Fighting indoor air pollution

Author: Alison Johnson

One of my sons has eczema, so we're fairly sensitive to the chemicals in so many products; we're well-stocked on dye- and perfume-free soaps, laundry detergents and lotions, for example. But this report from ABC News, which measured the chemicals in the air inside a child's new nursery, still grabbed my attention. It found 300 different chemicals in that room, compared to two in the air just outside the same home. The culprits came from many sources, including new furniture, paints and carpet. 

Thankfully, the article lists some practical steps that everyone can take to cut down on the number of chemicals circulating indoors. One I'll try to use soon -- when my son gets a needed new bed -- is a recommendation to air out new furniture before setting it up... ideally, unwrap it outside (the garage, I'm assuming?) and give it a week to air out, but at the least set it up at a time when you can leave windows near it open (the same goes for painting when you can leave windows open).

The Environmental Protection Agency also recommends regularly opening windows, turning on ceiling fans, using exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom and running air conditioning units with the vent control open when possible. And, not surprisingly, forbidding smoking indoors and cleaning regularly.

We may not be able to get rid of all the chemicals out there, but we can make a dent!