Maintaining A Healthy Home

HEALTHY HOME

(Which is the best air purifier for you? Video clip shows comparative study of different brands. Make an informed choice. Click here: Air Purifiers)

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Instantly Download Great E Books On Asthma And Related Health Issues:

Enter your keyword in the search box below - i.e. allergy, asthma, cholesterol, heart attack, diet, hypertension, snoring, smoking, hypnosis, diabetes, exercise, headache, arthritis, gout, back pain, cancer, depression, panic, pregnancy, prostate, etc.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

HEALTHY HOME

Every now and then a story will appear in the press of a tenant who is suing their landlord for failing to maintain a healthy living environment in their apartment building.

A real life example is the headline below from a Scottish newspaper:

"Mother To Sue Landlord Over Son's Asthma"

'A mother who claims that damp conditions inside her council flat triggered her son�s asthma is taking her landlord to court in the first legal case of its kind'.

Who is responsible? Who is to blame?

Legally that may depend upon where you live.

The bottom line, however, is that both landlords and tenants have responsibilities to maintain a healthy home and more important, both will benefit.

For those who suffer from asthma it is clear that a healthy, allergy free environment, will reduce triggers of asthma symptoms.

Factors that trigger asthma include:

* Mold

* Cracks in the home that allow outside asthma triggers to move indoors

* Pests, such as cockroaches and dust mites

* Pollen

* Dust

* Diesel Exhaust

* Ozone

WHAT CAN LANDLORDS DO?

Landlords should check the following items twice a year and when new tenants move in:

* Moisture - Check for water stains and wet spots under windows and near doors, near appliances, and around toilets, tubs and showers.

* Cleanable Surfaces - Check for dust, debris, mold, and conditions that make it hardto clean a surface.

This includes checking for damage to floor coverings and carpet. If possible, clean the carpets in each unit twice a year.

* Ventilation - Check that the air conditioning and heat work properly. Make sure all windows open easily. Check that bath and kitchen ventilate outside.

Change heating and air conditioning filters every six months.

* Pests - Check for evidence of insects or rodent droppings. Check for holes that would let insects or rodents to enter the building.

If extermination is required, use integrated Pest Management for a non-toxic alternative to traditional techniques.

HOW CAN MAINTAINING A HEALTHY HOME BENEFIT THE LANDLORD?

* Increase Durability - Watching for health risks may also alert the landlord to signs of increased wear and tear on systems (heating and cooling) and hidden structural damage (wood rot and mold).

* Reduce Cost - Replacing or fixing systems when the problems are smaller can save money. A small water leak can be quickly repaired, or it can grow into larger mold and rotting problems.

* Improve Resident Health - Home conditions can both cause and trigger asthma and allergies. Unhealthy tenants may miss work or rent payments.

* Reduce Liability - Addressing potential health hazards in your buildings can reduce the likelyhood of costly lawsuits and code violations.

STEPS THE TENANT CAN TAKE

* Keep a clean home

* Make sure that your home is free of dust, mold, smoke, and other potential triggers.

* Use specialized odorless, irritant free, "asthma friendly" cleaning products, available from: The Allergy Store

* Vacuum often - HEPA (High Efficiency Particle Air) filters remove dust best. Learn the benefits of the Miele vacuum cleaner with it's unique filtration system - available at: Allergy Be Gone

* Keep foods stored in tightly sealed containers to avoid attracting cockroaches and rodents.

* Clear crumbs, drips, spills, and dirty dishes immediately.

* Identify and quickly fix water leaks in your home.

* Keep people with asthma away from dust, dust mites, and smoke.

* Use zippered "allergen resistant" mattress and pillow covers to keep dust mites out of sleeping spaces. For a complete selection of allergy proof bedding visit Allergy Be Gone

* Keep pets outdoors or away from sleeping areas; clear hairs from carpets and furniture.

* Quit smoking, or smoke only outside your home and car. Always keep tobacco smoke away from children.

* Change bed sheets often. Better yet, switch over to allergy bedding. See the selection of sheets, pillows, quilts, and mattress pads

* Keep people with asthma out of a room while vacuuming or dusting.

The following 2 minute video on maintaining a healthy home, highlights some of the main steps you can begin taking today.

Click on the arrow located at the bottom left of screen to begin viewing.

(Which is the best air purifier for you? Video clip shows comparative study of different brands. Make an informed choice. Click here: Air Purifiers)

Return To Home Page From Healthy Home

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Instantly Download Great E Books On Asthma And Related Health Issues:

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *