By Donna V. Scaglione
We like to think of home as a safe haven — a protective place for retreat and relaxation. But danger can lurk. From every day cleaners containing chemicals that can make us sick to pet products containing toxins, our homes can be hazardous to our health. But there are ways of protecting ourselves and our pets from indoor air pollution and other household ills.
1. Open the windows
A lack of sufficient ventilation in your home can result in mold. Moisture condensation on the walls and windows, smelly or stuffy air, dirty central heating and air conditioning equipment, or areas where mold grows on shoes and books are signs your home is not adequately ventilated, the Environmental Protection Agency warns. Increase outdoor air ventilation by opening windows and doors, running window and attic fans when weather allows, or a window air conditioner with the vent control open.
