Are Homes Toxic?

My husbands cigarette box, courtesy the government, lists a handful of ingredients: Tar, Nicotine, Carbon monoxide, Formaldehyde, Hydrogen cyanide, and Benzene. There are probably more to list, but the flap is only so big. Many families with smokers have taken measures to keep the children (or themselves) away from smoke. They take it to one ventilated room, take it outside, or for the ultimate and only full protection they wisely abandon smokes forever.

You’re no doubt aware of that, considering all the media attention on a cigarette’s toxic fumes. What you may not be aware of is the “ingredient list” of everything that remains in your home. There are still dangerous fumes in homes everywhere, and I’m not talking about so and so’s habit of breaking wind.

Our homes have their own toxic sludge, even sharing some “ingredients” with cigarettes, like Formaldehyde!

Did you know?

*Wrinkle-free sheets contain formaldehyde. Your mattress probably does too!

*Some bath towels contain toxic chemical residues.

*If a family members workplace has issues with asbestos, lead, or other toxins, said toxins can be carried home!

*That “new car smell” is Vinyl chloride, a known carcinogen.

*Is your house over 30 yrs. old? Until the ’70’s many paints, floor finishes, and possibly more home renovation supplies still contained lead.

*Do you have a wood deck or swing set in your back yard put in before 2004? Weather resistant lawn items made before a certain 2004 (US) ban contain arsenic.

*Most popular home cleaning products contain Volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) which are linked to various medical problems including cancer.

Craig Mouldey, the Wood Flooring Guy (www.woodflooringguy.com) says, “there are many products in our homes, including plywood, the core of cabinets, and likely even laminate that uses a urea-formaldehyde adhesive.” Your furniture, your carpets, pretty much everything made by man contains VOCs.

The National Academy of Sciences estimates that 15% of the population currently suffer from Multiple Chemical Sensitivities and Environmental Illness due to the toxic environments we live in. So many home toxins are in fact, like cigarettes, linked to cancers and other debilitating illnesses. The next front in health may be the home front.

Tips for Clearing the Air in Your Home

-Avoid chemical products and cleaners

+Instead use common baking products like vinegar and baking soda or purchase “all-natural” non-chemical cleaners. If you have a closet full of chemicals, call your local government office for information about their disposal. They consider these items hazardous waste!

-Avoid the use of aerosol sprays (Includes hygiene products!)

+Search for alternatives to aerosol cleaners and hygiene products. If you’re an air freshener addict you can substitute it with an open box of baking soda in every room. You can use herbs as potpourri. For more substitutions see this page from NY’s DEC website. (http://www.dec.state.ny.us/website/dshm/redrecy/hhw1.htm)

+Keep up on maintenance of furnace, air conditioners, etc. Consider investing in some kind of air filter or cleaner.

+Ventilate high humidity areas such as bathrooms. In fact, ventilate the whole house weather permitting. Recent studies show indoor air pollution is worse than outdoor, even in the big city.

+Have your home tested for radon gas, mold, lead, asbestos and other more common pollutants.

+Use solid wood or at least seal any plywood or particleboard.

+Install hard floors and use very few rugs. Hard floors, which you can wipe clean, won’t harbor VOCs residue from cleaners and aerosols like carpets do. Choose stone, tiles or hardwood floors with nontoxic varnishes.

Also, when making purchases for your home be it bed sheets or renovation plans, google for product information and read labels to find out about the products safety. Look for “low-emitting,” “pesticide free,”"no outgassing” or “no offgassing,” and other related key phrases.

You won’t be able to keep out all chemicals, but you may be able to reduce the VOCs in your home by making environmentally friendly choices whenever possible. More than ever there are companies devoted to making safer products for your home. By being VOC-conscious you’ll also reduce the amount of hazardous waste being dumped into landfills when the time comes to dispose of your less hazardous belongings. As an unrelated but added bonus the time it takes to research products may prevent unnecessary purchases that would just add clutter to your home and put a hole in your pocketbook. Being toxin conscious thus has a myriad of positive effects!

Being a smart and toxin-aware shopper will help you clear the air in your home. You can make the world a little safer for your family and community.

Useful Resources

CHEC http://www.checnet.org/

Indoor Air Pollution Fact Sheet* http://www.lungusa.org/site/pp.asp?c=dvLUK9O0E&b=117535

*Presently includes contact info. to obtain a free pamphlet containing more household products and their associated risks.

VOCs info. from the EPA http://www.epa.gov/iaq/voc.html

You can find additional info at the following links:

Click Here for more information
Click Here for more information

Water Damage Milpitas CA, Mold Removal, Air Duct Clening, Fire Damage Restoration

You can find additional info at the following links:

Click Here for more information
Click Here for more information

Using A Biohazard Suit -- Facts About Mold And Mold Cleanup

A biohazard suit is only one of the necessary steps when it comes to cleaning toxic substances such as mold. Modern homes often have poor air quality, but this fungal growth can make you extremely ill and may even be fatal. When cleaning it up, you need to take every step you can in order to keep yourself and others safe. This includes using the correct protective garment and cleaners.



Mold, Mildew And Its Effects



The fungal growth as well as the damp conditions required for these substances to grow can have a series of negative effects on your health. These invaders can cause irritated eyes, throats, and noses as well as allergic reactions. Many people living with this problem also experience respiratory problems such as difficulty taking full breaths and wheezing. Coughing and phlegm build up also occurs frequently.



Some people are more at risk than others are. Those with respiratory problems such as asthma find mold often brings on attacks. Studies examining the connection between the start of asthma and fungal growth are currently ongoing.



Other people such as those with HIV/AIDS and immune system issues, transplant recipients, and those suffering with leukemia and other cancers are also sensitive to this growth. black mold poses a particularly high risk including extensive internal and external health problems as well as pulmonary hemorrhaging in infants.



Removal Of Mold



Because this fungus reproduces by letting off dangerous spores, safety garments and other precautions are necessary. Check to ensure the safety gear you use has a high enough safety rating. In addition to protecting your skin from contact with a protective garment, you will also need respiratory protection and safety eyewear to protect your eyes.



Standard cleaning chemicals are ineffective at cleaning, killing, and permanently removing this type of growth. You will need bleach or specialized anti-fungal cleaners to ensure the substance doesn't return. Unfortunately, this also means that fumes become a major concern. Therefore, make sure to open windows and doors to the outdoors to ensure you get a steady influx of fresh air.



Soft surfaces such as wood, drywall, and carpets are particularly difficult to work with. In these instances, you are better to hire professionals who will arrive in a biohazard suit and spray special mold chemicals and remove areas that are too far gone to clean. If you find this substance on a disposable item, you are best to put on the appropriate protective garment and simply toss it into a garbage bag, seal it shut and immediately take it out to go to out with the refuse. Finally, the biohazard suit and other items you use to clean up the area should be disposed of as well to prevent spreading the invasion.



Mold is definitely something that shouldn't be taken lightly. Wearing a biohazard suit and the correct protective garments will ensure that everyone stays safe. If you are unsure or find the job becomes too big to handle, you are best to hire experts. They can remove the harmful substances and prevent them from harming anyone or spreading keeping everyone safe and as healthy as possible.



Christine O'Kelly is an author for MPE Safety Apparel, the protective garment specialists. They offer a full range of disposable Tyvek clothing as well as a biohazard suit and accessories at affordable prices.

Mold Removal Hayward CA, Air Duct Cleaning, Water & Fire Damage Restoration

You can find additional info at the following links:

Click Here for more information
Click Here for more information

Advice and Tips on Burst Pipe in Minneapolis

A burst pipe is a common household problem. One news report told of such an incident in one apartment in Minneapolis where a pipe in the basement burst while the tenants were sleeping. The burst pipe caused flooding in the basement, damaging appliances and soaking other personal items. Even big institutions and commercial establishments deal with burst pipes from time to time. Take for example the incident in the University of Minnesota just this year when a cooling system pipe burst and sent water flowing from one floor to another, creating an estimated $1 million worth of damages.

Although common, not everyone knows exactly why pipes burst. Perhaps if homeowners are more aware of what causes it, they can take preventive measures and avoid incurring losses due to burst pipes. The age of the pipes is one factor. Naturally, any object weakens with age and pipes certainly are no exception. No matter what type of pipes a building has, they will eventually get old and wear down. This is also means that aside from water pipes, other pipes like those connected to the sewerage system can also burst and that would need urgent sewer back up cleaning. Low temperatures also contribute to burst pipes because the cold expands pipe material and this makes the pipes weak and susceptible to bursting.

What to Do After a Burst Pipe Incident

After discovering that you have a burst pipe and it has caused flooding in your home, your first thought would probably be "I need to get this water out of here immediately". That's understandable since it's easy to get all panicked with the sight of the flood or water damage ceiling and the water just pouring into the room that all can you think about is how to drain the water. But water extraction should not be the primary concern. The only way you can start extracting the water, cleaning up and drying the area is if you stop the water from flowing in first.

So, the first action you must take is to stop the main water source. Then you can now attend to removing the water. After water removal, the flooded area should be properly dried and fully ventilated to lower the humidity in the room. Remove all soaked objects like furniture and carpets and immediately dry them outside or turn them over to a professional cleaner. Proper and timely drying of wet surfaces and objects would lessen the probability of mold formation. It is best if you can get all this done right away because the longer a surface or an object is exposed to water, the more chances of damage.

Tips to Avoid Pipe Bursts

During winter, it is important for homeowners to ensure that their water pipes do not freeze since pipe freeze eventually leads to the pipes bursting. To protect water pipes from extremely low temperatures, homeowners should make sure to that their pipes are well-insulated.

In addition, if you are going away on a winter vacation, do not just leave behind your house to endure the harsh weather without winterizing it. Do the same to your summer houses. Otherwise, the water pipes may burst while you're away and just imagine the scale of water damage that will do to your home.

If you live in an old house, check the condition of the water pipes. Needless to say, old pipes are more likely to burst so consider making pipe replacements.

Leo Nov is an editorial staff member of RestorationSOS. To learn more about clean sewage visit our website. Click here for more information on burst pipe minneapolis.

You can find additional info at the following links:

Click Here for more information
Click Here for more information

Poway Water Damage |Call Flood Doctors 858 486-1496

You can find additional info at the following links:

Click Here for more information
Click Here for more information

Edward Birkholz

Ultrasonic Cleaning equipment

Cleaning is an important part of many industrial processes. To extend their life you may want to clean your equipment and tools: some may be precision instruments that need regular servicing and calibration. With all equipment dirt, residue and grease tha... Read >

Removing Mold

One of the most efficient ways to remove mold is with injection mold cleaning or sometimes with ultrasonic washers. This will rid mold from even the most difficult-to-reach parts of an item and will kill it off with extreme temperatures and pressure in su... Read >

Cleaning Intricate Metal Parts

Ultrasonic cleaners are very much in demand in the market these days. Everyone is smitten by the fact that these cleaners are so effective and provide spotless cleansing action towards all the objects. However, it is not true to say that there are absolut... Read >

How to Build A Ultrasonic Cleaner

Ultrasonic cleaners are gaining popularity these days because they provide the best cleaning mechanism and also involve a hassle free cleaning process. However, there are many of us who can’t afford an ultrasonic cleaner as it is quite expensive and isn’t... Read >

Ultrasonic Cleaners: Giving a New Finish to your Metallic Parts

Just imagine that that the chrome painted parts of your Harley-Davidsons have lost their charm. Well it is not very tough to imagine. Nevertheless, thinking of a way to restore these parts so that they look shiny forever is very difficult. Generally every... Read >