Certain items around the house can deteriorate fairly quickly and put you at risk for injuries and a host of health problems. The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services has created an entire database of potential health hazards around your home.

Here are six household items you encounter every day that could be hazardous to your health:

1. Carpet mold and fungus. If you can’t seem to get that musty smell out of your home, mold and fungus in old carpet and rugs may be to blame. Fungus and old can develop under rugs that are exposed to water–bathroom rugs, for example, can be a hotbed for mold–as well as in dry areas that aren’t cleaned regularly. Shampooing and steam-cleaning the carpets alone won’t kill off mold; when carpets are still damp, mold colonies can redevelop fairly quickly. You may need to get some help from local mold remediation service providers if this has been a problem for many years. Keep your carpets fungus-free by steam-cleaning with a vinegar, alcohol, and cleaning solution mixed with warm water regularly. Also make sure to keep all areas under rugs as dry as possible and vacuum both on top of and under rugs to get rid of any mold spores.

2. Contaminated water-pitcher filters. Many savvy consumers have replaced bottled water with more-economical water filters. However, if you use any type of pitcher with removable filters, make sure you’re changing out that filter on a regular basis. If the water has started to flow out much slower than usual, you’re well past the change-out date. You should plan on changing out your water pitcher filter about every three months–even more frequently if you go through gallons of water every day. Stock up on filters so you and your household aren’t drinking contaminated water.

3. Plug-in air freshener refill solution. As convenient as those plug-in air fresheners are, those handy little refill packets could be harmful to your health. Puncture those packets too early and you’ll end up getting the oils on your skin. These oils can cause some bad skin reactions and contact dermatitis. Be careful when handling these refills and always make sure you’re inserting the right type of refill–never mix brands. Refills are designed specifically for use with the brand’s plug-in device.

4. Toxic ammonia all-purpose cleaners. Ammonia has been a standby household cleaning product for decades, but you need to make sure you keep this particular cleaning product out of the hands of young children. Ammonia-based solutions are among the most potent cleaning solutions out there, and mild inhalation can cause respiratory problems. Prolonged contact with the skin can trigger an allergic reaction. If you’re using these types of cleaning products regularly, remember to wear gloves and a mask so that you’re not inhaling fumes. Better yet, try using frugal green cleaners that can be better for your wallet and health.

5. Toothpaste toxins. If you’re not using organic or herb-based toothpaste and tend to stick with some of the major brands, you could be ingesting trace amounts of toxins and some artificial sweeteners you would never add to your diet. According to the Environmental Health Association of Nova Scotia, most conventional toothpastes contain abrasives like hydrated silica to polish the teeth, as well as sodium fluoride. Sodium fluoride has been linked to cancer and neurotoxicity in some studies, and many are sweetened with artificial sweeteners including saccharin and sucralose. Consider seeking out some fluoride-free, all-natural toothpastes and tooth powders instead.

6. Poisonous compounds in furniture polish. Another household cleaning item that could be damaging your health is furniture polish. Be very careful when applying liquid furniture polish to furnishings so you aren’t inhaling some of the fumes. The New York Times health section reports that furniture polish poisoning can occur when someone inhales an excessive amount of this polish. Eye irritation can also occur when spraying the polish directly on furniture.

In this new section we look at home and lifestyle choices that go beyond the decisions that you make at work through to the decisions that affect you, your friends and family.

We start by looking at interior paint. The wall covering of choice for most across the region can be not only environmentally detrimental but extremely unhealthy. Paint companies tell us how bad it can be, what to watch out for and available alternatives.

That ‘freshly painted’ smell is not a good thing. Indoor air quality (IAQ) is often several times more hazardous to health than polluted outdoor air. Studies done by A00, a green architectural practice based in Shanghai, found IAQ in a newly completed flat in Shanghai was so bad that they were required to recalibrate their machines just to get an accurate reading. When they did they found that the levels of pollutants were six or more times than recommended by the World Health Organisation. That is, if the WHO had recommended, for example, a maximum level of 100, the levels present in the air were 600. IAQ improved twice a day when the windows were opened to air the house.

Think about it?
Maggie Chan from Nippon paint explains that traditional interior paint containing heavy metals such as lead are extremely harmful to humans, the dust is harmful if inhaled and particularly noxious to babies who might eat chips of paint. However she says “In this decade formaldehyde is a main concern.” Formaldehyde is a VOC (volatile organic compound) that attacks the human respiratory system. Most common associated problems are nose and throat irritation while studies have also linked exposure to high levels of formaldehyde as increasing the risk of certain types of cancer. Suffice to say that it is not good for you, and anything that is not good for humans generally is particularly dangerous around children and pregnant women. VOCs are emitted by paint (in a phenomenon known as off-gassing) and many other finishes and furniture making new homes more toxic than older buildings in many cases. Semannia Luk from Ecotec Natural Paint Ltd explains that Indoor Air Pollutants affecting our health include: VOCs, particles and humidity.

VOC
    •    There is widespread regulation of VOC emissions, each region having its own VOC limits standard, explains Luk. Indoor flat wall paints in Hong Kong have a limit of 50 g/litre. In Europe it’s 30 g/l, USA 250 g/l.
    •    Multi-nationals, anticipating future law-suits specify low-VOC paints in their corporate fit-outs. u VOCs emit slowly and often it can take years before health effects fully materialise.
    •    Even paints within the legal VOC limits can produce negative long term health effects.
    •    Low VOC and formaldehyde free paint highly reduces the harmful effect. Luk says “we should look for truly non-VOC products, this means toavoid any contents of petro-chemicals.”

Particulates
    •    Most dangerous are particulate matter from older lead based paint.
    •    Regulation of particles emission (as mono mer) is gradually under way in Europe, the limit is still under discussion.

Humidity
    •    According to Luk, less humidity means less moisture in the air and thus less dust attaches to the moisture. In this environment people suffer less from breathing problems.
We can avoid these toxins by not buying high VOC in the first place and then by maintaining a well ventilated, low-humidity home.

Is it worth it?
The down side of natural paint is that it is expensive and in some cases does not have some of the properties of petrochemical based formulations. Though proponents say that it is worth it. People tend not to care about measuring payback so much when their own health is on the line. When we make decisions for our homes health zooms to the top of the list. There are super healthy options that can be bought online such as products made of naturally occurring substances that mimic traditional natural paint fabrication techniques, such as the Real Milk Paint company. After studying the risks people will generally opt for the best they can afford based on their risk tolerance.

Practically speaking
Unfortunately, says Luk the harmful emissions from the old paint cannot be sealed by painting over. It is highly recommend to remove the existing old paint and replace with better quality natural paint. According to Chan good quality green paint should have all VOC emitted in two hours, and two days for economical green coatings. “If some of the furniture is painted in China, it is highly recommended to keep sufficient ventilation” she says. Low/no VOC paint means you can move in right away. However ventilation is always a good idea for good indoor air quality whether painting or not.

And finally, what about the mould?
In the past low/no VOC paint suffered from performance issues. According to Chan advanced technology allows a balance between performance and green concerns. “With a nearly zero VOC content (no VOC in formulation, indeed all the ‘zero VOC’ paint in HK are close to but not actually zero), some suppliers also give a silky smooth finish with excellent washability of over 28000 times!” Some properties in the green paint are in fact superior to ordinary emulsion: the green coating system can cover hairline cracks and provide vertical water proofing. All Nippon green coatings are anti-fungus and tolerant to highly humid areas, says Chan. Mould Resistant “Ecozmo Paints don’t have the anti-mould or toxins that can kill the mould. As we believe, any chemicals / toxins that can kill germs could also affect us.” Luk says. “Our paints prevent mould the natural way. Moulds need moisture to grow so they are usually found on humid surfaces. The breathability of our paints together with good ventilation help to keep the walls dry thus eliminating the key element required for mould growth.”

There are many wonderful ways to remodel an enclosed space, such as incorporating a light color palette, choosing an outdoor theme, adding wooden blinds, featuring slate, tile or concrete floors, selecting light wood or painted furniture and enhancing the decor with plants. The results are a casual and relaxed room to enjoy the interior and exterior of the home for years to come.

Difficulty:Moderate Instructions Things You'll Need

• Wooden blinds
• Roll-up rattan blinds
• Blind hardware
• Hammer
• Step stool
• Flooring in slate, concrete or tile
• Area rugs in hemp or jute
• Furniture in oak, pine or painted varieties
• Potted plants

1. • 1 Choose a light color palette. When remodeling an enclosed porch, select colors that do not detract from the outdoor views, as an enclosed porch often showcases the scenery outside the home. Include nature-inspired hues, such as soft blues, light greens, creamy white and butter yellow, for a decor that compliments the inside and outside spaces.
     
     
   • 2 Select appropriate window treatments. Enclosed porches usually have many windows, so the choice of window coverings is especially important. Incorporate wooden blinds or roll-up rattan blinds as a way to provide privacy and light control to the interior space. Blinds are a versatile selection for an enclosed porch area and are beautiful and functional at the same time.
     
     
   • 3 Choose concrete, slate or tile flooring. Enclosed porch areas are often transitional spaces between the indoors and outdoors. To provide a flooring material that is easy to clean and functional, use surfaces such as slate, concrete or tile. Add hemp or jute area rugs to create conversational areas and anchor the space as well.
     
     
   • 4 Incorporate an outdoor theme. Amplify the casual style of the enclosed porch by decorating with nature-inspired themes. Interior decorating schemes that focus on nautical decor, seaside elements, wildlife motifs or tropical locations are especially appropriate in an enclosed porch space and add much to the overall look and feel of the room.
     
     
   • 5 Select light wood furniture. Enclosed porch spaces are usually casual and relaxed. With that in mind, choose furniture pieces, such as coffee tables, end tables and armoires, in either painted varieties, to enhance a more cottage-style decor, or showcase pine or oak types of pieces. The light appearance to the furniture creates a casual visual appeal.
     
     
   • 6 Display plants. Bring some of the outdoors inside with the use of potted and hanging plants. Display Boston ferns in fern holders or accessorize a windowsill with a row of bright-colored, potted flowers for a finishing touch to the nature-inspired enclosed porch decor.
     
     

Tips & Warnings

• Keep pattern to a minimum in an enclosed porch area as a way to enhance the calm interior of the space.
  
  
• Choose wicker or rattan couches and chairs for an added feeling of indoor/outdoor style to your enclosed porch room.
  
  
• Place plants in areas away from pets and children to avoid possible ingestion of dangerous leaves of some varieties of foliage.
  
  

1. Fill Air Spaces Between Windows and Doors
   • A cost-effective way to save energy in your home is to fill the air spaces between windows and doors, called weather-stripping or caulking. To weather-strip, place a narrow strip of metal, wood or rubber between a door or window sash and its frame to prevent air from seeping through. Caulking is the process in which you spread caulking material in between doors and windows to fill space. According to "Big Green Purse," if every gas-heated home were properly caulked or window-stripped, enough natural gas is saved to heat more than 4 million homes a year.
     
     
   Install Low-Flow Showerheads
   • Save energy and money in your home by using low-flow showerheads that reduce the amount of water your shower uses. You could save 300 pounds of carbon dioxide for electrically heated water or 80 pounds of carbon dioxide for gas-heated water per year, reports Eco Mall.
     
     
   Install Storm Windows and Doors
   • A convenient way to save energy in your home is to install storm, double- or even triple-paned windows and doors. In moderate temperatures, you can easily open your windows and doors to ventilate your home to save the expense of using your air conditioner or heating unit. If buying new windows and doors is not in your budget, "Big Green Purse" reports that you should buy thermal draperies to reduce heat loss by at least 50 percent.
     
     
   Insulation
   • Save energy in your home by installing insulation. Insulating your attic or top floor ceiling along with the exterior walls and basement floors and ceilings can save energy by 20 to 30 percent, reports "Big Green Purse."
     
     
   Replace Lightbulbs
   • Replace your current lights with energy-efficient compact fluorescent bulbs, which use 1/4 the energy of an ordinary incandescent bulb, according to Eco Mall. In addition, compact fluorescent bulbs last eight to 12 times longer.
     
     

Things You'll Need
    Graph paper and pencil
    Measuring tape
    Drywall equipment
    Paint or wallpaper and equipment
    Shelves, nails, brackets
    Storage baskets, nets

    Sketch or Draft Your Design
        1
Measure the room that is to be remodeled and outline it on graph paper. Each square on the paper will equal one foot. Looking at the outline on paper helps to clarify what you have to work with. Measure the furniture or other items you want to place in the room. Pencil all of the pieces onto the graph paper for a good fit.

        2
Look at the surrounding rooms. To enlarge the space being remodeled, a wall to an adjoining room or hallway could be removed. A closet or niche might be taken out or "bumped" into the next room. A bay window added to an outside wall will make a small room bigger. Check to be sure you are not tampering with a load-bearing wall. Any structural changes should be looked at by a professional.

        3
Paint and flooring will make the room seem larger. Light colors brighten a room. Dark colors draw your vision in, making the room look smaller. Mirrors will make a room look larger. Space-expanding optical illusions can be done with paint. Painting a ceiling white against colored walls will make the room appear taller. A mural painted or wall papered onto one wall will add dimension.

        4
Add storage. Remove the bottom bunk from a set of bunk beds to create a simple loft bed. Add a desk, dresser or shelving in the open space below the top bunk. Create shelving by removing drywall and building shelves between studs. Add storage by building shelving around the room about a foot from the ceiling. Use the space to display collectibles or neatly folded clothes. Hang baskets to store clutter. Hang nets from ceiling corners to hold stuffed animals and toys.

        5
Use the room for more than one purpose. Add a daybed, futon or trundle bed to make the room a bedroom/guest room and family/media room. A small bedroom can also serve as an office. The closet space of a guest room can be used for extra pantry storage or for out-of-season clothes.

Tips & Warnings

    Think through what the new bedroom needs to provide.
    Make plans on paper before you begin construction.

Here are the basics of wood flooring. If you want wood floors, you've got 3 main choices: 1.) solid hardwood, 2.) engineered wood, and 3.) laminate flooring.

1. Solid Hardwood Flooring

As the name implies, this type of wood flooring is solid wood all the way through, from top to bottom. It's similar to any other stick of lumber that sawn straight off of the log--no additional materials added. It's usually just called "hardwood floor."

Hardwood flooring comes either unfinished or prefinished. Unfinished hardwood tends to be a little cheaper than prefinished, but does require immediate light sanding, staining (optional), and sealing after installation. With pre-finished, you can walk on it right after installation. With unfinished, you need to limit usage until it has been sealed. After sealing, you will need to wait at least 48 hours for the sealant to dry. Even then, additional coats may be required. With unfinished, the advantage is you can stain it and seal it to your exact specification. With prefinished, the advantage is the quick turnaround time.

One popular hardwood is bamboo flooring (a grass rather than a hardwood, nonetheless it's usually classed as a hardwood). Bamboo flooring is highly valued for its apparent "green" and environmentally-friendly qualities.

Hardwood must be nailed to a wooden sub-floor. Unlike the other wood flooring options, it cannot be installed straight on concrete or on top of your existing floor. Because of the nail-down requirement, it is recommended that you hire hardwood floor installers. If you wish, though, it is possible to rent floor staplers from home improvement centers.

Because hardwood is especially prone to scratches and dents, you will want to pay special attention to the Janka hardness rating scale and buy a species (i.e., oak, ash, etc.) of wood appropriate to your lifestyle and your budget.

Hardwood flooring's greatest advantage is that it can be re-sanded numerous times, extending its life literally for decades. Its greatest weakness: it cannot be installed in moist areas such as basements or bathrooms.

2. Engineered Wood Flooring

Engineered wood flooring is an exciting alternative to solid hardwood flooring. Even though flooring companies would loudly protest at my description, engineered flooring basically is a sandwich of finish wood and plywood. The finish wood is what you see and walk on. The plywood underneath comprises 80-90% of the floor.

But it's the plywood that distinguishes engineered wood flooring from solid hardwood. Each ply runs perpendicular to its adjacent ply, giving dimensional strength to the sandwich. This means that engineered wood flooring stands up well to areas with light moisture--basements and bathrooms.

Another great thing about engineered wood is the range of installation options. The thinner varieties can be nailed down; the thicker kinds can be installed as floating floors. Floating floors are the great boon to do-it-yourselfers--no heavy staplers to lug around, no sub-floor. As long as your existing floor is level and stable, you can install the floating floor right on top.

Engineered wood flooring's greatest weakness is its thin top layer. Remarkably, this 1/16" to 1/8" finish layer can be sanded. But only once or twice. Three is pushing it. In any case, I strongly recommend you seek the advice of a reputable flooring company before sanding. Unlike solid hardwood, deep scratches and dents in engineered wood cannot be sanded out.

3. Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is not real wood, at least not in the way that hardwood and engineered wood are. It's comprised of a thin top layer of resin-infused paper, all on top of a wood-chip composite. So, technically it is wood. But it's wood in the same way that sodas with 5% juice are called juice.

Rather, the reason it's included in this article about wood flooring is because it is an amazing simulation of wood. The resin layer is essentially a photograph of wood. You can examine it with a magnifying glass and still be fooled. The other reason it's included here is because most people buy laminate flooring as an alternative to wood flooring.

Among the advantages of laminate flooring are its scratch-resistance and the fact that it works well in topically moist environments like bathrooms and kitchens (unlike hardwood). And let's not forget: it's laughably easy to install.

Disadvantages of laminate flooring: hard to walk on (foam underlayment is put down to soften this), it's slippery, and it cannot be sanded.

•     •    Preparation is one of the key elements to a good paint job. Paint requires a clean, smooth surface to spread evenly and stick well. Clean all the walls you plan to paint before starting your paint job, and use a paint scraper to remove paint chips. Sand down pronounced edges where large paint chips are removed, but be sure to remove sandpaper filings with a tack cloth or dust rag before painting.If there are large gouges in the surface, fill them in with spackle before applying paint.

When you are ready to paint, use dropcloths to cover all the surfaces in the room that are not going to be painted. Apply painter's tape along edges and corners. Meticulous taping can help prevent accidentally painting on the wrong surface, and it makes painting along corners and molding easier.


Paint Instructions

•     •    The proper way to apply paint and the conditions necessary for drying can vary from one type of paint to another. Always read and follow the instructions on the paint can. Take note of how much area the paint is meant to cover and compare that to the area of the surfaces you plan to paint. If the paint has harmful fumes, work in a well-ventilated room and consider using fans and a mask to help protect you from fumes.


Paint Technique

•     •    Use long, vertical strokes when painting with a brush. Horizontal strokes are more likely to result in running paint and are more difficult to control. If you are using a paint roller, roll it in paint and then roll it up and down a few times on the sloped part of the paint pan to roll off excess paint. Paint a "W" shape with the roller, moving horizontally along the wall, and then fill in the "W" with the rest of the paint on the roller. Apply more paint to the roller and work your way horizontally across the wall in this manner. When you are finished painting, refer to the paint can for brush cleaning instructions. Latex paint can be removed with water, while oil-based paints require paint thinner or other solvents.

1. • Tighten the faucet to the sink top by tightening the nuts on the faucet stems under the sink. Use a basin wrench to snug the nuts, but be careful not to over tighten them or the faucet body may crack.
     
     
   • Pour some water at the edge of the sink where it meets the vanity top and inspect under the sink to see if water is leaking through.
     
     
   • Cut out the old caulk from around the bowl with a utility knife if water is leaking from the edge of the bowl.
     
     
   • Clean the area around the bowl completely with mineral spirits on a rag.
     
     
   • Apply the caulk evenly around the bowl where it meets the vanity top. Spread the caulk with a finger to make an even bead that fills the crack between the bowl and the countertop.
     
     
   • Clean any stray caulk on the counter and the bowl with mineral spirits on a rag. Let the caulk dry for 24 hours before getting it wet.
     

There were 1376 possible respondents, and of those 1036 (75.3)% returned the questionnaire. Of the questionnaires returned, 972 (70.6%) were analyzable. The children lived in homes with much particle board (group A); little particle board, or homes as group A but treated in a special way (group B); and homes with no particle board (group C). For the 0- to 5-year-old children, living in homes with much particle board was a risk factor for developing wheezy bronchitis, eye and nose irritation, and coughing. For the 6- to 15-year-old children, living in a home with much particle board was not a risk factor. Risk factors for headache, irritation of the throat, and need for daily antiasthmatic medication were analyzed for all the children collectively. Living in a home with much particle board was a risk factor for all three conditions.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2924755

2. Clean the air filter
Whether you have central air or a room air conditioner, a dirty filter will reduce its efficiency, making it use more energy and cost more money to do the same job. Check your HVAC system's air filter monthly and expect to change the filter every three months.

3. Get an annual checkup
If you have central air, consider an annual checkup – once should cover both the heating and the cooling season. A professional should be able to diagnose any inefficiencies before you've wasted money on monthly heating and cooling bills.

4. Think small
Cooling one room with a window air conditioning unit requires much less energy (and investment) than a central air system. Ask yourself how you'll use your new air conditioner, and choose the smallest option that works. The government's Energy Star site has a handy guide to help you choose the right air conditioner for your space.

Related: How I Cut Air Conditioning Use in My Cape Cod-Style Home Using the Upstairs Windows

5. Buy Energy Star
Whether you're buying a central air conditioner (which could qualify for a tax credit) or a room unit, efficiency matters. An Energy Star central air system will use about 14% less energy than minimum government standards, and a room air conditioner will save at least 10%. Use the Energy Star Website before making a purchase, because while the vast majority of the 1,000-plus Energy Star window air conditioners barely meet the standards by using just 10% less energy than a standard model, some are clearly a better value. Compared to the typical.