by Mythic.


Allergens
Dust, mold, dust mites, and other allergens can wreak havoc on anyone with respiratory problems. To mitigate the hazard, start with a thorough housecleaning. Yes, dusting, vacuuming, and doing laundry can actually be good for your health. Most importantly, make sure your vacuum is equipped with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter, such as that found on Miele’s Callisto canister vacuum. HEPA filters remove 99.9 percent of airborne particles. “In general,” Kretvix says, “those tend to be the best filters because they’re so highly efficient.” And don’t forget to change the filter regularly for optimal performance.

To reduce the growth of mold, install a dehumidifier. Mold is commonly found in bathrooms, where humidity from the shower can encourage mold growth. A ventilation fan — make sure it’s the right size for the room — can help reduce moisture and prevent mold. Leave the fan on during a shower or bath and for 15 minutes afterwards.

If you suspect your house contains dust mites, be sure to wash your bedding once a week in hot water. Also consider using allergen-proof mattresses and pillows with zipped covers, such as the Breathewell Certified Asthma Friendly Pillow, available at Bed Bath & Beyond.


Smoke
It goes without saying, but we’ll say it anyway: Even secondhand smoke can trigger serious health problems. Maintain your home and car as smoke-free zones. If you have a fireplace or wood stove, have them inspected and cleaned annually. Fireplaces and chimneys are sources of carbon monoxide leaks, so be sure the flue damper works, and keep rooms with fireplaces ventilated. If you haven’t already, be sure to install a carbon monoxide detector. Because carbon monoxide is odorless, leaks are practically impossible to notice without a working detector. The Chimney Safety Institute of America (csia.org) and the National Fireplace Institute (nficertified.org) maintain lists of certified contractors.


Water Pollution
According to the Gallup Poll, the pollution of drinking water is Americans’ biggest environmental concern. If your drinking water comes from a private well, have your water tested regularly. Kretvix says he’s seen cases in which underground leaks of gasoline mixed with a groundwater supply, eventually sending harmful vapors seeping up through the soil and into homes. Some municipalities and counties offer periodic free water-quality tests. Contact your local health department for more information or call the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s drinking water hotline at 800.426.4791.


Asbestos
Asbestos was once called the miracle mineral because of its widespread use. That was before exposure to asbestos was blamed for fatal lung diseases. Although no longer used in America, asbestos is still found in the insulation, floor tiles, and siding of many older homes (it poses a health risk only when airborne). If you want to remove asbestos from your home, consult with a certified abatement professional. The state’s Department of Labor and Workplace Development (609.633.3760) maintains a list of qualified contractors.