UNDATED - Common mistakes that are made during spring cleaning and organizing:
- Storing items in cardboard boxes, which are high in cellulose content and easily absorb moisture. Damp cardboard and paper is virtual candy for mold and bacteria. Plastic bins are a much better option.
- Storing contents on basement floors. Raised shelving units are better in case a flood occurs.
- Storing items in the attic can also be problematic, as humidity builds in the winter and insulation dust can be an irritant when residents move things around.
- Stirring up dust without complete removal. Dusting horizontal surfaces with a dry cloth simply re-distributes the dust. This is also true of vacuuming with non-HEPA vacuums that simply trap large particles, but blow small ones into the air.
- Cleaning carpets with water-based methods without sufficient extraction and drying. This causes mold and bacteria, not to mention musty odors.
- Using incompatible cleaning products that can produce toxic fumes.
- Attempting to clean mold from drywall. The types of mold that grow on wet drywall are generally toxigenic and should be removed by cutting out the drywall under controlled conditions. This usually requires mold remediation specialist.
- Not controlling indoor moisture and humidity, which can exacerbate mite issues.
- Installing inefficient filters in the furnace, which can cause small particles to be distributed throughout the house.
- Installing filters that are too efficient (i.e. have very small pore sizes) that can block air flow.
- Failure to change furnace filters, which can cause the furnace to shut down because air cannot get through.
- Storage of combustible products near furnaces.
- Blocking return air vents with boxes or furniture. This can lead to poor airflow.
- Overuse of scented products that can trigger asthma attacks.
- Over-wetting of concrete basement floors, which can cause vapor diffusion to other areas of the house, including the attic, where condensation and mold growth can occur.
- Incompatible storage of chemicals. For example, drain cleaner and acid products should not be stored together. Leakage could result in toxic fumes or fires.
- Using volatile compounds to clean surfaces. I had a client whose cleaning lady used acetone to remove marks from a basement floor. The fumes were horrible and could have resulted in a fire if not discovered.
- Not diluting a product according to instructions. For example, Murphy’s oil soap if not diluted properly leaves a difficult to remove residue and heavy odors.
- Using the wrong product for a surface. For example, ammonia on hardwood floors.
- Using caustic chemicals that are harmful to vegetation on outside surfaces, such as decks.
- Disposal of paints, cleaners, and other items into the drain. This can result in toxic fumes, fires, and contamination of the water system (which can lead to huge fines). Labels should be careful read to determine appropriate disposal methods. If questions exist or no label is present, the items should be taken to the local hazardous waste facility (most communities have these), or call the fire department for advice.
Facts:
According to the National Center for Health Statistics, 2001 National Health Interview Study, over 7.6 million children (5-17 years) and over 12.7 million young adults (18-44 years) suffer from asthma. The rise in asthma in Michigan increased an average of 65% in children in the last decade. Children, immune-compromised individuals and the elderly are the most sensitive to indoor pollution.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ranked indoor air pollution among the top five environmental dangers to the public. EPA research also concluded that indoor air can be two to five times (and sometimes as much as 100 times) more polluted than the worst outside air! Since research indicates Americans spend 90% their time indoors, it's no wonder that asthma and allergy suffering is on the rise.
Tighter buildings (newer residences) are often to blame for higher concentrations of contaminants (off-gassing from carpet, paint and furniture among them), but there are ways to counter this that Connie can discuss. Connie points out that: "you can build tight but have to ventilate right."
About Sanit-Air:
As compassionate individuals, parents, and grandparents who have witnessed illnesses and devastation caused by misinformation, Connie and Tom Morbach have made mold education, detection and remediation their life's work. Connie Morbach, M.S., CHMM, CIE, has published numerous scientific papers, served on statewide asthma and healthy air coalitions, contributed to locally produced indoor air quality stories and has been a regular on The Today Show assisting in many indoor air quality investigative segments, appeared on The Rachael Ray Show, and the CleanliNEST™ by Sanit-Air team has lent their expertise to ABC’s popular Extreme Home Makeover series. Connie
