Want Better Air at Home? Trash Your Shower Curtain Liner

Poor home air quality is nothing to sneeze at. We've long known that eliminating dust, pet dander and mold can help to improve oxygen in our homes and reduce health problems; but recent studies have found that a new generation of hazardous air pollutants might be lurking right under our noses.

Manmade chemical irritants called Volatile Organic Compounds are emitted as gasses from many common household items. According to the EPA, offenders can include cleaning products, cosmetics, air fresheners, paints, plastics and dry cleaned garments (to name a few!). Short and long term health problems can include eye, nose, and throat irritation; headaches, loss of coordination, nausea; damage to the liver, kidney, and central nervous system.

While all of this may sound unnerving, you should know that many of your favorite products are probably just fine to use. There are a bevy of alternative no-VOC products readily available. Making simple changes can help your family to breathe easier. Here are just a few things you can do:

Be a clean freak. Rid your home of cleaning products with high levels of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. Not sure which ones to pitch? Hints are the words poison, danger, warning, or caution on the label. Consider instead products that are biodegradable and made without hazardous chemicals. Brands like Seventh Generation and Method have a wide array of nontoxic, eco-friendly cleaning products available.

Shower power! A recent report from the Center for Health, Environment and Justice found that the "new shower curtain smell" associated with many vinyl shower curtains is actually hazardous to your health. So toss that toxic vinyl curtain and opt for one made out of organic cotton instead.

Dry clean consciously. According to the EPA perchloroethylene (a mouthful, we know!), a chemical often used in the dry cleaning process, has been found to cause cancer in lab tested animals. What's more, dry-cleaned clothing emits low levels of this chemical long after it returns to your home-sweet-home. Minimize your risk by using a cleaner that employs a perc-free cleaning process, such as ZOOTS.

Go green...with plants! We know that making your home a healthy haven is a top priority. To help make your job easier, why not let someone (or something) else do a little bit of the legwork? A study conducted by NASA found that common indoor plants actually improve indoor air quality. Assiduous species include Boston fern, English Ivy, spider plants and peace lilies.

For more information on sources of VOCs and their affect on indoor air quality, visit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencies Web site.

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