Indoor air is often three times more polluted than outdoor air. A major contributor to poor indoor air quality is the use of paints, stains, and finishes in homes. Oil-based paints are particularly dangerous, as they contain VOCs. Many VOCs have been shown to cause cancer, nervous system damage, and allergic reactions. While water-based paints are generally taken to be safer, they may also pose health risks, particularly to children. Many water-based paints contain propylene glycol and glycol ethers, which have been shown to increase asthma and other respiratory problems in children. To learn more, check out these articles on the health impacts of oil-based paints and water-based paints.
To reduce negative health effects, choose low-VOC paint and use caution while painting; ventilate by opening windows, use protective gear specified by the label, keep pregnant women and young children away from freshly painted rooms, close paint cans tightly when not in use, and eliminate all sources of flame when using solvent-based paints. Learn more about safer paint choices and reducing health effects while painting.
Radon is a natural radioactive gas that is known to cause cancer in humans. It arises from radioactive breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water, and can become airborne in your home. To test for radon, look for a radon test kit at your local hardware store. For more information, visit the EPA page on radon or watch this video on radon home inspection.
Lead poisoning is a disease contracted from exposure to lead-based products. Children are particularly vulnerable to the health effects of lead, even at low levels of exposure. Effects include aggression, behavioral problems, and deficits in attention span, adaptability, learning, and memory. Lead exposure in adults may contribute to high blood pressure, impaired kidney function, fertility problems, and cataracts. If your home was built before 1978, there is a high likelihood that it contains lead paint. Learn more about lead and steps for lead removal from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and the Green and Healthy Homes Initiative.
Asbestos is a mineral that was used extensively in the mid-1900s for floor tiles, insulation, shingles, and more. Asbestos exposure can cause chronic and often lethal lung diseases including asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer. Removal of asbestos should be carried out by a professional. Disrupting asbestos products can cause the fibers to become airborne, where they pose a serious health threat. Sealed-in asbestos should often be left alone, while fraying, cracking, or loose asbestos products may need to be removed or sealed. To learn more, visit the EPA page on asbestos or watch this video about asbestos removal.
Use cleaners and personal care products that are safe for people, animals, and the environment
Many chemicals in household cleaning products, such as alkalies, acids, and detergents, can cause health problems, decrease air quality, and harm the environment. For instance, fragrances can impact the human endocrine system, and phosphates in detergents contribute to algal blooms which degrade the Chesapeake Bay.
Green cleaning product lines can be found at your local natural food store or at most grocery stores. Look for seals such as Green Guard, Green Seal, and Green Clean Institute that help to ensure product safety. You can also make your own green cleaning solutions from safe and cheap household products such as vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, and natural soaps. Learn more from our Tips for Green Leaders Natural Household Cleaners Fact Sheet, or read this article about reducing hazardous products in the home.
Many personal care products, such as lotions, soaps, hair spray, and make-up, have health risks and negative environmental impacts. To reduce these impacts, you can use fewer products, make your own products, check out ingredient labels, buy organic, avoid fragrances and dyes, and go easy on the antibacterial products. While sunscreen is an important product for avoiding skin cancer, it may contain chemicals with health risks. Limit your use of sunscreen by covering your skin with cool clothing in the summer, wearing a hat, and staying under an umbrella in the sun. Learn more about choosing safe personal care products.
Reduce washing machine and dishwasher use by at least one load per week by washing full loads only
Washing full loads of laundry and dishes reduces the number of loads that need to be washed each week. To save even more water when washing the dishes, use the “water efficient” or “light load” mode when running the dishwasher.
Soak dishes instead of washing them under running water
Instead of leaving your water running while scrubbing each dish, allow your dishes to soak in your sink or a washing basin filled with hot soapy water. You can do any scrubbing required using the water in the sink, and your dishes will only need a quick rinse at the end. Also, make sure to use biodegradable, phosphate-free soap.
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