Designed for people concerned about the air quality in their home, this step-by-step guide covers the nooks and crannies of indoor air pollutionfrom what to look for to how to fix it. Jeffrey May and his wife, Connie May, draw from their professional expertise and previous booksMy House Is Killing Me!, My Office Is Killing Me!, and The Mold Survival Guideto create a friendly, easy-to-use workbook complete with mini-case studies, diagnostic exercises, illustrations, and recommendations. The Mays describe the health problems that can be caused or exacerbated by such airborne contaminants as fungi, mold, mildew, moisture, and odor. Their warmth, humor, and conversational banter are welcome antidotes to the scare tactics of unsavory remediators; Jeff and Connie give people the knowledge they need to address serious problems without getting ripped off. Readers can check visual symptoms of their home's problems using the book's illustrations and photographs; get easy-to-follow instructions in diagnosing, addressing, and monitoring problems; find out whether professional help is needed; get advice on choosing the right professional; and consult thorough resource sections for further information and assistance. From waterproofing basements to checking home heating and cooling systems for leaks and contaminants, Jeff May's Healthy Home Tips helps renters and homeowners alike make sure that their homes are clean and healthy places to live.
IntroductionPart I: Mold, Mildew, and YouDilemma 1: Mold, Inside and Outa. My BasementA Crawl Space under the HouseAn Unfinished BasementA Finished BasementMoisture Control at the ExteriorFor People with Allergies, Asthma, or Environmental Sensitivitiesb. My AtticInspectionsMoisture ControlPipesRepairsStorageFor People with Allergies, Asthma, or Environmental Sensitivitiesc. Rooms in BetweenMusty OdorsRooms with WaterRooms without WaterSoot, Not MoldFor People with Allergies, Asthma, or Environmental Sensitivitiesd. Floods and LeaksFloodsInsuranceLeaksFor People with Allergies, Asthma, or Environmental Sensitivitiese. The Garagef. Heating and Cooling SystemsAir Conveyance SystemsOther Kinds of Heating SystemsHumidificationCentral DehumidificationHot-Water HeatersFor People with Allergies, Asthma, or Environmental Sensitivitiesg. Property I Want to Buy or RentFor People with Allergies, Asthma, or Environmental Sensitivitiesh. Hotels and AutomobilesFor People with Allergies, Asthma, or Environmental SensitivitiesI. Outside the BuildingDilemma 2: Confirmation and Remediationa. Testing for MoldTesting on My OwnHiring Professionals to TestFor People with Allergies, Asthma, or Environmental Sensitivitiesb. Cleaning it Up MyselfBathroomsThe KitchenPersonal Possessions and FurnishingsRegular Household CleaningFor People with Allergies, Asthma, or Environmental Sensitivitiesc. Hiring Professionals to RemediateFor People with Allergies, Asthma, or Environmental SensitivitiesPart II: Problems Other than MoldDilemma 3: What and Where?a. Rooms with WaterBathroomsThe KitchenLaundry AreasIndoor Pools and Hot TubsFor People with Allergies, Asthma, or Environmental Sensitivitiesb. Other Rooms and Their ContentsBeds and BeddingCarpetingFurnitureHome Office EquipmentFor People with Allergies, Asthma, or Environmental Sensitivitiesc. Smoke and Harmful GasesFireplaces, Wood Stoves, and CigarettesGasesFor People with Allergies, Asthma, or Environmental Sensitivitiesd. Heating and Cooling SystemsAir Conveyance SystemsGas-Fired EquipmentOil-Fired EquipmentFireFor People with Allergies, Asthma, or Environmental Sensitivitiese. Pets and PestsPetsPestsFor People with Allergies, Asthma, or Environmental Sensitivitiesf. Renovation and ConstructionRenovationConstruction MaterialsAsbestosLead PaintFor People with Allergies, Asthma, or Environmental SensitivitiesDilemma 4: Everday CleaningFor People with Allergies, Asthma, or Environmental SensitivitiesDilemma 5: TestingFor People with Allergies, Asthma, or Environmental SensitivitiesConclusionAdditional ResourcesIndex
""Accessible language, step-by-step instructions, and clear, identifying diagrams and photos.""
