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Healthy Houses = Healthy Happier Families
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Information here to help you develop, maintain and sustain a healthy indoor environment in your home once your construction endeavors are complete.
For a comprehensive look at the health of the whole house visit the Healthy Building Network . The Healthy Building Network (HBN) is a national network of green building professionals, environmental and health activists, socially responsible investment advocates and others who are interested in promoting healthier building materials as a means of improving public health and preserving the global environment.
For information on the current quality of the outdoor air in Puget Sound contact Puget Sound Clean Air Agency (206)343-8800, (800) 552-3565 Information and answers to questions under the topic headings: Indoor fires cause health problems, Winter weather inversions = unhealthy air, Burn bans protect public health. There is a wealth of valuable information at this website.
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Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)
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Washington Toxics Coalition
Washington Toxics Coalition protects public health and the environment by eliminating toxic pollution. WTC promotes alternatives, advocates policies, empowers communities, and educates people to create a healthy environment.
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American Lung Association of Washington
The mission of the American Lung Association® in Washington is to save lives by preventing lung disease and improving lung health for the people of Washington state through research, education, community service and advocacy.
Home Health Assessment - Free!
Trained Master Home Environmentalist © (MHE) volunteers use a Home Environmental Assessment List (HEALTM ) to help identify health hazards in your home. You and the volunteer walk through your home identifing different problem areas. There may be things you can see, like mold and mildew, and there may be things you cannot see that the volunteer can help you identify. The two of you then develop an action plan and prioritize steps you can take to create a healthier home environment, with an emphasis on low- and/or no-cost solutions. No testing or cleaning is done by the MHE volunteer. Schedule a visit today,
contact the American Lung Association® in Washington at (206) 441-5100.
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An Introduction to Indoor Air Quality
The EPA says indoor pollution sources that release gases or particles into the air are the primary cause of indoor air quality problems in homes. Inadequate ventilation can increase indoor pollutant levels by not bringing in enough outdoor air to dilute emissions from indoor sources and by not carrying indoor air pollutants out of the home.
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Should You Have the Air Ducts in Your Home Cleaned?
Read what the EPA says about this topic. Duct cleaning generally refers to the cleaning of various heating and cooling system components of forced air systems, including the supply and return air ducts and registers, grilles and diffusers, heat exchangers heating and cooling coils, condensate drain pans (drip pans), fan motor and fan housing, and the air handling unit housing.
Mold & Mildew (the wet spot no one wants)
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Mold Resources from the EPA
The key to mold control is moisture control. It is important to dry water damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth. If mold is a problem in your home, clean up the mold and get rid of the excess water or moisture.
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Washington State Dept. of Health
Got Mold? Frequently asked questions about mold and the answers from the Washington State Department of Health.
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Center for Disease Control and Prevention
Molds are fungi that can be found both indoors and outdoors. No one knows how many species of fungi exist but estimates range from tens of thousands to perhaps three hundred thousand or more. Molds grow best in warm, damp, and humid conditions, and spread and reproduce by making spores.
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Tips from the National Association of Homebuilders
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) has prepared consumer information to help you understand what mold is, how it can grow in your home, the routine maintenance procedures you can follow to prevent mold problems, and methods of removing mold already in your home.
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FreeFromMold.org
The Engineered Wood Association launched the FreeFromMold.org program in August 2004 to provide an annual inspection and moisture prevention regimen for homeowners. FreeFromMold.org gives you the tools you need to determine places around your house in need of inspection for typical moisture intrusion problems and offers simple steps to fix these problems. Routine home maintenance can prevent most of the moisture damage found in houses today.
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Getting Rid of Mold for Good
PATHnet is the central information source for the Partnership for Advancing Technology in Housing (PATH), a program supported by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. PATHnet offers a wealth of tools and information to help you to integrate advanced housing technologies into your project.
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Controlling Moisture in Your Home
Puget Sound Energy brochure in .pdf form. 15 pages. If you can control the moisture in your home you will control the mold in your home.
Asbestos
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Information & Links from the Natural Handyman
This site says: "Asbestos is inescapable. It is in our homes, our schools, in the water and soil. You breathe it, drink it, and eat it every day. It is feared, and rightly so... it has dangerous properties. But fear must be molded into respect... asbestos is not Armageddon. Knowledge, as always, is your sharpest sword... ignorance, your biggest danger."
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Mesothelioma Asbestos Cancer Information for Patients and their Families
The Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer website provides mesothelioma asbestos lung cancer patients, their families and friends with up-to-date information about asbestos, lung cancer, and mesothelioma cancer. You can reach this organization at 1-800-362-1479
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Information and Links from Puget Sound Clean Air Agency
Answers and information addressing: What is asbestos? Why is it a problem? How do I know if it's asbestos? It's asbestos: What do I do now? What help can the Clean Air Agency provide? Demolition Information
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U S Environmental Protection Agency
EPA provides various paths for the public to access information about asbestos. On this website, you may access general information about asbestos and its health effects. EPA has also developed a list of commonly used Asbestos acronyms. You may also read about what to do if you suspect asbestos in your home or your school. If you are in the automotive repair industry, you may want to read EPA's questions and answers about asbestos in brakes.
If you wish to obtain more information on asbestos, EPA maintains a listing of asbestos resources available to the public. If you would like to locate an asbestos contact, EPA maintains a listing of federal asbestos contacts. If you would like to learn more about the laws and regulations that govern asbestos, EPA maintains a listing of the laws and regulations applicable to asbestos.
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Seattle/King County Public Helth
Asbestos fact sheet and links to more.
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