Conquering the Fungus Among Us and

Other Hidden Health Hazards InYour Home Sweet Home

Julie’s Sanity Saving Guide to:

By: Julie Edelman“The Accidental Housewife”

Author’s Note............................................................................................................................3

Preface.....................................................................................................................................4

Part 1: MOLD: THE FUNGUS AMONG US............................................................................5 nWhatArtMold?............................................................................................................5 HealthHazards............................................................................................................5

nBiblicalBeginnings......................................................................................................5

SPURN THE SPORE:Hidden Hot Spots and How to Stop Them from Spreading................................................6 nCarpetandCarpetPadding.........................................................................................6 nFurniture......................................................................................................................8 nWallpaper.....................................................................................................................8 nDripPans.....................................................................................................................8

OldBooks....................................................................................................................8 nFeatherPillows............................................................................................................9 IndoorPlants.............................................................................................................10 nLaundry......................................................................................................................10 nWashingMachineLid/Door........................................................................................11 Dryer..........................................................................................................................11

Part 2: VOC: LE PARFUM DE CARCINOGEN......................................................................12nVOCIsDas?.............................................................................................................12

HealthHazards.........................................................................................................12VOCVOCYou’reStillHere.......................................................................................12

GOT GAS? Hidden Hot Spots for VOCs and How to Vaporize Them..................................................13 nPaint..........................................................................................................................13 CarpetandFlooring...................................................................................................13 nBedding.....................................................................................................................14 nVinylShowerCurtains...............................................................................................15

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Table of Contents

Health DisclaimerThe information in this guide is based on sources we believe to be accurate. It is not intended to diagnose nor treat any medical condition nor be a substitute for professional advice. If you suffer from any of the maladies mentioned in this guide please seek a doctor’s attention. Neither the publisher nor the author assumes any responsibility for errors or for any possible consequences arising from the use of information contained herein. Always err on side of safety first particularly if involving children in any of the solutions presented. Neither the publisher nor the author receives any financial remuneration from the companies, web sites, or experts referred to in this guide.

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First allow me to introduce myself (do I hear a song coming on!), I am known as THE ACCIDENTAL HOUSEWIFE – and no I don’t have my own show nor am I one of the Real Housewives of NJ, LA or wherever (well actually I am a real housewife but not in the sexually provocative, f-bomb TV reality show manner). I do appear on TV with peeps like Kathie Lee ‘n Hoda, Rachael Ray and The Doctors sharing real life tips and tricks to maintain a clean, preen ‘n healthy enough home, self, and family along with low maintenance and money-saving decorating ideas. And, I am a New York Times Bestselling author: “The Accidental Housewife: How to Overcome Housekeeping Hysteria One Task at a Time.”

The moniker and book came out of a crossroads in my life that so many of us baby boomers have experienced: Thinking and believing that we can balance being a mom, wife and a career woman and do them all well and happily. An impossible feat when confronted with the daily realities of juggling all and dealing with what I lovingly call “chores that bore.”

Thus, one warm spring day (actually it was a cold, wintry day but that doesn’t sound as engaging) as I watched Martha whip up a soufflé like it’s child play and I was throwing in another load of laundry before I had to pick up my son from golf practice and stop at Stop ‘n Shop for groceries, I had an epiphany. I realized it was time to surrender and admit that I wasn’t doing anything particularly well nor smiling and I didn’t want to try anymore. And, so began my ‘coming out’ of my broom closet and my journey to discover and share with humor and pathos just enough tips and tricks to maintain your home, health and sanity – A libation or two optional but highly recommended. So with this brief background on moi... onto the Fungus Among Us and other home sweet home health hazards. For more of my ideas, visit my website: www.JuliesTips.com.

Julie

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Author’s Note

Everyday we come into contact with health hazards both knowingly and unknowingly. They’re everywhere. But few of us ever think that our home is perhaps the most dangerous source of these hazards.

We know about black, white and green mold and mildew in our kitchen, bathroom and basement, but do you know where they may lurk beyond the obvious spots? OR have you ever wondered what those noxious smells you breathe in after a paint job or new carpeting is installed are and if they are harmful?

Well friends the latter are called VOCs short for Volatile Organic Compounds and they are not your everyday parfume since among the sneezing and wheezing these compounds and fungus can lead to cancer, asthma, impotency, hair loss and brain dysfunction... Oh my and I thought that was a result of too many dirty martinis!

But fear not: What follows will help you minimize these potential outcomes. And since I am all about ‘just enough’ tips and tricks to maintain your home, health and sanity I share these solutions with a calm and balance. After all something’s going to get us it’s just a question of helping delay its arrival!

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Preface

AccordingtotheEPAandNewYorkStateDepartmentofHealth,comingintocontactwithandinhalingmold,mildewandfungicanmakeanyonewhosuffersfromasthmafeelworse.

Eveninotherwisehealthyfolks,theeffectsofmoldwillvarydependinguponyourownimmunesystem,howlongyou’vebeenexposedandwhatyoudotochangeyourenvironment.Themostcommon,lessseriouseffectsinclude:

oRunny nose o Tearing and redness of eyes o Coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath o Sinus infections and congestions o Eye and skin irritations including eczema o Headaches

More serious effects can include:

o Ear Infections o Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea o Memory loss (at last a reason!) o Fatigue o Hair loss

o Weight loss o Sexual dysfunction (i.e. Impotency)

And, the most serious are:

o Blindness o Brain damage o Bleeding lungs o Cancer

Lastly,forthosewhoaregoingthroughchemoorareimmunocompromised,studieshaveshownthatmoldcancauselung,skinordigestivetrackinfectionsincludingPneumonia.Soifyouareexperiencinganythingrelatedtothesebesttocheckwithyourdoctorpronto.

Thefungusamongusandallvarietiesofmicrobeshavebeenaroundformillenniums.And,fearsdocumentingtheeffectsofmoldandmildewgobacktotheOldTestament,Leviticus,Chapter14verses33-57:

“On the seventh day, the priest shall return to inspect the house. If the mildew has spread on the walls, he is to order that the contaminated stone

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WHAT ART MOLD? Moldisdefinedasanyfungusthatgrowsindarkdampplaceswithlittleaircirculation.Itgrowsonvirtuallyanytypeofmaterialincludingfoodandgenerallysportsablack,(potentiallythemosttoxic),gray,brown,white,orangeorgreencolor.Moldcanbeslimy,furryorpowderyandmayhaveanodor.

Moldthrivesinyourkitchen,bathrooms,basementandlaundryroom.Worse,itreproduceswithin24-48hoursoftakingupresidenceinyourhome.Worseyet,itreleases‘spores’intotheairthatwebreatheinandcauseustosneeze,wheezeandgoahJeeze!

Health Hazards

Biblical Beginnings

MOLD: The Fungus Among UsPART 1

be torn out and thrown into an unclean place outside the town. He must have all the inside walls of the house scraped and the material that is scraped off dumped into an unclean place outside the town. Then they are to take other stones to replace these and take new clay and plaster the house.

“If the mildew reappears in the house after the stones have been torn out and the house is scraped and plastered, the priest is to go andexamine it, and if the mildew has spread in the house, it is a destructive mildew: the house isunclean. It must be torn down its stones, timber,

and all the plaster and taken out of the town to an unclean place.”

Thegoodnewsiswe are still here–mold‘nmildewhavenotwipedoutcivilization!

Butintheeventthatyoudiscoveraneedtopurgethesebiblicalfamedfungiandyourpriest,priestess,rabbiorspiritualguruaredoinglunchoronsabbaticalwhatfollowsisthe411onwheretheylivebeyondtheobvious;andwaystominimizeandpreventtheirtakingoveryourhome.

Beyondthecommonareaslikethebathroom,kitchen,attic,andbasementmoldandmildewtakeupresidenceinsomelessobviousplaces.Herearesomeofthesehiddenhotspotsandwhatyoucandotohelpstoptheirquestforhouseholddomination:

PROBLEM: Spills, Pet Pee, Etc. Asarulehard,non-poroussurfacesrequirelittlemorethenamoppingandwipingtoremovemostoftheliquid.Carpetingisanotherstorysinceyouneedtoconcernyourselfwithboththetoplayeri.e.thecarpetandthebottomlayeri.e.thepadding.

SOLUTION: Clean Pronto. Dry Thoroughly. n BLOT: Neverrub!Blotwithpapertowels ormicrofibertowels(microfiberismuch moreabsorbentthenpaperorcloth)to

absorbasmuchofthemoistureas possible. nCREATE: Makea3:1pastewithbaking sodaandwhitevinegar:Thevinegaracts tocleananddisinfectandthebakingsoda helpstoabsorbodors.Testpasteonan inconspicuousareabeforeapplyingon mainstaintoinsuresolutiondoesn’t discolor.Leaveonfor20minutesthen vacuumthoroughly.

nDRY:Toinsurethatitdriesthoroughly, openthewindows.Leaveafanonover theareaifyouhaveoneoruseyour blowdryer.

nCALL IN THE PROS:Ifyourcarpeting requiresaprofessionalcleaning,be suretoaskfora‘drycleaning’system toavoidmoistureremainingandcreating abreedinggroundformold.Quality

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Please Note: According to the EPA if the area with mold is MORE then ten square feet (approx. 3ft by 3ft) DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REMOVE IT!

Call in the professionals ASAP and go pray for your health and your home at your selected house of worship!

Hidden Hot Spots and How to Stop Them From Spreading

Carpet and Carpet Padding

Spurn the Spore

cleaningcompanieslikeStanleySteemer offerthesekindsofoptions.

Please Note: If there has been an ongoing leak, flood or

water has been present for a few days, you may not be able to dry the area completely.

If this is the case, err on the side of caution to avoid a much more costly mold issue later: Get in your dingy and paddle to dry land. Then remove and replace the carpet and its padding.

PROBLEM: Everyday Dirt is a Dirty Word Evenifyourcarpetingdoesn’tgetwetfromspills,petpeeetc.itstillgetsdirtyandpotentially

TIPS TO PREVENT MOLD IN CARPETING BEFORE IT BECOMES A PROBLEM...

v FAWGETABOUT CARPETING HIGH MOISTURE AREAS: Your inner decorator says having carpeting under your feet in the bathroom is oh so luxurious. But in the famous words of Cher in Moonstruck “FawgetaboutIt!” Nix the idea of carpeting any area that is prone to moisture seeping in or in which water is constantly in use unless you also want to be sharing that luxury potentially with fashionable fungi.

v SAY BAAAAH! Opt for wool carpet: It’s naturally resistant to mold and mildew since it allows moisture to pass through its fibers, then releases it into the air. Wool carpet also has natural fire-retardant properties and it’s easy to clean since it doesn’t create much static which attracts lint, dirt and dust. Baaah ha!

v SELECT PADDING WITH ANTI-MICROBIAL PROPERTIES: Though a bit more costly than regular padding, solid rubber-slab carpet padding with anti-microbial properties can help deter mold growth. Be sure to ask your carpet store sales rep about any other alternatives. v K.I.S.S. IT! USE AREA RUGS IN HIGH MOISTURE AREAS: Area rugs come in all shapes and sizes and can easily be cleaned. Small mats which you can place at high traffic areas like under sinks, in front of tubs and showers and entrance ways can trap up to 90% of dirt and debris that we walk through our homes. Another benefit to mats is that many of them are machine washable LOVE THAT! They are also a terrific, relatively inexpensive way to update your home seasonably or on a whim anytime throughout the year!

moldy.Dirtcontainsmoistureandmoldsporeswhichtravelaboutfromotherareasofyourhome.

SOLUTION:Enlist a Child

Ifyouhaveayoungchildwholovestovacuum–orafriendwhomightloantheirstoyou–trythis: nVAC OFTEN:It’sbesttovacuumevery coupleofdayssinceasyou’velearned moldreproducesquickly.Vacuumweekly ifyouandyourhouseholdarenot experiencingallergyorasthmalike symptoms.

nUSE HEPA: Besuretouseavacuumwith HEPA(HighEfficiencyParticulateAir)filters whichtrapssporesaswellasotherfungi anddustmites.

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PROBLEM: Walled In Furniturelefttooclosetowallsdoesn’tallowairtocirculatethuscreatingdamp,darkwarmspotsandperfectenvironmentsformoldtogrow.

SOLUTION: Give Them Space

Arrangefurnituresuchasbeds,couches,andstand-alonebookcases.withenoughdistancebetwixtthemsothatwarmandcoolaircancirculatefreelyeliminatingaspotattractiveto“thefungusamongus.”

PROBLEM: OscarWildeoncesaid,“either the wallpaper goes or I do.” Takehisadvice:Get rid of the wallpaper! Why? Moldandmildewcaneasilybegintogrowbehindthewallpaperinyourbathroomorkitchenfortworeasons:

1. Moisture can get trapped and attract mold

2. Mold and mildew love to munch on the cellulose in many impermeable vinyl wallpaper backings

SOLUTIONS:

nBREATHE!Pickwallpaperwithpermeable (breathable)backingssomoisturedoesn’t gettrapped.

nPAINT! Usepaintsspecificallyformulated todealwithMoldandMildew.Lowand ZeroVOCBenjaminMooreand Perma-Whitearegoodchoicesforthese areassincetheyarelatexwhichmeans theydryharder,fasterandprevent moisturefromseepingthroughunlike OIL-BASEDpaintswhichcancontain toxins–specificallyVOCs-Le Parfume de CarcinogenwhichI’llcoverinPart2 ofthisreport.

PROBLEM: Happy Hour Hang Thedispenserofsingleservecoffeemakers;watercoolersandyourrefrigerator’swaterdispenseranddrippanareperfectspotsformoldandmildewtogrow.

Worse: Roaches love these drip pans too! Yuk!

SOLUTION: VODKA… Need I Say More ☺

StudiesshowthatdisinfectantslikeVodkacankill80percentofmoldandgermsinourhomes.

qMixa2:1“cocktail”ofvodkaandwaterin aspraybottle.100%purevodkaisfineas well(usethecheapstuff!) qUseanoldtoothbrushtoscrubcrevices andleaveonfor20minutes–the minimumtimerequiredforadisinfectant tobemosteffective. qWipewithaclean,dampmicrofibercloth andtakeashotforyourself.Atthevery leastifthemoldisn’tcompletelygone you’llthinkitis.Cheers!

PROBLEM: Book Lice Wegenerallystoreoldorunusedbooksincorrugatedcontainersinourbasement,atticorgarage. Theseareoftenmoistenvironmentsandthereforeprimebreedinggroundsformoldaswellasperfectplacesforanotherbudoftheirs:

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Furniture

Wallpaper

Drip Pans

Old Books

VODK

A

“booklice,”whichfeastonthepasteusedtobindbookstogether… Yum!

SOLUTION: Buy More Shoes ‘N Pop More Vitamins

LittledidIknowthatCarrieBradshawofSex and The CityfamewasontosomethingwithallthosedesignerManoloBlahniksuedestilettos! Thoselittlesilicapacketsthatwefindinshoeboxesareterrificmoistureabsorbers.SameholdstruewiththoselittlewhitestyrofoamcapsuleswefindinVitamins.

Sogethealthier,showoffthosegamsandloaduponboth!(They’realsoavailableindividuallyforsaleatplaceslikeMichaels)

A few more tips: nLOCATION! LOCATION! LOCATION! Placesilicapacketsorcapsulesinairtight containersalongwitholdbooksand magazines.

Ifyou’regoingtostoreclothing,booksorotherporousitemsputtheminairtightcontainersliketheonesofferedbySterilite.

nNUKE ‘EM!Ifyoufindbookliceindried foodyoucannuke‘emtogetridof‘em. Placeinfestedfoodsinthemicrowaveandnukethemonhighheatfor60seconds.

It’syourcallifyouwishtokeeptheseitemsonceyoukilloffthelicebutIwouldchuckthem.

Regardlessifyoukeepthemorbuynewgoingforward:Put all dried foods in airtight containers.

Please Note: If you don’t have a microwave or prefer an

alternative to nuking them, freeze the items for 24-48 hours. Adult lice

will die after 3 hours but their eggs linger longer which is why you want to keep them in the freezer for at least 24 hours before you take them out.

PROBLEM: Head Case

Weloveourdownpillows–butonceourmicroscopicbudsdecidetheylovethemasmuchaswedo,theycanbehazardstoourhealth.SOLUTION: Use Protection

Yourpillowsarelikespongesabsorbingsweat,wethairandthatlittlebitofcoffeethatmissesyourmouth!So:

nZIP IT:Putpillowprotectorsorcasings onnewpillowstokeepoutmold.My favesaretheZip‘nClickfromCleanRest buttherearelotsofothersavailableat storeslikeBED,BATH&BEYOND.

Theencasementspreventmoisturefromseepingintoyourpillow.Youwillonlyhavetowashtheprotector–NOTtheentirepillow.

Bonus Tips:

n AVOID WASHING PILLOWS: Washable pillowsarehardtodrythoroughly.Infact twopillowscantake3hourstodryeven inacommercialdryer.

Plus,overheatingcancausedamagetopillowseamsandcausefeatherstoflee.

Howeverifyouwishtowashyourfinefeatheredfriends...

nPLUMP YE PLUMES:Tossinacoupleoffreshtennisballsduringthedryingcycle. They’llhelpreducestaticclingandhelp plumpuptheplumes.

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Feather Pillows

PROBLEM: Overwatering

SOLUTIONS:

nWATER LESS:I’mnotsuggestingyou haveyourplantsdieofthirst–but overwateringthemcancreatemoldon soilsurfacessobemindful!

nSCOOP:Ifmoldonlyontop(approx.½ inch)removeallthemoldgrowththat youcanseeandscoopawayintosealed plasticbag.

nREPLACE: Putanewlayeroffresh pottingsoilonthetoplayerwherethe moldyoldiesoillay.

nSPICE: Moldisnotaloverofessential oilsandspices.Sprinklecinnamonor rosemaryonnon-moldyand/ornewsoil. It’llkillexistingsporesandalsoprevent newonesfromgrowing!

nDRAIN:Moldformswhenthesoilstays wetfortoolong.Here’showtoinsure properdrainagewithnewplantsbefore pottingorreplantingthem:

u Place a layer of gravel on bottom of pot u Put drip pans under plants u Drill a hole in bottom of pot before planting

nVENTILATE AND CIRCULATE:Stagnant aircancausemoldtobreed–sokeep windowsopen,fansrunning,anair purifieron,andarmsflapping☺

PROBLEM: Dirty Leaves Moldisn’tveryfussyaboutwhereitlivesaslongasthegeneralconditionsareright.Plantleavesareanotherperfectplacemoldsporescometorestplustheyharbordustanddebristhatiscirculatingaroundyourhome.

SOLUTIONS: Clean and Discard nVINEGAR IS VUNDABAR:Putwhite

vinegarintoaspraybottleandthoroughly spritzmoldyareawithit.Leaveonfor 45-60mins.Then:

nDAMPEN THEIR DESIRES: Wipeboth sidesoftheplantleaveswithadamp papertowelsinceadryonewon’ttrap thesporesandtheymaytakeflight.

nUSE YOUR A-PEEL:NoIhaven’tlostit… theinsideofabananapeelservesas terrificcleanersandpreenersduetotheir naturaloils.

Removeallthestringystuffontheinsideofthepeelbeforecleaning.Eatingthebananaasyoucleanisoptional!

n DISCARD THE DEAD: Deadleavesare atastyfeastformold.Sowhentheydie orfallintothedirt,removeanddisposeof thempronto.

PROBLEM: Condo Development

Beforemysonwentofftocollegehewouldusehisbedroomfloorasalaundrybasket. NotonlydidIfearformysafetyasItriedtonavigatemywaytohiscloset,butalongwiththesmellsfromhissweatyclothesIrealizedthathisdirtylaundrywasalsoharboringamoldcolony.SOLUTIONS: MostofusarealreadyoverloadedwithoureverydayschedulessounlessyouarelikemysisterinlawGaylewholivestodolaundry(andyesshe’savailableonTuesdaysandThursdaysifyou’dlikehertodoaloadortwo!)youcanhelppreventmoldfromcolonizing.Here’show:

nVENTILATION AND SIZE ARE KEY:Buy meshlaundrybagsorplasticbinswith holestoenablesweatylaundrytoairout (Plasticisterrificsinceitisnon-porous andmoldcan’tgrowthere!)

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Laundry

Indoor Plants

IF YOU DO NOTHING ELSE:s DEHUMIDIFY: Keep a dehumidifier in the dampest areas of your home to suck out the moisture in the air. Depending upon where you live, the EPA recommends maintaining a level of 30-60% humidity to sap out the moisture that mold needs to multiply (say that three times fast!)

Remember: Moisture is collected in the tank of the dehumidifier, so be sure to empty it regularly and use a disinfectant to kill the mold and

prevent future growth.

s TEMPER: Temperature-wise, your home should be kept no higher then 80 degrees F in the coldest of months. Lower your thermostat to 72 degrees F or below when you are out or away.

s VENTILATE/CIRCULATE: Keep a fan on or window open when showering, sautéing or steaming (enjoying a facial is optional over the pot when you lift lid). Leave the fan running for 5-10 minutes post activity and windows open for as long as possible unless there’s a polar vortex or heat wave.

nSHAKE ‘N BAKE:Adda½cupofbaking sodatothebottomofyourlaundrybasket toabsorbmoistureandfunkysmellsfrom dirty,sweatylaundry.

Arm&Hammermakesa‘shake’dispenser,whichIkeepbymylaundrybagandsprinkleintoitregularly.

nBE MINDFUL: Neverleavedamptowels onthefloororonuntreatedwooden railingsastheyareporousandmold cangrow.

PROBLEM: Hatch Hideout Moistureremainsinsidethelidanddoorafterawash,makingthemripeenvironmentsformoldtoform.

SOLUTION: Open Up Ye Hatches

n WIPE: Aftereachload,wipedryand leavethelidopenuntilthemoistureon itisnolongerpresent.

nCYCLE:Weeklyfillyourdetergent

dispenserwithwhitevinegarandrunan emptycycletokillmoldanddisinfect. nCLEAN REGULARLY: Cleanthelidwitha disinfectingwipe,bleachorwhitevinegar.

Please Note: Disinfectants(white vinegar is a disinfectant)

must stay on a surface for at least 20 minutes to be effective!

PROBLEM:Mostdryershaveoutsideexhaustvents–butsomefrontloaddryersinsteadhaveacleanaircooler/filterlocatedbeneaththedrum.Thisventtrapstheresidualgunkandmoisturethatgetsthroughthedryerfilter,causingmoldtogrowintheventandonthefloorbelowit.

SOLUTION: Clean Quarterly

n RINSE: Cleanfilterswitha50:50mixof whitevinegarandwater.Youcanalso cleanwithasplashofbleach.

Checkyourmanualtoseewheretheaircooler/filterislocated.

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Washing Machine Lid/Door

Dryer

VOC IS DAS? VOCisshortforman-made“VolatileOrganicCompounds.”(Hmmm... sounds like ingredients in some spicy food that cause my tummy to make strange sounds!) InfactVOCsarecarbon-basedandmanyofthemevaporateor‘off-gas’atroomtemperature,producingodorsandozone airpollutionandallthehealthhazardsthatgoalongwithit.(Hmmm the similarities to spicy food and my tummy continue!)

VOCsareusedinanumberofcommonitemsincludingpaints,carpeting,newfurnishing,plastics,pressedwoodandplywood,householdcleanersandbeautyproducts.

Someofthecommononesyoumaybefamiliarwitharebenzene,acetone,andformaldehyde.They’readdedtoimprovedurability,easeofapplicationandextendaproduct’sshelflife.

TheEPAstatesthatVOCscanworsenconditionsforpeoplewithrespiratoryissuesuchasasthma.

Plus,theycanalsocauseshortand/orlongtermhealthissuesas:

o Eye, ear and throat irritation o Headaches o Fatigue and dizziness o Nausea o Brain dysfunction (And, I thought it was the effect of my daily Vodka martini!) o Damage to liver, kidney and central nervous system o Cancer

Thebadnewsis,you’veprobablybeenlivingwithVOCsforyears.

Theaveragehouseholdcanhaveanywherefromfivetoover200differentofthesecompoundsfloatingabout.

Ohyes–Incasethatdoesn’tfreakyouout,interiorhouseholdlevelscanbetwotoa1000timeshigherthanVOCsfoundoutdoors...Do I have your attention?

This is important stuff: Knowing where they are and how to deal with them can help you make much wiser, healthier decisions going forward.

Nowthegoodnews:You’restillbreathingandaccordingtoa2013 Report from the Minnesota Department of HealthmanyindividualVOCseasilyevaporateatroomtemperaturewithinhoursordays.

Theireffectsaregenerallythekinder,gentlerallergyvarietylikecoughing,throatirritationetc.thataretemporaryvs.chronicandlifethreatening.And,more good news,thegovernmenthascrackeddownontheuseandamountofVOCspermittedintheproductsyoubuy.

The great news?YoucanblockandlimitmanyoftheVOCscirclingaroundyourhomeandstayhealthy.

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Health Hazards

VOC VOC You’re Still Here

VOC: Le Parfum de CarcinogenPART 2

Tums,Maalox,andlimitingbakedbeansfromyourdietwillhelpcontainandgetridofgasinourbods,butunfortunatelythatdoesn’tworkforVOCsaroundthehouse. Soherearethecommonspotsthat‘gotgas’andhowyoucanhelpquellthesmellandsomeofthehealthhazardstheymayreek–Imeanreap!

PROBLEM: Numero Uno Offender

Oil-basedpaint,lacquers,paintstrippersandremoversareamajorsourceofVOCemissionswhicharewhatyousmell,inhaleandcangiveyouheadacheswhenyoupaintyourhome.SOLUTIONS:Buy Low-Or Zero VOC Paint

ThebestsolutionistooptforpaintsthatareloworhavenoVOCs.TheEPArequiresthat“ZeroVOC”productshave5orfewergramsofVOCperliter,whichisn’texactlyzero,buttheyfigureit’snotharmful.Afewthingstonote: nPASS GAS, PLEASE:No-VOCtintsare availabletoaddtoVOCpaintswhich willhelpreducethenumberofVOCs ‘passinggas’.

n CHECK LABELS: Ifpaintsaystheyare natural,checkingredientssincetheymay stillcontainunhealthystuff. nLIMITED COLORS:ColoroptionsinLow ANDNo-VOCpaintsarelimited.Ifyour heart’ssetonpaintingyourbedroomthis year’sPantoneColoroftheYear,Radiant Orchid,itmayonlycomeinLow-VOCor

youmayhavetoaddaNo-VOCtinttoa VOCpaint.

nMORE MOOLAH:No-VOCpaintsareonly availableinwater-basedpaintslikelatex andsamemaycost20-80%more.

PROBLEM: What Lies Beneath

NewcarpetandpaddingreleasesVOCswhentheyarerolledoutandmanyofthegluesandgripperstheyusetoinstallareVOC.The good news:CarpethasfewerVOCsthanpaint!

SOLUTIONS: nLET ‘EM ROLL: MostVOCsreleaseand dissipateonceexposedtoroomtempso itwouldbeterrificifyourcarpetdealer wouldrollitoutintheirwarehousebefore installing.Doesn’thurttoask–butI’ve foundfewretailerswillingtodoso. IfyougowithcarpetingthatisfullofVOCsandtheretailerwon’trollitoutbesuretoleavewindowsanddoorsopenandfansblowingduringinstallation.Then,forafewmoredaysafterinstallationkeepairmovingandreduceyourexposure.Thismightalsobeaperfectexcuseforyoutotakethatlongweekendget-awayyou’vebeenwanting!

nGO LOW-VOC:CheckoutLow-VOC, low-toxicitynaturalcarpetsmadewith wovenwool,naturalsisals,jutesand seagrass.Askyourcarpetsalesrepfor informationandanyotheroptions.

nINSTALL WITH SAFE STUFF:Askabout

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Hidden Hot Spots for VOCs and How to Vaporize Them

Paint

Carpet and Flooring

Got Gas?

theadhesiveorgluetheymayusingto installyourcarpet.ItmaycontainVOCs. Clearlyitwouldbecounterproductiveto buyLow-VOCcarpetingthenhaveit installedwithHigh-VOCadhesives! Requestwater-basedglues,gripperstrips,tackingorwaterbasedsolventscertifiedtohavelowemissionsofVOCsandformaldehyde.

nSEAL OF APPROVAL:Carpet RugInstitute(CRI)gives ‘greenlabel’and‘green labelplus’testingand certificationtocarpet andpaddingthathaslow VOCs.Itlookslikethis: n GO FOR OLYMPIC STATUS: Carpetis betterthanflooringattrappingparticles andkeepingthemfromcirculating.

CRIawardsgold,silverandbronzesealsofapprovalforsoilremoval,dustcontainmentandsurfaceappearance–sobringhomethegold!

MakesureyoualsouseaCRI-testedandapprovedvacuumthat’llsuckupthebadyuk.

nFAN FAIR:Turnonceilingfans,floorfans (oranyfanyouhave)andairconditioners togetairmovingandgroovingtodiminish VOCs.

nPURIFY: InvestinanEnergyStarrated airpurifierwithaHEPAfilter.

nDRINK MORE WINE:Hardwood,tile, laminate,marble,bambooandcork (IknewtherewasareasonIlovewine!) aregenerallyVOC-freeandaregreat alternativestocarpeting.

Please Note: Depending upon where the lumber comes from and

how it’s treated, hardwood can have some VOCs. Be sure to check out those that are certified eco-friendly by

going to www.certified.org.

n NOT YOUR GRANNY’S LINOLEUM:It’s anewflooringthat’snotyourgrandma’s olelinoleumcalledMarmoleum.It’s antibacterial,tresenviro-friendlyand comesinseveralfashionablestylesso checkitout! nSEAL THE DEAL: There’sactuallya non-toxicfloorsealeryoucanputon yourexistingcarpetthatwillblockfurther off-gassingforuptofivecleaningsor oneyear. It’scalledSAFECOAT–butthecatchis,youneedtoapplyitwhenyourcarpet’sbeenshampooed.You’llhavetobesureyouspeedupdryingtimetoavoidtheotherhealthhazardi.e.MOLD–thefungusamongusyoureadaboutinthefirstsectionofthisreport☺

PROBLEM: Do You Know Who You’re Sleeping With?

Everynight,wegetupclosewithourcottonbedding.And,cotton,thefabricofourlives,accountsfor16%oftheworld’sinsecticideuse–thebiggestamountusedbyanysinglecropaccordingtothe Environmental Justice Foundation.

And,inadditiontosleepingwithyoursignificantother,poochorfavoritestuffedanimal,youareabsorbing,inhalingandsleepingwithVOCs,andotherchemicalsthatalsohelptoreduceshrinkage,makesheetswrinkle-free,andwater-resistantnottomentionshiny.

A few more important facts:

qIn addition to the pesticides used to manufacture the cotton in our sheets and comforters, they are given a cocktail of chemicals like bleach, petroleum, and formaldehyde YUM!

qSuper-high thread counts may also be strengthened with VOCs.

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Bedding

qAccording to numerous studies, repeated washing doesn’t really minimize your exposure to them.

SOLUTION: Opt For Organic

Organiccottonfabricismadewithoutpesticidesandproducedwiththehealthofwehumansinmind.Itisalsonotgeneticallymodified.

And: nLadybugs are used as natural pest control vs. toxic pesticides.

n Plant-based and non-toxic dyes and bleaching tactics are used to finish the fabric.

nRepeated laundering doesn’t destroy bedding and other items made from non-organic cotton as quickly. They last longer since they don’t use harsh

chemicals which breakdown these materials.

PROBLEM: PSYCHO! Death by Shower

Studiesshowthatvinylshowercurtains“offgas”over100differentVOCs.AND,thoseintheknowponderthatVOCsmayhavebeenresponsibleforthefamousshowerscenei.e.themurderofJanetLeighinPSYCHOsinceVOCscanalsocausebraindysfunction☺SOLUTION: nGO WITH FABRIC(checklabelsjustin caseifcoated) nINSTALL GLASS DOORS nBATHE MORE n DON’T STAY AT THE BATES MOTEL☺

IF YOU DO NOTHING ELSE:s READ LABELS/ASK QUESTIONS: Whether buying paint, carpet, furniture or even cleaning products ask the sales representative if they contain VOCs or read labels on store-bought items before you purchase them. s VENTILATE, AND CIRCULATE: Do whatever you can to bring air from outside inside: Keep windows and screen doors open and use fans.

s KEEP HUMIDITY DOWN: Use a dehumidifier in rooms where you suspect VOCs are and the temperature as cool as you can live with since VOCs off-gas in warmer, more humid conditions.

s SAY VAMOSE TO VOC PRODUCTS: Go through your cabinets and garage and see what products have been hanging around for a while that contains VOCs. Depending upon if they’ve been opened they could be leaking and releasing into your household air so best to toss them.

s STORE WISELY: Store any unused paint containing VOCs in air-tight containers and well-ventilated areas like your garage or an outdoor shed.

s GET HIP WITH HEPA: Put air purifiers in rooms most VOC-ified to capture VOCs and up to 99.97% of mold, pollen, dust, dander, and smoke.

s PURIFY WITH PLANTS: I’m literally over the moon with this solution. Plants are natural air purifiers that make our homes look great. In fact, in the 1970’s NASA and the Associated Landscape Contractors of America discovered that peace lilies eliminate formaldehyde, benzene, ammonia and many other VOCs. But, if the Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) isn’t your plant du jour here are several others to check out and some also help to eliminate carbon monoxide:

u Dracaena aka the ‘corn plant’ u English Ivy u Chrysanthemum u Golden Pothos u Bamboo Palms u Chinese Evergreen u Ficus aka Rubber Plant

1� ©2014 The Accidental Housewife, LLC.

Vinyl Shower Curtains