The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has determined that as many as 15 percent of Americans may be allergic to products and materials in their own homes. Forty percent of children born today will develop some form of respiratory ailment. Indoor air quality of homes can be 10 times worse than the outdoor air in Denver on the smoggiest of days. While there is some uncertainty as to cause, many respiratory problems are being linked to poor indoor air quality.
Radon enters the house through foundations and soil in unfinished crawl spaces.
VOCs are released from paints, finishes and carpets. Formaldehyde is used in adhesives, particleboard, cabinets and insulation. These chemicals are all around us, since most furniture, counter tops and shelving are made with particleboard. The easy solution is to eliminate the sources of unwanted chemicals when making home improvements. Avoid paints made with VOCs.