Your healthy home

Children love their stuffed toys. They can become very attached to them, carrying their furry friends wherever they go. Other sources of dust in the bedroom include carpeting and the underpad beneath it, drapes, soft furniture, and stored items.

• Minimize the number of stuffed toys, and only buy them if they are machine washable in hot water (55-60°C) and they can be put in the dryer.
• Make sure the humidity level is below 50%, to reduce the growth of dust mites and moulds. Use a hygrometer to measure humidity levels.
• Store stuffed animals inside a trunk or other storage case when not used to limit exposure to dust and dust mites.
• If possible, remove all carpeting from the bedroom. Carpeting is a reservoir for dust, dust mites, chemicals and moulds, plus new carpeting can give off chemicals.
• Replace drapes with blinds or shades as they are easier to clean.
• Only keep items in the bedroom that are needed. We spend many hours a day in the bedroom, so breathing clean air here is important.

Are you allergic to cats or dogs? If so, you should find a new loving home for your pet. Until you are able to do so, keep the pet out of the bedroom. Although there are steps you can take to reduce exposure to pet allergens, if you are allergic to a pet, it is best not have it in your home.

• Other steps include:
  • Wash and groom your pet frequently to limit pet dander and other allergens.
  • Keep your pet off furniture and out of bedrooms.
  • Vacuum carpets and soft furniture, and wipe floors regularly (at least once a week) to reduce pet allergens.
  • Sprinkle baking soda in the litter box to prevent odours from spreading.
  • Teach pet-allergic family members to limit touching the pet, and to wash their hands right after interacting with it.
  • Find a new home for your pet if a family member is very allergic.
  • If you cannot find your pet a new home:
    • Keep the pet out of the bedrooms.
    • Bathe the pet frequently.
    • Limit exposure to the pet.
    • Remove all carpeting.
    • Vacuum regularly.

Do you use an air cleaner in your child's bedroom? There are numerous air cleaning devices available in Canada, many that have unproven health claims. Check the need for this device before purchasing one. If necessary, be sure to choose a proper air cleaner and change the filters as recommended in order to maximize its effect.

• Before buying an air cleaner, look for the source of the problem causing the issue. Removing the source of the problem is more effective than using an air cleaner to improve indoor air quality. For example:
• If you find mould, clean it up and try to find the cause and fix it. If you have old carpeting, replace it with smooth flooring.
• In addition, you can look at ensuring there is enough ventilationmoving through the home, which will help improve indoor air quality. 
• If you are still having air quality issues after trying to address the source of the problem and increasing ventilation, you may wish to buy an air cleaner. Just keep in mind that although air cleaners can remove pollutants from the air, there is no strong proof that they will improve your health.
• Determine the appropriate size of the air cleaner based on the size of your room and maintain the unit according to the manufacturer's instructions. If possible, choose a device with a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter since it traps the very small particles that are of most concern.
• Look for higher Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) and Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) numbers on packaging. The higher the number, the more effective the device will be in cleaning the air.
• Avoid buying devices that intentionally produce ozone, since breathing in ozone can cause lung irritation and discomfort. Also, there is no scientific evidence supporting the claim that ionizing air cleaners improve health.

Second hand smoke can cause cancer and heart disease, as well as worsen existing lung and heart conditions. Each year, second hand smoke causes thousands of deaths across Canada. 
Children who breathe in second hand smoke may suffer from more colds, ear infections and breathing problems than children who live in smoke-free homes. Second hand smoke is also known to affect the severity of asthma symptoms.

• If someone in your household smokes, make sure they smoke outside every time until they are able to quit. This will greatly reduce the amount of smoke that everyone in the home is exposed to.
• Since smoke in a closed-in space such as a family car greatly increases the concentration of the harmful chemicals, keep your vehicles free of smoke as well.

Furniture made of veneers that cover pressed wood products (particleboard, fibreboard) can give off volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

• Choose low-VOC products for your home. Ventilate your home regularly, especially with new furniture, or during and after painting.
• Although VOC levels will drop significantly just weeks after paint dries, the VOCs from pressed wood products can last longer. It may help to seal exposed surfaces of particleboard or fibreboard.
• If possible, consider purchasing furniture made of solid wood.

If you see condensation and moisture on your bathroom window, mirror, or shower stall regularly, it is time to take action to prevent mould and mildew growth from occurring.

• Use a bathroom exhaust fan or open a window when bathing or showering to remove moisture. Leave the fan running or window open for at least 15 minutes after use. If possible, install a timer that will shut off the fan automatically after a certain amount of time.
• The best fans are "blower fans" (which look like hamster wheels) because they move more air than "impeller fans" (which look more like airplane propellers).
• Clean up any visible mould or mildew found in the bathtub or shower stall, or in and around the toilet tank and surrounding pipes as soon as you see any. Be sure to check for mould growing in between tiles by the bathtub or shower stall. Use unscented detergent or baking soda and water mixed together to remove bathtub or shower mould.
• If you find mould on your shower curtain, put it in the washing machine with vinegar or replace it with a new curtain.

Although there is not generally much of a health risk from most personal care products, they can affect some people. When personal care products are used in an enclosed space such as a bathroom, they can remain in the air afterwards and other occupants in the home can breathe in the remaining chemicals causing potential health problems.

• Use non-toxic products if possible.
• When applying or using any products, be sure to turn on the bathroom fan or open a window to limit any odours from drifting throughout the home.
• Some individuals may be allergic or sensitive to fragrances and ingredients. If a certain product causes symptoms (e.g. cough, shortness of breath, chest tightness, wheeze, dizziness, nausea, an allergic reaction, or eye, skin, or throat irritation), stop using the product immediately. If it is an airborne product, get some fresh air by going outside or away from the bathroom for awhile. If it is applied to your body, clean it off with mild soap and rinse well. If needed, get medical help.

See Health Canada's Consumer Product Advisories, Warnings and Recalls

Consumers can become overwhelmed by the number of household cleaning products available on the market. Many products contain toxic ingredients which can cause health problems when used.

• Cleaning products should be used with adequate ventilation by having the bathroom window open and exhaust fan running during and for a time after cleaning is finished.
• If a certain product causes respiratory symptoms (e.g. cough, shortness of breath, chest tightness, wheeze, dizziness, nausea, an allergic reaction, or eye, skin, or throat irritation), stop using the product immediately. Get some fresh air by going outside or away from the bathroom for a while.
• Make your own non-toxic cleaners. Mix three parts baking soda with one part water to create a paste which can be applied to clean surface stains found in the bathroom (bathtubs, sinks and toilets).
• Vinegar is an effective cleaning product. Pour vinegar into the toilet and let stand overnight and flush in the morning. When combined with baking soda, it keeps your drains clean. Also, you can use vinegar to clean the grout between bathroom tiles. If you or a family member is sensitive to vinegar fumes, avoid using vinegar for this purpose.
• Use a microfiber cloth and water for simple cleaning of surface materials such as bathroom countertops and mirrors.

Do you use air fresheners in the form of plug-ins, sticks, or sprays to mask odours in your bathroom? Air fresheners are advertised widely across Canada as the best solution to eliminate unpleasant odours. These are products that are made to prevent offending smells from being noticed by people. In fact, air fresheners only add to the various substances found in the home's air and should not be used to remove odours.

• If your bathroom has a lingering odour, find and remove the source of the odour (e.g. wet carpet, mouldy shower curtain).
• To freshen the air in your bathroom, try a natural alternative by using a potpourri of cloves, cinnamon, and anise seeds.
• Open the window or use the bathroom fan to help reduce any odours.

Do you know if your bathroom exhaust fan is working properly? You can find out through a simple test that can determine the amount of airflow coming from the fan.

• The test used to measure airflow going out of an exhaust fan is called the "Garbage Bag Airflow Test". This requires taping the opening of a garbage bag to a sturdy item such as a bent coat hanger or pieces of cardboard made into a ring to keep the bag open, placing the bag over the fan, and counting how many seconds it takes for the bag to expand fully.

Have you taken steps to reduce dust in your bedroom? Carpets, drapes and bedding can all collect dust and dust mites, triggering allergies and breathing problems in many people. Since we spend a significant amount of time in our bedroom, it is important to keep it a healthy place.

• Use an effective vacuum such as a central vacuum system or one with a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter built in to limit dust from being blown back out. Vacuum the bedroom regularly, at least once a week.
• Cloth drapes can collect dust and dust mites. Either replace them with blinds or shades, or vacuum or wash them periodically.
• Bedding such as sheets, pillowcases, blankets and duvet covers, bed skirts, pillows, and mattresses collect dust and dust mites. Wash bedding in hot water at least once a week to kill dust mites.
• If possible, wash your pillows regularly (check tags for washing instructions) and try to replace pillows every year to limit dust mites.
• Vacuum your mattresses regularly to reduce dust.
• Minimize objects that collect dust, such as stuffed toys.
• Since dust mites love a humid environment, keep the humidity below 50% (humidity can be measured with a hygrometer, an inexpensive device available at hardware stores or electronics stores).
• If you are allergic to dust mites, encase mattresses and pillows in dust mite resistant covers, available at specialty home health stores, some department stores and online.

A master bedroom closet often contains clothes, linens, and bedding, along with other various items. A crowded closet can be a source of dust, mould and odours, and is harder to clean. It is important to keep it well organized and cleaned regularly (monthly if possible).

• Clean out your closet occasionally to reduce clutter.
• Vacuum and dust closet regularly.
• Do not put mothballs or air fresheners in a closet, especially since it is a closed environment where irritants may build up to high levels.
• Do not place clothes that have been recently dry-cleaned immediately inside a closet. Remove clothes from the dry-cleaning bags and let them air out, ideally away from the living areas of the home for a few days, such as in a clean, dry garage. Many dry cleaners use harsh chemicals when washing clothing so it is important to let these chemicals evaporate as much as possible before wearing dry-cleaned clothes.

Do you have at least one carbon monoxide detector installed in your home? Carbon monoxide (CO) can come from leaky furnaces and exhaust pipes, fireplaces not ventilated properly and when embers are still burning, or car exhaust coming from a garage. This colourless, odourless gas is produced when fuel is burned. It can seriously affect your family's health, or cause loss of consciousness and even death.

• A CO detector should be installed on each floor of the home near the sleeping area if possible, such as a hallway.
• If there is a fireplace in the living room, place a CO detector there to detect any dangerous levels of CO. The purpose of the CO detector is to alert family members before the CO level affects your ability to function properly.
• If your CO detector sounds an alarm, treat it as a serious event. Evacuate everyone and all pets and call 911 if anyone has any flu-like symptoms such as a headache, weakness, dizziness, nausea or confusion.
• Choose a detector that alerts you to both low levels of CO over a longer time as well as short-term high levels. However, they can be more expensive.
• CO detectors should meet Canadian Standards Association (CSA) requirements (look for the logo on the package).
• Replace the batteries and test your alarm regularly.
• Replace your CO detector as per manufacturer's instructions. Generally, devices should be replaced at least every five years.
• Do not burn charcoal indoors, operate gas-powered engines in garages or basements, or leave your car or mower running in a closed garage.
• Ensure the door leading from the garage into the home is sealed well and kept fully closed when not in use to prevent pollutants from entering the home.
• Have your appliances, heating system, vents, chimney, and flue inspected by a qualified contractor each year.

There are thousands of fragrances/scented products available on the market. Chemicals used to add scents to products can cause serious health problems for some people, especially for people with lung diseases such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Being near a scented product can make some people sick. Scents are found in deodorants, hairsprays, shampoos, lotions, cleaners, detergents, cosmetics, candles, and more.

• Whenever possible, purchase products that do not contain scents
• If you use perfume and other fragrances, apply sparingly. Apply them away from other family members in a well-ventilated area.
• Store perfume and other fragrances in a sealed container to prevent scents from escaping.
• Wash and store clothes that carry perfume odours separate from clothes of family members who are affected by scents.
• If someone can smell your perfume more than an arm's length away, you should decrease the amount of perfume you wear to prevent it from affecting sensitive individuals.

Visit Health Canada's Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist for a list of restricted or banned ingredients.

Do you have soft furniture such as an armchair or sofa in your bedroom? Soft or stuffed furniture can collect dust mites, pet dander, mould, and odours over a long period of time. Leather or vinyl-covered furniture will trap fewer particles. Wood furniture, although not as comfortable, will attract even less dust.

• Vacuum soft furniture regularly. Have any slipcovers cleaned regularly.
• Furniture made of veneers and particleboard or fibreboard give off chemicals (called off-gassing). The amount of off-gassing tends to decrease over time. Ventilate your home regularly, especially with new furniture.
• Consider purchasing furniture made of solid wood or upholstered in leather or vinyl, since they are less likely to harbour dust mites.
• Any mouldy furniture should be removed and the moisture problem fixed.

Many Canadian homes have fireplaces for ambience and extra warmth. Some homes burn wood as the main source of heat. Wood burning indoors can produce high levels of dangerous particles and gases that can be easily inhaled into the lungs. Be sure to "burn smart" if you use a fireplace.

• Inspect your chimneys and flues annually for corrosion, blockages, and cracks that could let dangerous gases (e.g. carbon monoxide) enter your home.
• When using your fireplace, open a window a little bit to ensure a good supply of fresh air into your home.
• Do not burn plastics, newspapers, magazines, painted wood, or cardboard as they can all release dangerous chemicals into your home's air.
• Make sure wood is stored outdoors, dried, kept off the ground, and loosely covered.
• When installing a fireplace, be sure that it is installed by a certified contractor who will ensure proper installation and safety. Check to see if they are a Wood Energy Technical Training (WETT) certified member.
• Poorly maintained and inefficient fireplaces can lead to difficulty breathing, coughing, irritation of the lungs, and asthma attacks in sensitive individuals.
• Ensure your wood burning appliances are being used properly and not causing breathing problems or making air unpleasant for your neighbours.

Dust is a combination of both biological and chemical substances that can make breathing difficult for people with allergies and asthma. Although dust is found everywhere, it can be controlled, both at the source and through regular cleaning.

• Vacuum using a central vacuum system or one with a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter at least once a week.
• Where possible, replace carpeting with smooth flooring.
• Regularly clean items with damp cloths that collect dust and dirt. Common dust collectors include: television and television stand, electronic equipment, coffee table, bookcase or shelving unit, paintings hung from the wall, lamps and lampshades, and blinds.
• Regularly vacuum soft furniture such as sofas and cushions to remove food crumbs, pet dander and dust mites. If possible, vacuum or wash curtains.
• One part lemon juice with two parts vegetable oil makes a safe furniture and floor polish.
• Regularly replace furnace filters and vacuum your heating vents.

Are you allergic to pollen or moulds or affected on smoggy days? Although opening windows is often helpful to ventilate the home, sometimes it can also allow high levels of allergens and pollution into your home.

• If you are allergic to pollen or mould or affected by outdoor pollution levels, monitor forecasts through your local weather channel or online at www.weather.ca
• When pollen, mould, or pollution levels are high, it may be more important to keep your windows closed than to ventilate your home.
• Pollen levels tend to be higher in the morning, whereas air pollution levels tend to build up to higher levels in the late afternoon.
• Pollen levels are higher on warm, sunny, windy days.
• Smog alerts often occur on hot sunny days.
• Although pollen levels drop on rainy days, wet weather can lead to increased outdoor moulds.
• Air conditioning can be helpful to reduce your exposure to pollen and air pollution on hot days, as well as reduce your indoor humidity.

Carpets may be a source of air pollution in your home as they emit a variety of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde, benzene, and styrene. Sources of pollutants include: a new carpet, the underpad, and any adhesives used for installation. Biological irritants commonly found in carpets include bacteria, dust, dust mites, pet dander and moulds.

• If possible, limit or remove all carpeting in your home.
• Ask your retailer for low emission carpet and padding.
• Do not let babies or toddlers crawl on a brand new carpet since they can breathe in large amounts of chemicals. Air out the carpet and ventilate the home for several days or weeks before allowing children to play on it.
• When getting rid of an old carpet, vacuum it before removal to limit the amount of particles released into the air.
• When new carpet is being installed, open windows in your home and turn on exhaust fans and the central ventilation system to provide as much fresh air as possible. Try to stay away from your home during installation. 
• Vacuum carpets regularly with a central vacuum system or one with a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter.
• Use a low odour carpet cleaner that has no caution or toxic symbol. Make sure the carpet dries fully after wet cleaning.
• To remove odours, sprinkle baking soda onto carpet, let stand for 15 minutes or more, and vacuum afterwards.
• Clean spills promptly and thoroughly. If your carpet is water damaged and mouldy, it should be removed and thrown away.
• Do not wear shoes inside the home as they track in dirt and other potentially harmful items from the outdoors and can become trapped within your carpet.

Are you allergic to cats or dogs? If so, you should find a new loving home for your pet. Until you are able to do so, keep the pet out of the bedroom. Although there are steps you can take to reduce exposure to pet allergens, if you are allergic to a pet, it is best not have it in your home.

• Other steps include:
  • Wash and groom your pet frequently to limit pet dander and other allergens.
  • Keep your pet off furniture and out of bedrooms.
  • Vacuum carpets and soft furniture, and wipe floors regularly (at least once a week) to reduce pet allergens.
  • Sprinkle baking soda in the litter box to prevent odours from spreading.
  • Teach pet-allergic family members to limit touching the pet, and to wash their hands right after interacting with it.
  • Find a new home for your pet if a family member is very allergic.
  • If you cannot find your pet a new home:
    • Keep the pet out of the bedrooms.
    • Bathe the pet frequently.
    • Limit exposure to the pet.
    • Remove all carpeting.
    • Vacuum regularly.

Your gas stove top or oven is usually one of the most important appliances in the home. These can release dangerous gases such as carbon monoxide and particles into the air, putting your health at risk. Since many pollutants are invisible and have no scent, you may not be able to detect them. Take the necessary steps to ensure these appliances are maintained and used properly.

• Have your gas appliances inspected annually.
• If you suspect a problem, have your appliances serviced immediately.
• When cooking, use a hood exhaust fan that is vented outdoors. The best fans are "blower fans" (which look like hamster wheels) because they move more air than "impeller fans" (which look more like airplane propellers).
• Never use your gas stove or oven to heat your home.
• Some individuals may not be able to tolerate the emissions from a gas stove, so an electric stove may be the best option and also provides peace of mind about leaking gases.

Do you see mould (black, white, or other coloured spots) on the ceiling, walls, windows, grouting, or underneath the sink? Moisture can easily build up in the kitchen from cooking, baking, dish washing and plumbing leaks. Damp areas including the kitchen provide the right environment for mould to grow. Look for moisture problems and fix them as soon as possible. Signs of moisture include: condensation found on inside windows, rotting window sills, damp cupboards, peeling paint or wallpaper or mould spots growing around kitchen walls or underneath the sink.

• Keep all surfaces (counters, window sills, cupboards, and underneath the sink) clean and dry.
• Use a vented exhaust fan over the stove and open a window when cooking.
• Don't let liquids and food simmer uncovered for too long—it's an easy way for moisture to accumulate.
• Remove visible mould with a solution of unscented dish detergent or baking soda and water.
• Use a non-toxic cleaning alternative: one part vinegar to one part water. Check with sensitive family members for their tolerance to vinegar odours (some experience irritation/discomfort due to the smell).

Most odours in the kitchen are caused by cooking and garbage. In addition to being unpleasant, these odours can attract rodents and insects. Many municipalities require the collection of kitchen compostable scraps to be separated from recycling and trash. 

• Regularly empty out your kitchen garbage, recycling, and compost.
• Sprinkle baking soda on the bottom of the garbage or compost can to limit odours. You can also sprinkle again after a new bag has been put in.
• Find a space such as a locked shed or garage to store items in between collection that does not bring unpleasant odours back into the home.

Do you have a problem with insects such as cockroaches or rodents? Pests love the kitchen as moisture, food, and garbage all attract these little visitors. They can enter a home through holes or cracks in the walls, windows, doors or floor.

• Clean up promptly after cooking and store waste in closed containers instead of bags.
• Regularly remove your kitchen garbage, recycling and compost.
• Identify cracks and other openings that act as entry points for insects and seal these areas with caulking. For rodents, stuff steel wool into the cracks where they get in (rodents can't chew through steel wool), or place traps where they enter your home.
• Use pesticide-free glue traps to catch crawling insects.
• Ensure the humidity inside your kitchen is ideal (between 30-50%) as pests such as earwigs and silverfish are attracted to humid areas. Use a hygrometer to measure humidity levels.
• Use non-toxic pest control measures.

Do you use or store potentially hazardous household products (e.g. general cleaners, air fresheners, furniture polishes and pesticides) in the kitchen? Many of these contain toxic chemicals hazardous to your health. Whenever you open a cleaning product, irritating chemicals can be released. Even closed containers can leak chemicals - you can tell this is happening if you notice odours each time you open the cupboard door where the products are stored.

• Buy non-toxic household products (e.g. cleaners), or make your own:
  • Baking soda and water can be used to clean your oven or kitchen surfaces. For the oven, mix baking soda and water together to create a mixture. Apply the mixture to your oven, wait a while, and then wipe off with a damp cloth. For cleaning surfaces, sprinkle baking soda on a damp cloth, wipe, and rinse with clean water.
  • Vinegar safely cleans your automatic coffee maker. Run white vinegar through the cycle, followed by one or two rinses with fresh water. The steam from boiling acids can be a respiratory irritant, so make sure you do this under a working exhaust fan, or open the window and temporarily leave the kitchen while this is happening.
• If you have potentially hazardous household products, use them and store them according to manufacturers' instructions (and safely away from children). If possible, store them outside the living areas of your home.

Do you run engines such as your car, motorcycle, lawnmower, or snowblower inside your garage? Even if your garage door is open, toxic gases can still enter your home, especially if you have a door from the garage to the house.

• Never run motorcycles, lawnmowers, and snow blowers in your garage, even if your garage door is open. Bring the engine outside of the garage and close the garage door before turning on the engine to limit emissions from getting back into the house.
• If you have a door in your garage that leads into the house, keep it closed at all times and never prop it open as emissions can enter the house. Also, be sure that the door is sealed properly and that there are no cracks where gases and fumes can get into the house.
• Check for any cracks or holes in the garage wall or ceiling that may bring air and other potentially harmful chemicals from the garage into the house. If you have a central vacuum system, be sure the exhaust is sealed properly.
• If possible, do not install the furnace or water heater in the garage since high levels of pollutants can build up.

Large items such as bicycles, tools, and sporting equipment are often stored here. Other items such as pesticides and other harmful chemicals may also be stored here. Take a number of precautions when storing items to prevent them from getting mouldy, damaged or having odours escape into the garage and potentially the home.

• If smaller items are stored here, use plastic bins and containers instead of cardboard boxes to prevent items and boxes from becoming destroyed in case of a flood or mould growth. Plastic bins will also be easier to clean in case of flooding or due to airborne particles.
• To reduce odours, sprinkle the bottom of storage plastic bins or inside camping equipment with baking soda.
• If chemicals such as pesticides, paint thinners, and other cleaning products are stored in the garage, be sure they are labeled and sealed properly to prevent any odours from escaping into the garage and potentially the home. Try not to leave large quantities of chemicals sitting in the garage for a long period of time and dispose of them safely in a hazardous waste disposal site.

Are there pollutants coming into your home from the garage? Make sure any entry points for pollutants to your home are sealed off, such as the door or cracks in the walls or ceiling. 

• Seal cracks or openings in any walls or ceiling that are shared with the living areas of the house. This includes where walls meet the ceiling or floors, electrical and plumbing outlets, or central vacuum systems.
• Do not leave the door from the garage to the home open.
• To prevent pollutants from building up, such as when working on an engine or using toxic materials, have the garage door open and run the garage exhaust fan if you have one. Even if the garage door is open, use the

Pests such as mice can be annoying, but they can also be sources of bacteria, skin dander, and other allergens. The best way to manage pests in the garage is to prevent them from entering in the first place.

• Make sure there are no entry points for pests into the garage.
• Keep the garage closed when you are not present.
• Remove or seal sources of food (e.g. organic waste bin) and water (e.g. leaky faucet/hose).
• Reduce clutter so there are no good places for pests to build a home.
• If pests have found their way in, have them removed. Use low-toxicity pest control products.

Is there a room in your home located beside or above the garage? Vehicles parked in your garage release carbon monoxide and other chemicals once they are started, and can still emit chemicals for a few hours after the engine is shut off. Homes with attached garages are often found to have a higher level of benzene and other airborne chemicals indoors.

• Check for any openings or leaks between the garage and the home. If any entry points are detected, seal them properly. If possible, move the room away from the garage
• You may choose to install an exhaust fan to better ventilate the garage. This will help limit the level of harmful gases from getting into the home.
• Install a carbon monoxide detector in any bedroom located adjacent to the garage. Ensure adequate ventilation is available especially in that room to prevent high levels of carbon monoxide from building up over time.

Do you smell musty, damp, or earthy odours when you enter your basement? These are signs that you may have mould in your basement. Since basements are often damp and crowded, they provide a great environment for mould to grow. The basement is an ideal location where mould can grow since it is usually the dampest area of the home and often has poor air circulation. This is especially the case if your basement has been flooded. Exposure to mould can trigger asthma symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath, as well as allergic reactions.

• Maintain an ideal humidity level in your basement (between 30-50%). To measure humidity levels, purchase a hygrometer from a hardware or electronics store.
• Use a dehumidifier in your basement if humidity levels are high. Remember to clean the bucket, coil, and fan blades regularly so it runs efficiently and does not put bacteria or mould spores back into the air.
• Limit exposure to mould by having kids play upstairs or removing the basement family room.
• Look for any mould spots that can be black, white, green, red, or other colours. Mould can grow on wood (flooring, window sills, wall frames, baseboards, cabinets underneath sinks, and furniture), ceiling tiles, wall insulation, cardboard boxes, carpet, and drapes.
• Throw away any products where mould has grown or has been damaged by water.
• If mould is found that is less than the size of a large garbage bag folded in half (one square meter), you can clean it with water and unscented dish soap. Wipe the surface with a rag or sponge and then dry quickly. Wear a mask, eye protection, rubber gloves, and a long-sleeved shirt when cleaning mould. Have sensitive individuals, children, and elderly members leave the home during the mould clean-up.
• Areas with mould found that are larger than one square meter should be cleaned by a trained professional. If mould comes back regularly, seek professional help.

Radon is a colourless, odourless gas that is produced from the natural breakdown of uranium in rocks and soil. Radon can enter a home through tiny openings in floors and foundations and build up to dangerous levels usually in the basement or on the main level. Long-term exposure to radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in Canada.

The only way to find out if your home has high radon levels is to test for it. If the radon level in a home is high it can be easily fixed at a reasonable price. Techniques to lower radon levels are effective and can save lives.

ORDER RADON TESTS AND MONITORS

Funding is available for radon mitigation for eligible applicants. Find out more.

• Test kits are available from hardware stores as well as online. Buy a long-term test kit that allows for testing for at least three months.
• Follow the instructions provided with the kit and make sure the kit is placed in an appropriate spot. Place the kit in the lowest level of your home where anyone spends at least four hours a day. Do not move the kit until the test period is over (write a reminder in your calendar indicating when the test is over). Once the test is over, mail it to the address found in the kit and wait for the results to be sent to you.
• if your reading is more than 200 Bq/m3, Health Canada recommends you take measures to reduce the radon level in your home. If your reading is 200 Bq/m3 or less, you may still wish to take measures to reduce the level of radon in your home. The lower the radon level in your home, the lower the risk to your health.
• If your radon level is between 200-600 Bq/m3, action should be taken to lower radon levels within two years. If radon levels are over 600 Bq/m3, action should be taken within a year.
• Steps to lower the radon level include Active Soil Depressurization which is the most effective radon reduction strategy done by a contractor.

For more information on radon, visit the "Take Action on Radon" website, go to the Health
Canada Radon website or read the Radon Booklet.

There are many materials used in hobbies that can affect the air quality in your home and your lung health. They include paints, glues, dust (e.g. wood dust), cleaning agents and permanent markers. Exposure to these materials can irritate the skin, eyes, and lungs, cause headaches, dizziness, and nausea, as well as loss of consciousness and even death. In certain cases, some products should be avoided altogether. 

• Read the safety information provided with all products.
• Work in a well-ventilated area when using these materials – open windows and turn on fans in the area to limit fumes. If possible, install an exhaust fan specifically to address your hobby-related fumes.
• When appropriate, wear gloves and a dust mask to limit direct exposure to certain materials.
• When possible, use less toxic materials, such as water-based glue or white glue instead of epoxy glue.
• Take frequent breaks away from the area to give your lungs a rest from the hobby materials.
• Buy only the amount of materials you need at one time. Leftover paint and glue can dry out and chemicals can leak out of the containers.
• Store leftover materials such as paint and glue safely, or dispose them properly at a local hazardous waste facility. 

Do you regularly check and maintain your furnace, water heater, or dryer in your basement? These appliances should be operating properly in order to prevent any dangerous gases and other air pollutants from leaking into your indoor air.

• The best time to check the furnace is at the beginning of the fall season when you are just turning on the heat and sealing up the home again from the cold weather.
• Change or clean your furnace filters according to the manufacturer's instructions. Some filters may need to be replaced or cleaned as often as every month while others can wait for up to three months (seasonal).
• Install a carbon monoxide (CO) detector to help protect you from harmful carbon monoxide levels.
• If you suspect a problem with your furnace, water heater, or other appliance, immediately contact a qualified service company to have it checked and repaired.
• Make sure you remove lint regularly from your clothes dryer filter. Also, inspect your vents and hoses attached to the dryer to make sure there are no blockages, leaks or loose parts that may be pushing lint and other fibers back into the indoor air.

Is your basement crowded with items such as toys, books, and sports and camping equipment? Since basements can be damp and are at a greater risk for flooding, mould growth, and pests, make sure you reduce clutter and store items properly.

• Reduce clutter in the basement to allow for proper air flow which reduces the chance of moulds forming. Donate, sell or recycle items you don't need.
• Things made of cloth or paper and items such as pillows, blankets, photos, and some musical instruments may get damaged in damp basements as they can easily pick up moisture and mould.
• Instead of storing items in cardboard boxes, which can become wet and mouldy, use plastic bins that have lids which close securely. This will also keep out pests and insects.
• When bringing an item up from storage, remove as much dust as possible in a well-ventilated area such as the outside or garage if possible.

The chimney is designed to get rid of harmful pollutants from your home which is why it should be maintained properly and regularly checked. Look for any items that may block airflow from getting in and out of the chimney, and make sure any screens are properly maintained to prevent pests from getting into your home.

• Check for obstructions such as bird nests, leaves, and pieces of brick that may be blocking pollutants from getting out of the home. If you find any items blocking the chimney, remove them if you can or ask a professional to do this. 
• If you have a screen or grate to block any pests or animals from getting into your home, make sure it is in good condition and not broken or scratched.
• Replace the screen if it is not in good condition.

Rain gutters, also known as eavestroughs and downspouts, help to remove water that has fallen onto the roof and direct it either away from the house or into a rain barrel. Improperly maintained and clogged rain gutters could lead to your home becoming flooded, with mould growth and moisture building up indoors causing lung health problems over time.

• Keep gutters clear of leaves, twigs, ice, mud, and other sediment that may build up. You may want to check the gutters each time you do yard work or experience higher than normal moisture inside your home.
• If your eavestroughs overflow even when clear of debris, replace them with larger sized eavestroughs and downspouts.
• Make sure your downspout extends at least six feet away from your basement walls and does not point towards your home or a neighbour's home. Water should drain away from the house toward the street or backyard.

Many homes have trees surrounding it that provide shade and protection from the sun and wind. We all know trees and plants help improve air quality, but there are things to keep in mind when vegetation surrounds your home.

• More trees surrounding a home can keep the home cooler during the summer. This reduces the need for air conditioning and fans, leading to less burning of fossil fuels required to generate electricity and improved air quality.
• Try to plant trees on the north side of your home to block cold winter winds. This will help keep your home warmer during the winter months, requiring less heat in your home and less fossil fuels to be burned.
• To reduce the chance of water getting into the basement, ideally there should be no plants within about 2 m (6 ft.) of the foundation of the home.
• If you use lawn and garden pesticides, be aware that they can be tracked into the home through pets, shoes, or clothing.

It is natural for a home's outer walls, doors or windows to have cracks and holes develop over time. Cracks allow moisture, radon, heat, cold, or pests to enter your home. You should have any repairs done as soon as you can to prevent anything from entering your home and causing air quality problems.

• Cracks in the outer walls allow moisture to get into your home, potentially causing mould to grow or even leading to a flood. Seal up any cracks properly once they are found. If you notice cracks re-appearing or growing larger after repair, have a qualified professional look at the foundation of the home.
• Foundation cracks can also lead to radon entering your home and accumulating to potentially high levels that can cause lung cancer over a long period of time. Seal up any cracks found indoors which will help prevent radon from entering the home.
• If you notice broken screens or holes around your doors and windows, get them repaired as soon as you can to prevent pests and rodents from getting in. If this happens, use non-toxic pest control measures. If you have rodents, stuff steel wool into the cracks until you can repair them or place traps where they enter the home. For ants, sprinkle cayenne pepper at their point of entry. Use pesticide-free glue traps to catch crawling insects.

Barbequing and sitting around the backyard fire pit are common Canadian summertime activities. It is important to use them properly to prevent any health issues from exposure to pollutants. Be a good neighbour by ensuring these devices are being used properly and not causing breathing problems and loss of enjoyment to those around you.

• Monitor your air quality and weather forecast to determine wind conditions and any air alerts that may be occurring when you're planning on using a barbeque or fire pit. Try not to do any outdoor burning on a hazy or smog day, when the air quality reading is poor, or when there is no wind as it will keep wood smoke particles close to the ground where people can inhale them. Also, do not light a fire pit during windy conditions as this can cause sparks to fly around and cause the fire to get out of control.
• Make sure your barbeque or fire pit is not located too close to the home as any drifting smoke can easily get indoors through windows or doors.
• For a barbeque on a deck, try to place the barbeque on the farthest side of the deck away from the home.
• For a fire pit, check your local municipality's bylaws before putting one in your backyard as there may be rules outlining a minimum distance the fire pit needs to be placed from any structure. This includes trees, power lines, or sheds.