- Consider hiring an environmental assessor. Look in the phone book under "Environmental." Test or inspect for:
- lead in old paint
- lead pipes
- asbestos
- radon
- mold (by using mold test plates)
- poorly ventilated combustion appliances, such as stoves and fireplaces
- nearby high-voltage power lines or towers
- Draw up nontoxic, environmentally sound specifications for your contractor, including brand names of products. "The use of toxic substances in construction is standard, and unless you [specify otherwise], they will be included," write the authors of the Healthy Housing Coalition'sPrescriptions for a Healthy House. They suggest you:
- Reject pesticided building materials, such as prefabricated wood frame windows, or let them outdoors before installation.
- Specify procedures to be taken during the project, such as:
- no smoking on site
- use of nontoxic cleaning products
- thorough cleaning behind new cabinets, flooring and walls before they’re covered up, so that dust and pollutants don't get trapped within your walls.
- Ventilate and dehumidify. To stave off mold, mildew and asthma-inducing dust mites, your house should be well ventilated. Keep relative humidity at 30-50 percent.
- Remember that less toxic building and decorating products are available for virtually all renovation needs.
- Choose low- or no-VOC paints, sealants and glues. These products emit fewer fumes.
- Choose natural, untreated products over plastics, such as PVC (vinyl), and synthetic carpets.
- Request s (MSDS), which list health hazards of chemicals, and precautions for use, from manufacturers and distributors of products that bear caution or warning labels. Follow the instructions and recommended safety procedures.
- Minimize use of pressed-wood products, such as plywood and particleboard, which are high in and other VOCs. Where used, seal them with a nontoxic, water-based polyurethane or AFM Safeseal, available at N.E.E.D.S.
- Seek energy efficiency. Double-glazed windows and energy-efficient lighting and appliances save money and resources.
- Use good wood. Assess how to incorporate sustainably harvested woods.
- Use recycled or reclaimed materials, to reduce waste.
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