鲍勃Vila Radio: Indoor Air Quality

The EPA ranks poor indoor air quality as our fourth largest environmental threat. Some of the worst polluters of the air you breathe hit right where you live.

Listen toBOB VILA ON INDOOR AIR QUALITY, or read the text below:

Anything that burns—a gas stove, furnace, orfireplace—produces poisonous particles and gases. Install appliances to code, vent them properly, and check your carbon monoxide detectors frequently.

Mold, animal dander, and dust mites might be natural substances, but they can become toxic if they build up, so change your air filters and vacuum regularly.

Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, have been linked to lung disease. They off-gas from a huge range of building products like engineered lumber, adhesives, carpets, paint and upholstery. They can also come from dry-cleaned clothing, synthetic fertilizers, cleaning products, air fresheners, candles and even perfume.

What’s the best way to clear the air? Use natural products whenever you can and make sure your home is ventilated properly.

鲍勃Vila Radiois a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 60 stations around the country (and growing). You can get your daily dose here, by listening to—or reading—Bob’s 60-second home improvement radio tip of the day.

For more on indoor air quality, consider:

10 Indoor Air Pollutants
Quick Tip: Improve Your Home’s Air Quality
5 Nearly Kill-Proof Houseplants