Leave Pollutants at the Door

• Wipe your feet on a doormat or remove your shoes at the door.
• Reduce dust and dirt on your floors.
  • Vacuum at least twice a week using a HEPA filter, and/or mop floors.
  • Replace wall-to-wall carpeting with washable area rugs.

Breathe Clean Air

• Make your home a no-smoking zone.
• Ventilate your home often: Open your windows to let polluted air out and let clean air in.
• Check the air in your home:Test for radon and install carbon monoxide and smoke detectors.

Keep Humidity Low in Your Home

• Repair leaky plumbing and seal cracks in basement floors and walls.
• Open a window or turn on the exhaust fan when showering.
• Place dehumidifiers or air conditioners in damp rooms. Clean and/or replace filters regularly.
•  Maintain the humidity level between 30-60%, using a moisture detector (hygrometer).

Freshen Rooms Naturally

• Clear pollutants from the air with potted plants and cut flowers.
• Sprinkle baking soda on your carpet to absorb odors before vacuuming.
• Use natural herbs and essential oils instead of scented candles or air fresheners.

Avoid Products with Strong Fumes and Toxic Ingredients

• Avoid all pesticides and chemical fertilizers in and around your home.
• Use non-toxic, mild, or least-toxic household cleaners.
• Stop using aerosol sprays, which can pollute the air with toxic solvents.
• Limit exposure to formaldehyde and other VOCs (volatile organic compounds).
  • Ventilate, especially when you renovate.
  • Use low or no-VOC paints and sealants.
  • Avoid buying urea-formaldehyde (UF) pressed wood products (subfloors, doors, cabinets, etc.)
  • Wash new clothing, bedding and draperies twice prior to use.
  • Avoid permanent press fabrics and stain repellant sprays.
  • Hang dry-cleaned clothes outside or in a well-ventilated area before bringing them inside.

Limit Indoor Burning of Fuel and Wood

• Burn only hardwoods, not pine or pressed wood logs. Do not burn printed paper or particleboard.
• Clean the flue and chimney annually.
• Buy/use wood stoves certified after 1992. They emit less pollutants than older ones.
• Choose electric stove/oven over gas.
• Open a window or turn on the exhaust fan when using a gas stove.
• Avoid kerosene and gas space heaters.

Start with this List (It is not designed to be all-inclusive.)

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