Along with cookouts, pool parties, and pleasant
evenings on the back deck, the warm summer months can bring some not-so-welcome
aspects. Your healthy home could be threatened by hazards that are not such a
factor in the winter. The higher temperatures and greater humidity can mean
growth of mold and dust mites. Children playing in bare soil could be exposed
to lead dust, and this
dust can be tracked inside also. Taking a few simple precautions and regularly
maintaining your home can greatly reduce the impact of these threats.
Mold
A naturally occurring fungus, mold can create
major problems for people if growing in an enclosed space. People with
allergies or asthma are especially susceptible, but even those without such
conditions can experience symptoms if the quantity of mold is abundant. When it
releases its tiny spores into the air, mold causes symptoms such as lung
irritation, coughing, and runny nose. It can trigger asthma attacks, wheezing,
and breathing difficulty in people with allergies. Prolonged exposure to mold
has been associated with the development of asthma and allergies.
How do I know if I have
mold?
You may notice a musty odor, or you may see
black specks growing on
drywall, furniture, or even
clothing. Mold can grow wherever it obtains food
and water.
Food could be anything
from drywall
paper to wood or leather.
Homes with higher humidity will grow more mold, so it
is especially
important
to check for mold in the hotter months. Water leaks will likely lead
to mold
growth. Mold
can hide behind walls or furniture, or under carpet.
What should I do to get rid of the mold in my
house?
If you have an area of growth larger than 15
square feet, it is wise to seek
professional help. Growth
less than that can be attacked with hot water,
soap, and elbow grease.
Immediately towel-dry the
area after cleaning,
and run a fan to dry it as quickly as possible. Throw out
any carpet, drywall,
clothes, cardboard, or ceiling tiles that have been wet for more than two days.
How do I avoid mold growth altogether?
Prevent mold from multiplying in the first place
by keeping the humidity around 50%, fixing any water leaks, and immediately
drying any carpeting or clothing that is wet. Mold can initiate growth on a
surface within 24-48 hours, so act quickly. Check A/C filters at least monthly
as mold can grow in clogged filters. Vent bathroom and kitchen fans to the
outside, and run them when showering or cooking.
Dust Mites
These tiny creatures live in places with ample
warmth and moisture, and they especially thrive in sheets, pillowcases, and
bedding. The connection between dust mites and asthma is so strong that many
experts believe dust mites in significant numbers actually cause asthma. Keep
the humidity low by opening the windows on drier days, and using the A/C on
those humid days. To keep dust mite counts low, wash sheets
and pillowcases in hot water every week or use allergen-proof mattress/pillow
covers. These covers can be purchased
at most department stores.
Lead Dust
Because lead was used in paint and in gasoline
up to the 1970’s and is still used today in some occupations, it can accumulate
in the soil. Children playing in this soil are especially vulnerable to lead
poisoning as their small bodies are still growing. Cover any bare soil on your
property with grass, plants, or mulch. Prevent dust and soil from being tracked
into the home by placing doormats inside and outside every entrance to the
house.
Pests
Disease-carrying pests like flies, mosquitoes,
and cockroaches proliferate in the warmer
months, and can become more than just a nuisance if they multiply indoors. Keep
them out by fixing any torn screens and sealing any cracks in walls and roofs.
Starve them out by keeping food scraps cleaned off of counters and floor, and
out of sinks, especially overnight. Discourage growth of mosquitoes by removing
any standing water within two days of
a rainfall. When using bug repellent, be careful to avoid applying to broken
skin or cuts. Avoid eyes, mouth, hands, and face.
Home Safety
Check any playground equipment to be sure it is
sturdy enough for heavy summer use. Change out worn ropes and other parts. If
you have a pool or other body of water, be sure to monitor use. Young children
can drown in as little as two inches of water. A fence and a latching gate
should be in place around the pool.
Renovation Projects
The warmer months often lead to more home
improvement projects. If your home is older than 1978 have it tested for lead
paint before starting any projects. Or, assume it has lead paint and use
precautions when doing renovation, such as not disturbing the paint. If the
paint is chipping or peeling and must be removed, use lead safe work practices
or hire a certified contractor. As of April
2010 all contractors in the country must be certified for lead in order to work
on older homes.
Gardening
Tending a garden not only provides fresh,
healthy food all summer long and into the fall, it can also be a great source of
relaxation and stress relief for the
gardener. When starting a new garden, if
you suspect toxins,
lead, or other heavy
metals could be in the soil, have it tested. If the soil is
contaminated, bring
in clean topsoil and mulch to cover
the tainted soil or simply
build a garden plot elsewhere.
If you have any questions about making your home
healthier and safer, call your source for Healthy Homes information.
![[photo: roach]](your.healthy.home_files/image007.jpg)
