Monday, May 17, 2010

Improved home heating reduces school absences in asthmatic children

MedWire News - Respiratory - Improved home heating reduces school absences in asthmatic children: "Installing effective, non-polluting heating in the home reduces the number of missed school days in children with asthma, results from a New Zealand study show."

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Guarding Against Formaldehyde and Mold

Guarding Against Formaldehyde and Mold: "Many modern composite building materials, including plywood, particleboard, oriented-strand board (OSB), and medium-density fiberboard (MDF), are made using resins that contain formaldehyde. These products are used to make cabinets, to cover subfloors and exterior walls and roofs, and to serve many other common purposes in home construction. Urea-formaldehyde foam insulation (UFFI) is no longer made, but was used to build many homes. Cloth that is used for draperies, carpet, and furniture also may contain formaldehyde."

Poor ventilation causes mold and formaldehyde problems

Poor ventilation causes mold and formaldehyde problems: "Opening windows throughout the house for a few hours a week will remedy the formaldehyde problem as well. Any newly remodeled home or any home with new furniture can expect to have elevated formaldehyde, unless there is adequate ventilation."