Best Practices for Biological Contaminants

• • Use exhaust fans to vent kitchens, bathrooms, and clothing dryers to the out of doors to reduce levels of moisture and organic pollutants.
• • Use exhaust fans to vent garages, hobby shops and paint and volatile chemical storage areas to the outside to reduce or eliminate chemical contaminants from the structure.
• • Ventilate the attic and crawlspaces to help prevent or remove moisture.
• • Empty water trays in air conditioners, dehumidifiers, and refrigerators on a frequent and regular basis.
• • Thoroughly clean and provide fresh water daily for humidifiers according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

• • Thoroughly clean and dry water-damaged carpets or replace rapidly.
• • Thoroughly clean the interior of homes and other structures on a regular basis.
• • Clean and disinfect all drains in the house or structure, especially the basement, on a regular basis.
• 3. Carbon Monoxide is an odorless, colorless, and toxic gas which is frequently produced in homes where there are unvented kerosene and gas space heaters, leaking chimneys and furnaces, gas water heaters in need of service, wood stoves, fireplaces, gas stoves, gasoline generators, poorly vented attached garages and tobacco smoke. Low-level exposure may cause flu-like symptoms including headaches, dizziness, disorientation, nausea, and fatigue. High-level exposure may cause unconsciousness and death. All homes may be at risk. (Also see Carbon Monoxide above under Outdoor Air Pollutants.)

Best Practices for Carbon Monoxide

• • Properly adjust all gas appliances.
• • Use only vented space heaters.
• • Use proper fuel for kerosene space heaters.
• • Vent gas stoves to the outside.
• • Install carbon monoxide detectors especially in the home.
• • Have a trained professional inspect, clean, and tune up central heating systems yearly.
• • Do not idle the automobile inside a garage.
• 4. Carpets: installation of new carpets may cause the release of chemicals into the air. The cleaning of older carpets may also release chemicals into the air. Either of these conditions can enhance existing symptoms of disease or create new symptoms. This is especially true for individuals with asthma, existing lung diseases, and allergic responses.