YOUR HOUSE COULD BE MAKING YOU SICK

Your home could contain these unhealthy items:

MOLD - obvious, visible presence should be addressed immediately. Breathing mold spores exposes family members, especially children and elderly, to bad stuff. But, the mold you don’t see could have affect as well. Water leaks- no matter from outside intrusion or from ice maker, dishwasher, washing machine etc. leaks should be examined and treated by a professional.

ANTI-BACTERIAL SOAP - the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a final ruling that OTC consumer antiseptic wash products containing the majority of the antibacterial active ingredients- including Triclosan and Triclocarban can no longer be marketed due to failure  of sufficient science that these products are any more effective at preventing illness than properly washing with plain soap and water. Hand sanitizers containing 60% (minimum) alcohol does not fall under this rule, and remains an acceptable means of prevention of spreading of germs.

PRESSED WOOD - contains Formaldehyde which is off-gas released into the air. Levels over 40 parts per billion could be harmful. Older product could be less harmful than newer as rooms have likely been aired. Ventilating rooms frequently could be a health aid.

OTHER FLAGS-

Flooring containing asbestos- common in buildings prior to 1980.

Contact lens case- not replacing twice per year as recommended.

Mascara and Liquid makeup- could be contaminating the brush and applicator with germs possibly present on lashes and skin. Recommended to replace every six months.

Some of the information contained herein appeared in the Palm Beach Post, July 23, 2015 and updated in June 2020 from FDA and EPA information directives.