AC-Appliance Pros Indoor Air Quality Improving Better Living through (Careful use of) Chemicals The dictionary defines "cide" as "killer." Common sense would dictate that pesticides targeting rodents, fungi, termites and other insects require careful handling. But operating from a more is better mind-set, people often disregard instructions. And that spells trouble. Both the inert and active ingredients in pesticides can be organic compounds capable of causing eye, nose and throat irritation; headaches; loss of coordination; nausea; and damage to the liver, kidneys and central nervous system. Following are Environmental Protection Agency and Consumer Product Safety Commission recommendations for reducing airborne pesticides. The EPA and CPSC also consider disinfectants to be pesticides (for killing microbes); the same precautions apply for their use. Use nonchemical controls if possible Follow manufacturers' directions - especially for dilution and application rates. Mix outdoors Take houseplants and pets outside when applying pesticides to them Do not store pesticides in the home Ventilate well after indoor use. Close windows to prevent outdoor sprays and dusts from drifting in Clean shoes and hands before coming indoors to avoid bringing toxins inside Moth repellents containing paradichlorobenzene should be used in trunks or other containers. Then store those containers away from living and bedroom areas (in the attic, for example). Paradichlorobenzene also is the key active ingredient in air fresheners; EPA/CPSC publications recommend ventilation rather than the use of such air fresheners. Carefully consider whether you want an air duct-cleaning company to apply a biocide to kill mold. The EPA says biocides should be applied to air ducts only if necessary to control mold (ask the service provider to show the mold to you). As a precaution, you and your pets should leave during application. For more advice, see the EPA Web site: www.epa.gov/iedweb00/-airduct.html. Dispose of unwanted pesticides safely on hazardous-waste collection days. House & Garden's Recycling Roundup feature lists waste-collection dates and sites. For more information about pesticide-related air pollution, call 1-800-858-7378.   Machines That Clear The Air Ventilation equipment and air cleaners finish a distant second and third behind controlling pollution sources in the effort to improve indoor air quality. Typical ventilation equipment includes kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans, which should be used frequently to remove moisture, combustion byproducts, paint fumes and the like. Air experts say vent fans air crucial to clearing indoor air. The latest cannon in the ventilation arsenal is an energy-recovery ventilator that brings I fresh air and exhausts stale air without sacrificing the desired heat or cold in the air that is being exhausted. "They're wonderful, incredibly effective, " says Dr. Paul Kubic, a pediatric lung specialist in St. Paul, Minn., who also works with the American Lung Association. These quiet devices usually sit next to the heating/cooling system and cost about $1,000 in new construction, says Dr. Walt Lyons, an indoor meteorologist and spokesman for Honeywell Inc., a manufacturer of energy-recovery ventilators. Retrofitting a house could cost more, he says. Tight houses, in particular, benefit from an energy-recovery ventilator, says Professor Bill Angell, Indoor Air Quality Project director at the University of Minnesota. He identifies two indications of a tight house: condensation on windows and cooking odors that linger from supper until the next morning. "We've got to ventilate right and build tight," Mr. Angell says,. He adds that he would be inclined to put an energy-recovery ventilator in every new house to reduce the buildup of moisture and pollutants. Downside There is a downside to energy-recovery ventilators (also called air exchangers). Pat Kelly, and energy expert with the Dallas office of the Environmental Protection Agency, says ventilators increase energy consumption. And Mr. Kelly says that except for super tight new houses, energy-recovery ventilators may not be necessary. Leaky windows and kids going in and out often will ventilate a home adequately, he says. Limitations Air cleaners are third on the list of air-cleaning tactics. While acknowledging that there is "tremendous controversy" about air cleaners, Dr. Kubic says they definitely remove airborne particles. Just don't expect a silver bullet. "My clinical impression is that they're a good idea, but . . . there's very little evidence linking room air units with improved respiratory status," Dr. Kubic says. "You need to use (an air cleaner) in conjunction with source control. It's not enough by itself." Joyce Stanton, and indoor air specialist with the Dallas EPA office, says air cleaners must be well-maintained or they won't operate at top efficiency. Even then, "they'll only clean the volume they say they will," she says, explaining that a room-size air cleaner isn't going to handle two rooms. "And they probably are not going to help with heavier pollutants (dust mite particles and pollens, for example) once they've fallen to the floor or bed." Shopping advice Before signing on the dotted line for equipment or services to improve indoor air quality, Dr. Kubic says consumers should insist on seeing objective information that supports the expenditure. "Be scientific in your approach."   Air-Cleansing Plants Recent National Aeronautics and Space Administration research concludes that houseplants - through an interaction of leaves, roots and soil bacteria - remove toxins from indoor air. The following list contains NASA-tested plants proven to clean up three common indoor air pollutants: benzene (sources include: gasoline, paints, oil, plastics and rubber), formaldehyde (pressed-wood products and urea formaldehyde foam insulation) and carbon monoxide (a combustion byproduct). Bamboo palm Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema modestum) English ivy Gerbera daisy "Janet Craig" dracaena Dracaena marginata Mother-in-law's-tongue (Sansevieria laurentii or Sansevieria trifasciata) Corn plant (Dracaena fragrans Massangeana) Pot mum (Chrysanthemum x morifolium) Peace lily (Mauna loa spathiphyllum) Dracaena deremensis Warneckii In addition, NASA studies show that philodendron, spider plant and golden pothos are especially effective in removing formaldehyde. For NASA research details, see the website www.zone.10.com/wsdocs/tech/-NASA/fyh.htm. CAUTION: Having an exceptionally large number of houseplants can cause problems by contributing to moisture buildup that nurtures mold and dust mites. University of Minnesota Professor Bill Angell, who heads an indoor air-quality project, says houseplant volume causes moisture problems in only about one in 1,000 homes. In addition, potted plants should be well-cared-for. Overwatered plants and standing water in pot saucers can become mold sources. Source: The Dallas Morning News If you don't know which firm to call, ask if the contractor is a member of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA). consumers can call (972)247-5383 or 1-800-260-8041 to confirm the contractor is a member or to locate a contractor who subscribes to the organization's code or ethics. ©2007 AC-Appliance Pros All Rights Reserved 1701 North Greenville Ave. Suite 606 Richardson, Texas 75081 972-664-0055 TACL B00027067E

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