Clear Your AirHazardous Materials

Most gases are sneaky health hazards-they're not only silent, many are scentless and impossible to see. That makes them very dangerous.

A number of noxious fumes can creep into our homes, but there are two gases that are of particular concern: carbon monoxide and radon, and to some extent, formaldehyde. According to Health Canada, levels of these gases should be checked regularly and caution should be taken to both prevent them from ever entering the home and accumulating.

Carbon monoxide
Problem: If it burns, it could be a source of carbon monoxide (CO). It's that simple. That means that gas stoves, furnaces, water heaters and fireplaces are all, potentially, creating CO. Car exhaust is another possible source.
Low-level exposure to CO can cause light-headedness and fatigue, but contact at higher levels can be fatal. And it's worth repeating, this gas is soundless and scentless which means your family could be exposed without anyone knowing.

Solution: The best offence is a good defence. Have a certified technician inspect your furnace and water heater every year; have your chimney cleaned and examined. Then, ensure that your gas stove is outfitted with a good vent - that means one that exhausts outside. On nice days, open windows, especially in the kitchen, to increase ventilation.

Finally, install at least two CO detectors: one in the basement, near the furnace (unless your basement is unheated, as that can damage the unit and lead to false alarms), and the other near bedrooms. CO detectors are inexpensive and there are various models. Some are battery-operated and others plug into electrical outlets. But a caution: If you choose an electrical CO detector, it's wise to pick one that has a backup battery pack (in the event of an electrical outage). Whichever detector you choose, be sure the label says it's been approved by the Canadian Standards Association and that it comes with an audible warning system (versus a merely digital one). If there is a CO problem in your house, you want to hear about it, fast.

Tip: If you use a battery-operated CO detector, be sure to change batteries regularly. Pick an anniversary, or another easily memorable date, and change the batteries on the CO detector annually on that day.

Radon
Problem: Radon: It sounds like something out of a sci-fi show, and that's not too far from the truth. In fact, radon is a radioactive gas that occurs as a natural by-product of uranium decay. Uranium is an element, found in many minerals, that has been around since the earth was formed. It's everywhere. And because it has such an incredibly long half-life, it will be in our soil for millions of years to come. That means that radon will be around forever too.

According to experts, radon is the single largest contributor to the background radiation that all mankind is exposed to daily. But we can minimize that exposure. And if we can, we should. Inhaling radon gases can damage bronchial and lung tissues, and can even lead to lung cancer.

For the most part, open air contains so little radon that it's not a big health risk. But, it can accumulate in confined spaces - such as basements. It finds its way in through dirt floors, cracks in cement and even sneaks in around loose-fitting joints and drains.

Solution: There are professionals who can make house calls to measure radon levels, but in the meantime, the best way to protect your home from this radioactive gas is to renovate or repair your basement, paying particular attention to floors. Maintain a proper seal, so that water, dirt and, yes, gas do not penetrate. Cement block is particularly porous, so ensure walls have a vapour barrier. Then, seal any cracks, particularly around drains and pipes.

Formaldehyde
Problem: It's not unusual for homes to have a little formaldehyde in the air. That's because the gas is so ubiquitous; it's found in everything from car exhaust and tobacco smoke to construction materials (particle board, hardwood, plywood panelling), and even some dishwashing soaps and fabric softener.

Short-term exposure to low levels of formaldehyde seems to have little health effect, but long-term exposure and exposure to higher levels can cause eye, nose and throat irritation, respiratory problems and even cancer.

Solution: Prevent increased exposure with proper ventilation. Open windows whenever possible, and use ceiling fans and standing fans to maximize air flow. Heat and humidity increase the amount of formaldehyde off-gassing, so in hot weather, consider a cooling device, and in humid weather use a dehumidifier. When painting or varnishing, open windows and doors and use a fan to help increase air circulation.

Tip: Look for low- or no-formaldehyde options when home renovating. If possible, let construction products air out before bringing them into the home; remove packaging and leave them outdoors for a few hours.

Caution: Urea-Formaldehyde based foam insulation (UFFI) has been banned in Canada for more than two decades, but it may still exist in older homes. If UFFI gets wet, it can decay, releasing formaldehyde. If you suspect your home may still contain UFFI, contact a qualified contractor who will be able to replace it for you.