Creating a healthier home

There are a lot of easy everyday choices that impact the quality of air in our homes, and that was the subject of this article I wrote for today's Star Tribune.

Here's a blurb:

There's solid scientific support behind the need to think more carefully about what's in our homes. Air pollution levels in homes are often two to five times higher than outdoors, according to Environmental Protection Agency studies. "Poor indoor air quality can lead to eye irritation, headaches, allergies and respiratory problems such as asthma, and other serious health problems," the EPA said.

One big class of culprits is volatile organic compounds, known as VOCs, which are commonly released into the air by carpet, upholstery fabric, air fresheners, cleaning products and paint. Long-term exposure to high levels of VOCs increases your risk for cancer, liver damage, kidney damage and central nervous system damage, according to the Minnesota Department of Health.

"There are a lot of decisions we make on a day-to-day basis that can impact our health," said Dan Tranter, research scientist for the Minnesota Department of Health. "This is a serious public health issue."

And here are some of the tips:

Candles. Most candles are made of paraffin, a petroleum-based product that releases several toxic chemicals into the air. Opt for clean-burning soybean or beeswax candles.

Clean house. Don't wear shoes indoors -- they track in chemicals from fertilizers, gasoline runoff and who knows what else. Dust and use a HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaner regularly.

Cleaners, polishes and detergents: Cleaning products and varnishes frequently use chemicals that are released into the air and leave chemical residue wherever you've cleaned. Make your own products out of vinegar, baking soda and olive oil; the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has many recipes on its website at www.pca.state.mn.us. Search for "nontoxic cleaning recipes" (fourth item down is a handy .pdf). Most laundry detergents and dryer sheets also leave chemical residue in the form of perfumes, brighteners or fabric softeners. Make your own detergents or buy a healthier brand that lists all ingredients, such as Seventh Generation.

Plants: Some plants are especially effective at filtering or absorbing chemicals from the air and therefore improve indoor air quality. Try English ivy, spider plant, golden pothos, peace lily, Chinese evergreen, bamboo palm, snake plant, elephant ear, pot mom or cornstalk dracaena.

Wood: One of the healthiest options is solid wood finished with a water-based nontoxic finish that emits no VOCs. Avoid particleboard or pressed wood, which often contains formaldehyde and other unhealthy adhesives. If it's hard to find what you want in a chemical-free finish, consider buying unfinished solid wood so you can select the finish or do it yourself.

Linens: Cotton crops are usually doused with lots of insecticide and pesticide. Look for organic cotton or bamboo, a fast-growing renewable resource, for sheets, towels, comforters and blankets.

Fabrics and window coverings: Synthetic fabrics often contain and emit chemicals. Safer choices are cotton, linen, hemp, jute, sea grass, silk and wool.

Mattresses, pillows and padding: Most mattresses, especially older foam mattresses, require heavy-duty flame retardants. Flame retardants, required by law in many bedding items, are linked to serious health problems. Avoid the chemicals by purchasing items made of wool, which is a natural flame retardant. Wool also naturally repels dust mites, mold, mildew and smells, and it wicks away moisture. Other safer materials for mattresses include organic cotton, silk and natural foam rubber. Keep in mind that polyester, frequently used to fill pillows, is usually made of synthetic plastic. Look for pillows made with cotton, wool and other nonsynthetic options.

Plastic: Avoid plastic whenever possible. When you do buy plastic, seek out plastics without phthalates, PVCs/vinyl and Bisphenol A, all of which are linked to health problems. Use glass containers instead of plastic, and look for toys made of wood or cloth.

Paint: There are many no-VOC paint options on the market, and you can also find paints made of natural products such as milk, clay and beeswax. If those aren't an option, look for a low-VOC paint that's "Green Seal" certified. Never use spray paint.

Flooring: New carpet and its adhesives usually emit VOCs into the air. Look for "Green Label" or "Green Label Plus" carpet and rugs, which have lower VOC levels. Better yet, avoid carpet altogether and stick with flooring made of hardwood, stone, bamboo, reclaimed wood, cork or tile. Carpet or rugs made of wool are also good choices -- plus wool is a natural dust-mite repellent.

General air quality: Test your home for radon, keep carbon monoxide alarms within 10 feet of every bedroom, fix water leaks immediately to avoid mold, change furnace filters regularly and make sure your home is well ventilated.

Strategic buying and remodeling: Remodel or purchase new carpet only during open-window season. If you're buying a product that does release chemicals, or "off-gas," consider a floor model that's already had time to lose some of its chemicals. Or see if your new item can sit unpackaged in a warehouse for a week or so before you bring it into your home.

Storage: Avoid buying chemicals as much as possible, but if you must, buy the smallest container possible. If you don't think you'll use it again, contact your city or county for the nearest household hazardous-waste site, where you can drop it off and keep it out of your home. If you're storing chemicals, keep them in a detached storage area. If there's no other place but an attached garage or basement, make sure the products are tightly sealed and have no cracks.