home remedies - pet air purifier

Susan Gilbert: Susan Gilbert is a freelance writer living in New York. SEPT.
1987 This is a digital version of an article from The Times Print Archive, before it starts online in 1996.
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When ben olewine decided to build a house in Fairfield County, Connecticut.
He wanted to avoid using a material in his apartment in New York City that made him sick.
"My eyes are often stimulated, sneezing constantly, getting crowded and feeling sick," he recalls . "
Olewin, marketing consultant.
"A guest was ill for two weeks.
"Sir, sniff in the apartment.
Olewine traced the problem back to one of the bedrooms: "I took everything out of the room until I had only the carpet and wall cloth left.
I put my nose on the carpet without sneezing.
Then I leaned my nose against the wall and sneezed like crazy. '' Mr.
Soon Olewine learned that he was sensitive to formaldehyde in the adhesive for the wall cloth.
This serious reaction to formaldehyde, sir.
Olewine and his wife, Denise, think of other dangerous chemicals that are often found at home.
Toxic smoke from paint and wood finishes, lead in water, asbestos.
In order to keep these substances to a minimum, o'refels hired Paul Bilman-
Lettle is a Connecticut architect and contractor who designs and uses unconventional non-toxic or low
Toxic substances: formaldehyde-
Free scrap board and wallpaper glue, cork insulation and beeswax wood finish.
His original building
There are only a few people in this country.
It's about 20% more expensive than a traditional house, but it's worth it for Olewines.
'I really noticed a difference,' he said. Olewine.
"No sneezing, no nausea.
Concerns about the environment may be extreme, but this is by no means unfounded.
The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that indoor air pollutants cause as many as 6,000 people to die of cancer each year, while radon causes 20,000 deaths.
"People get hysterical when they think about hazardous waste sites," said the doctor.
John Spingler, Professor of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Harvard University.
"But research has shown that chemicals exposed to water can increase the risk of cancer, the paint remover and other solvents found in your home are at greater risk than your exposure to the same chemicals at hazardous waste sites.
These findings are not only applicable to houses with serious pollution.
"Advertising is to deal with in-
Door contaminants are a range of products and services that have emerged in recent years, designed to help homeowners and apartment residents identify, measure and remove harmful substances.
Pollution control has expanded to one billion. dollar-a-
As more companies enter the field, environmental experts warn consumers to be careful about scammers.
In most states, a list of qualified companies can be obtained from the Ministry of Environmental Protection or the Ministry of Health.
The US Senate is considering whether the federal government should protect air quality in private homes.
But for now, the decision to deal with household pollution depends on everyone.
In most cases, people can easily clean up the air and water in their homes without spending a lot of money.
If asbestos is not highly carcinogenic, it will be a magical material.
This fiber mineral is used to heat insulation walls and heating pipes, sound-proof rooms, fire-proof walls and fireplaces, strengthen vinyl flooring and seam compounds, and give a lot of paint its texture. About one-
Asbestos was found in houses and apartment buildings built or rebuilt between 1920 and 1970.
It is only when the fibers are released into the air that asbestos poses a health hazard.
But anything from pulling up the old felt to putting in the new bathroom can break or break the asbestos.
If the fibers are inhaled, they may cause lung, gastric, and thoracic cancers, or asbestosis, a normally fatal lung disease.
Tobacco and asbestos are a particularly lethal mixture.
According to the American Lung Association, prolonged exposure to asbestos doubles the likelihood that smokers will develop lung cancer.
Since the 1970s, the federal government has banned the use of asbestos in insulation materials, flame retardant materials, sound insulation materials and joint compounds, and is considering banning the use of asbestos in all consumer goods.
At the same time, 33 states passed their own laws.
New York City has the most stringent local regulations requiring owners of apartment buildings to carry out asbestos inspections before any major renovations, construction or demolition;
They also need to submit plans that contain or remove asbestos.
Commission on Consumer Product Safety (C. P. S. C)
An independent organization for economic cooperation with EuropeP. A.
I sorted out an E. P. A. -
Certified testing company
For a free copy, please write to the Bill of asbestos of the US consumer goods safety commission, Washington, D. C. C. 20207.
Depending on the size of your home, check fees range from $500 to $2,000.
If the inspection shows asbestos, do not think you have to remove it.
For example, the asbestos insulation material around the heating pipe can be accommodated by wrapping the pipe with tape. The E. P. A.
It is recommended to remove asbestos if it is in poor condition or if you plan on doing a building or renovation.
If possible, hire a licensed asbestos removal company. Although the E. P. A.
There are now 22 states that do not issue licenses, whereas only 4 three years ago did not.
New Jersey is the only state in the metropolitan area of New York with a permit program, but New York State will start the permit program in December.
Most companies charge $10 to $35 per square foot, scrape paint containing asbestos from walls, and charge $15 to $35 for linear feet that remove asbestos insulation from heating tubes.
If there is no license for asbestos removal companies in your area, please use a company with records. Many fly-by-
The night company is trying to make a profit in this booming business, E s. P. A.
Our asbestos project
These companies generally do not remove asbestos properly and do not clean it later, which may actually increase the amount of fiber in the air.
Radioactive gas radon is the second largest cause of lung cancer in the United States after smoking.
When you breathe in radon, it is trapped in your lungs and attacked by radiation. A 10-year-
Elderly people who have lived in houses with high levels of radon since birth are four times more likely to develop lung cancer than children who have not been exposed continuously.
Radon is produced by the decay of uranium in soil and rocks.
As far as scientists know, outdoor activities are not harmful to health;
It becomes a problem only when it gathers in a closed area.
Radon enters the house through cracks in drain pipes or foundation and concrete basement floors.
Since some groundwater and groundwater contain this gas, there is also this gas in tap water. The E. P. A.
It is estimated that 10% of homes in the United States are potentially contaminated with life.
Level of radon threat
Enough to cause 3 of 100 people to be exposed to lung cancer in most of their lives.
It is not uncommon to find a house full of radon, and its next house --
There is no gas in the door neighbor.
Scientists can't explain this, but they suspect it has to do with differences in ventilation and even with the direction of the house towards the prevailing winds.
In two states with unusually high levels of radon-Pennsylvania and New Jersey-people usually pay for home testing before deciding whether to buy a home.
Most companies that do radon testing offer several different types. The E. P. A.
It is recommended to start with the fastest and cheapest test.
This involves placing a small tank with charcoal in the basement, absorbing radon for a few days, and then returning it to the company for analysis.
The test cost is between $10 and $50.
The National Radiation office provides a list of e-commerce companiesP. A.
The measurement of radon has been approved.
The test results are given in a measurement called picocuries.
If the test shows more than 4 picocuries per liter of air, then EP. A.
It is recommended to check several other rooms in the house.
If these measurements exceed four picocuries on average together, you should take remedial action.
The first step most radon emission reduction companies would suggest is to seal cracks on the foundation walls and concrete basement floors, which usually costs between $300 and $500.
But according to Michael Mardis, head of the radon mitigation, protection and quality assurance department at E. P. A.
, "It's just that sealing cracks rarely reduce radon levels.
"In most cases, it is necessary to install a special ventilation system at a cost of $1,000 to $5,000.
Although these systems can eliminate up to 99% of radon in a house, Mr.
Mardis noted that their effectiveness depends on the construction of the house.
For example, only when a wall is made of a coal slag block can a ventilation system extract radon from the basement wall and discharge it outdoors.
The advertising statement the environmental or health department has listed companies that are eligible to remedy radon pollution.
Call 800 in New York state-342-3722;
In New Jersey, 800-648-
0394, in Connecticut, 203-566-8167.
Two free brochures
"Radon Reduction Method: Owner's Guide" and "citizen radon guide: what it is and how to deal with it "-
Services are also available in these offices.
It is almost impossible to avoid formaldehyde gas.
It is one of the resin used to make most plywood, plywood and wood paneling;
Foam in urea formaldehyde insulation;
Dimensions for interior decoration and curtains;
Adhesive for carpet and wallpaper;
"Permanent pressure" resin on clothes;
Bacteria killer in toothpaste
And the ink in the US dollar bill that pays all of these fees.
Formaldehyde has been used in construction and manufacturing for more than 100 years, but until the last decade, research in laboratory animals linked the gas to nasal cancer.
Formaldehyde smoke can also cause chronic respiratory disease, dizziness, rash, lethargy and nausea.
Materials containing formaldehyde release the highest level of gas at a new time, but they continue to release steam for many years.
New houses and mobile houses have the highest formaldehyde content
In some cases, long enough
According to a report released by the Department of Energy this summer, the word health problem. The 3-
M Corporation is the only device that people can use to measure formaldehyde levels in their homes.
The device is a tank with filter paper and reacts with formaldehyde after chemical treatment.
Cans should be left in any room for eight hours and then mailed to 3-M for analysis.
The company will tell you if the formaldehyde content in the room exceeds the federal government's restrictions on workplace safety.
Jar for $49.
95, can be from 3-M Monitors, A. F. S. , P. O.
Box 10752 Minn White Bear Lake. 55110 (612-426-0691).
The best way to minimize formaldehyde at home is to avoid buying products that contain gas.
Looking for low-
Formaldehyde or formaldehyde
Free boards and adhesives have appeared on the market in recent years.
There are two simple strategies to reduce the number of forms.
Hyde's in your house.
One is to apply the epoxy resin sealant to the scrap board, cardboard and plywood to prevent the materials from emitting gas.
The other is the plant that buys some houses.
NASA research shows that the leaves of flowers, spiders and other common plants absorb formaldehyde.
According to the doctor
Bill Wolverton, a senior research scientist at NASA, said, "about 15 to 20 plants should be completely cleared by 1,800-square-foot house.
Last year, 2% of the country's community water supply posed a huge threat to human health, according to EU data. P. A. One-
The quarter violated the agency's regulations to maintain the quality of drinking water.
Environmental protection groups are accusing these regulations of not being strict. the E. P. A.
Although the 1986 amendment to the Safe Drinking Water Act requires a standard of 83, only 30 contaminants are set.
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It is estimated that 38 million of Americans drink water containing unsafe levels of lead, which can lead to high blood pressure in adults, learning disabilities in children, fetal nerve damage and miscarriage.
The agency proposed reducing the amount of lead allowed in drinking water by half, but that alone would be of little help in solving the problem.
Most lead enters the water through pipes in your town or even your home, but federal law requires water to be tested only in reservoirs, water towers and other places where it is stored.
There are also some carcinogens in many of the country's drinking water.
"The carcinogens we are most concerned about are by-products of radon and chlorine, which is used to disinfect water," said Lawrence Jensen. P. A.
Assistant administrator in charge of water
Despite the presence of carcinogens, studies have shown that most tap water is relatively safe.
According to a study published this year in the journal Science, a quart of chlorine tap water is less carcinogenic than a raw mushroom.
Many local water suppliers test contaminants in tap water, sometimes free of charge.
And commercial water --
Test Lab
One of the biggest is WaterTest, which offers a home test suite and laboratory analysis for $29.
Used to measure the amount of bacteria to $104.
95 for the detection of carcinogens.
Contact water testing companyO.
Box 6360, ManchesterH. 03108-6360 (800-426-8378).
If you have any questions about your water, call E. P. A. 's toll-free number (800-426-4791).
To reduce the lead content of your water, E. P. A.
It is recommended to run the cold water of Each faucet for about two minutes every morning to flush out the water sitting in the pipe all night and accumulate lead.
WaterTest thinks it's a waste of time and water.
"Sometimes lead content actually goes up," said Jeff Vaughan, corporate public relations manager . ".
Many of the agency's other proposals are less controversial.
Because hot water will bring more lead pipes, cold tap water is always used when cooking.
If you have any complaints about your drinking water, please let your water supplier know.
E. Jeanne briiskin said: "Water companies can reduce lead content by more than half by treating water to reduce its corrosion . "P. A. chemist.
Through the purifiers provided by hardware stores and retailers specializing in water treatment equipment, a large amount of lead and many other contaminants can be removed from tap water.
There are three kinds of purifiers.
The reverse osmosis unit and distillation unit remove lead and other metals as well as microorganisms, and the activated carbon filter absorbs chlorine by-products and radon.
Since all purifiers do not affect all contaminants, you should test your water so that you can choose the most suitable purifier.
The best purifier can handle all the water in your home.
They cost between $500 and $1,500, and maintenance costs can be as high as $100 a year.
The price of individual taps is lower.
The National Health Foundation is an independent research organization that lists the most effective purifiers.
For a copy of the list, please write to Nancy coolota of the foundation, 3475 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, Michigan. 48106.
Many products that clean, beautify and fumigate houses and gardens can also cause serious diseases.
Some of the same toxic chemicals emitted by factories and cars are used for paint, paint thinners, cleaners and other products.
These chemicals
Usually found higher concentration in the House than outside
It is related to cancer, respiratory diseases and nausea and dizziness.
For example, ammonia stimulates the respiratory tract, and some doctors recommend that asthma patients avoid using detergent containing ammonia.
There are about 50,000 pesticides on the market, with more pesticides on residential lawns and gardens than on farms.
Four of the most widely used chemicals2,4-
Herbicide, chlorhexine, and glyphosate-
Related to cancer and reproductive issues.
Advertising in recent years, no pesticide has caused more public anger than the most widely used termite chlordane
Kill chemicals in this country.
Studies have shown that chlordane is associated with cancer, neurological disease, and miscarriage.
This summer, the only manufacturer of chlordane took it from the market and a similar chemical, seven chlorine, although the exterminators could continue to use supplies stored in their warehouses. The E. P. A.
It is estimated that three of the 1,000 people who come into contact with chlordane or seven chlorine at home are likely to develop cancer, but believe that this health risk is not sufficient to guarantee a ban on the use of pesticides.
New York and Minnesota do not agree and prohibit the use of chlordane and chlorhexin;
Chlordane has been banned in Massachusetts.
The best way to minimize exposure to toxic household chemicals is to use safer alternativeswater-
Base paint without petrochemical products, beeswax floor cleaner and wax, paint thinners made of vegetable oil and a class of three kills that do not cause cancer.
Many hardware stores have other non-toxic pesticides.
If you have any questions about pesticides, please write to the National Coalition Against Pesticide abuse, 530 Seventh Avenue, USAE. Washington, D. C. C. 20003.
Make sure you have enough ventilation whenever you use paint, paint thinner or cleaner-
From the open window or the exhaust fan.
Store old cans of paint and paint thinners in an outdoor shed or detached garage.
Throw the jar away if you don't have an outdoor storage area.
"If you store them in the basement and find the jars empty six months later," said the doctor.
John Spingler of Harvard University, "Think about where the steam is going.
Any device that burns a gas to burn a fuel will emit combustion by-products such as carbon dioxide.
If these gases accumulate in your house, they can cause chronic bronchitis, headaches, dizziness, nausea and fatigue.
All local building codes require gas stoves to install pipes in order to discharge exhaust gas outdoors, but many do not include other gas appliances.
"The local building ventilation code is designed to achieve the minimum level of comfort," said the doctor.
"Not safe.
"Gas appliances that do not work properly produce excessive carbon dioxide. And wood-
Nature-burning stoves emit smoke containing carcinogenic hydrocarbons.
"It's like a car driving in the middle of your living room," the doctor said . "
Robert McClellan, director of environmental and occupational health at the Institute for Human Development in New Haven Gesell.
He explained that wood stoves emit more smoke indoors than fireplaces because they burn wood more slowly.
He said: "You can reduce the indoor pollution caused by the wood stove by opening the wind door, so that the wood stove can burn faster.
"The first step in reducing the smoke emitted by gas equipment is to serve them on a regular basis.
The furnace should be inspected in autumn to clean up the chimney debris.
The Gas Research Institute recommends that you regularly check your gas range by checking the indicator light and the flame of the burner.
It should be blue.
If they are yellow, the range will release too much carbon dioxide.
He said that the advertisement "I suggest that everyone with a gas stove buy a hood and pass the gas outside . "
McClellan recently started a company to check House pollution.
"Most Hood fans with a range do nothing but filter grease and recycle contaminated air.
The outdoor ventilation system for the gas stove costs between $200 and $800 depending on how far the appliance is from the exterior wall.
Anyone in the market with a new series should consider an electric series, or a series that runs on gas but is ignited by sparks.
According to the Gas Research Institute, spark ignition reduces fuel consumption
Amount of combustion gas releasedby one-third. Dr.
McClellan has a final warning to the gas stove: "It seems too obvious to mention, but don't heat your house with an oven.
You can suffocate yourself with carbon dioxide.
One out of every six amers.
Pelicans are allergic to something, and all the allergens that make you sneeze and itch outdoors find their way indoors.
"You have pollen in your clothes or hair," the doctor said . "McLellan.
"When you open the window, it will explode indoors.
There are dozens of air.
Cleaning equipment on the market, some of which do a good job in filtering pollen as well as dust, smoke and animal fur.
Despite the model design, it is very useful to sit on the table or the table is too small, and larger units can eliminate particles up to 75% at 120-square-
It takes only half an hour to get to the walking room.
Prices range from $100 to $450.
The best air purifier uses a fan to breathe in dirty air and circulate clean air.
A type called an electric dust collector contains an electrode that carries positive electricity to the particle.
Then the particles are attracted by a flat plate with negative electricity.
The working principle of negative ion generator is similar.
Another air purifier uses so-called high-
An efficient particle filter made of fine mesh for capturing particles in the air.
Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (A. H. A. M. )
A trade organization rated several air purifiers.
For the rating list, send a self
Envelope with address for. H. A. M.
Room 20, North Wacker Avenue, Chicago air purifier project. 60606.
There is no air purifier to clean your house instead.
But even if you clean the dust and mop every day, the allergies inevitably gather in the humidifier, dehumidifier and air --conditioners.
These devices inevitably blow allergens back to you.
Therefore, it is important to clean the humidifier and drain dehumidifier and air once a week
Every spring, air-conditioning equipment should be repaired and filters cleaned.
If you have an allergic reaction to your dog or cat but are reluctant to give it away, doctor
McClellan advised that pets should not be placed in the bedroom, and that people who are not allergic should brush their teeth outdoors
Once a week throughout the summer and less time remaining.
However, allergic patients without dogs or cats should not be looking for trouble.
"I used to suggest these people raise turtles until I found them carrying salmonella," he said . "McLellan.
"Now I recommend goldfish.
"On Sunday, the version of the article, the final version of the late city, will be printed on page 6006026 of the National edition on September 27, 1987, with the title: home remedies.