Healthy House Checklist
It’s not rocket science—honestly. Follow our healthy house checklist for some very simple fixes add up to a healthier, happier home.
January/February 2006
By Athena Thompson
• If your home was built before 1970, check for lead paint.
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• If your home was built before 1970, check for asbestos insulation.
Issue: Homes built before 1970 likely contain lead paint and asbestos insulation, both of which are serious health hazards.
Solution: If you suspect you have lead or asbestos in your home, have it tested by a professional. Only a trained professional should be allowed to remove these materials.
•If you’re building a new home or remodeling, use nontoxic building materials.
Issue: New building materials and products can introduce volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and toxic chemicals into your home. Remodels can disturb older building materials that may be moldy or release fine particulate matter into the air.
Solution: If you’ve made changes in the last few years, ventilate your home by opening windows daily and use a HEPA air filter that can trap fine particulates and gases.
• Check for water damage.
Issue: Water damage can quickly result in mold growth.
Solution: Have a certified professional locate and fix the source of any water damage within 24 hours to prevent mold problems.
• Keep up with your heating system’s maintenance
Issue: Some heating systems are more hazardous to health than others. Hazards include blowing around dust and other particulates, creating toxic combustion byproducts, and generating electromagnetic radiation (EMR).
Solution: If you’re building a new house, choose the healthiest heating option (radiant floor heating, wall-mounted radiators, or a sealed combustion fireplace). If you already have a system installed, regular and thorough maintenance is essential.
For forced-air systems (which 80 percent of American homes have), make sure you change the pleated media HEPA filter every two to three months and have all ducting professionally cleaned (without fragranced products) every two years.
• Check your home for radon.
Issue: Radon is a serious health hazard in the home. It’s the second leading cause of lung cancer.
Solution: Radon levels should be checked annually. Home radon tests are inexpensive and easy for homeowners to perform. If you detect high radon levels, contact a certified radon professional for advice and mitigation.