Protecting Your Pet from Indoor Air Pollution

 We all cherish our beloved pets and prioritize their well-being, don't we? When it comes to selecting products for our homes, it's important to remember that our furry companions are more vulnerable to airborne and surface residue chemicals. Indoor air pollution can significantly affect the health of our pets. Let's explore some of the most prevalent sources of pollution and discover ways to eliminate or reduce their impact

Indoor air pollution poses a significant concern in every modern home. In fact, the air indoors often harbors a mixture of pollutants originating from numerous sources. Since our pets are typically smaller than humans and tend to spend more time indoors, they are especially vulnerable to the health issues that indoor air pollution can trigger. Being conscious of the origins of these contaminants and understanding how to mitigate them is a crucial step toward enhancing indoor air quality and safeguarding your pets' health.

Volatile Organic Compounds

Numerous household items contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), substances that easily evaporate into the air. You can find these compounds in furnishings, solvents, aerosols, cleaning products, air fresheners, adhesives, sealants, pesticides, and dry cleaning chemicals.

In both dogs and cats, VOCs have the potential to induce eye, nasal, and throat irritation, provoke skin reactions, trigger headaches, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue. In more serious instances, exposure to VOCs may even lead to organ damage and an increased risk of cancer. Although the likelihood of encountering such severe consequences in a typical, well-maintained household is low, this underscores the hazardous nature of these chemicals.

Safer Options

The most straightforward method for reducing airborne VOC concentrations is to ensure proper and consistent ventilation. When weather conditions permit, open windows to allow fresh air circulation and remain cautious when using cleaning or removal products in your home. Pay special attention to heavy-duty removal products, as they may contain higher levels of VOCs that can be harmful if used without appropriate personal protective equipment. When tackling demanding removal tasks, consider opting for low VOC formulas such as EZ Strip to help minimize VOC emissions. LOW VOC REMOVAL PRODUCTS

The simplest way to lower the concentrations of VOCs in the air 

is to ensure good, regular ventilation.

Naturally-occurring microbes

Mold, mildew, bacteria, and dust mites thrive in moist environments, and the airborne spores and waste products they release can pose health risks to both humans and animals.

Molds, mildew, and bacteria exposure can lead to symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, eye or nasal discharge, lethargy, paw licking, loss of appetite, and noisy or labored breathing. In addition, animals can develop allergies to house dust mites, which may manifest as itching, skin issues, and recurrent ear infections.

Safer Options

The most effective approach to maintaining low levels of mold, mildew, and bacteria in your home is to focus on reducing indoor humidity. Consider hanging your laundry outdoors or using a dryer that vents outside. Regularly empty drip trays in dryers and dehumidifiers, and change the water in AC units daily. Be vigilant in checking for pipe leaks or dripping taps.

For visible mold growth, ensure you clean it away promptly. To minimize dust, which is essential for dust mites to thrive, use a vacuum equipped with an HEPA filter. This not only helps reduce dust mites and their waste but also captures other airborne contaminants like pollen, smoke, spores, and soot.

Soft toys and other items that can’t be washed can be placed in a plastic bag in the freezer for  24 to 48 hours to kill dust mites.

Carbon Monoxide

There is also a potential risk of carbon monoxide exposure from appliances that utilize gas, coal, oil, or wood as their fuel source, such as furnaces, generators, fireplaces, wood burners, and motor vehicles that may be operating in nearby garages.

Carbon monoxide poses a severe threat to the health of dogs, cats, and humans alike. It can be fatal when present in high concentrations, but even low-level exposure can result in symptoms such as drowsiness, lethargy, shortness of breath, and even loss of consciousness.

Safer Options

Carbon monoxide is a silent threat to both pets and people, making it crucial to install alarms near furnaces and other heating appliances. Ensure that wood burners are adequately sealed and avoid burning timber that has undergone chemical treatment. It's essential to regularly service and maintain furnaces and heating systems, even if they are new. Additionally, keep chimneys well-swept and flues in good condition, conducting frequent checks for any cracks.

Carbon monoxide is a silent killer of both pets and people, making it crucial to install alarms near furnaces and other heating appliances.

While it's impossible to eliminate all indoor air pollution, taking steps to reduce it to acceptable levels is feasible. Being mindful of the chemicals you introduce into your home, maintaining cleanliness by reducing clutter, and ensuring proper room ventilation are all crucial in ensuring clean air for both you and your pets to breathe.

Home Improvements: When Should You Do-It-Yourself?

                         

Trying to reduce costs by tackling your own home improvement projects? A do-it-yourself project can be an empowering way to save money and put your own personal touch on your home, provided you know what you're doing. But making even one simple mistake could put a strain on your back or your bank account. Often, it's best to put safety first by planning ahead, taking extra precautions, or when needed save the job for a professional.

Here are a few types of home improvement projects that are best left to the experts.

1. Plumbing or electrical projects
 
There's a reason these are skilled trades. Both systems are complex, no matter how straightforward a repair may initially appear. Even small leaks can cause serious water damage, and faulty electrical wiring can lead to a house fire. Don't risk flooding or electric shock. Leave these types of improvements to a plumber or an electrician to make sure these jobs are done right the first time.


2. Renovations with possible code violations

Structural changes require a licensed contractor. Not only can shoddy craftsmanship severely affect your home's value, but it can also put your family in danger. Accidentally removing a load-bearing wall, for example, could cause an entire room to collapse. Why take the risk?


3. Repairs involving high heights

More than 130,000 ladder-related injuries are treated in emergency rooms each year. Whether you're looking at a roof repair or trimming a tree, consider calling a professional before attempting to complete the job yourself.



Remember, just because a DIY project looks simple doesn't necessarily mean it's safe. When in doubt err on the side of caution, plan ahead, and when needed leave it for a professional.

Want to find a home improvement project that is truly DIY friendly? Try one of these wallet-friendly and easy DIY projects for a new look, added home value, or just the sprucing up you've been looking for.

Here are some types of do it yourself home improvement projects that can be done safely with a little planning and knowledge.  

 

1. Save the popcorn for the movies

What's on your ceiling? Few structural elements date a house more than popcorn ceilings. So dedicate some time to ditching the dated look and adding dollar signs to the value of your home. This is a project you can tackle yourself. EZ Strip Popcorn Ceiling Remover is the number one DIY friendly remover for painted drywall textures on our list find it here http://www.ezstrip.ca/buy-ez-strip/ then simply scrape the popcorn away. Removing a popcorn ceiling may not seem like a big change but one of the keys for adding value to your home is to repair, replace or remove anything that could turn buyers away.

Here's a quick how to remove painted textures with EZ Strip! 

2. Refinish your flooring 

Installing a new hardwood floor can be a big expensive project and require a professional. So refinish existing hardwood for a less time/cost-consuming project. No matter whether you decide to strip or sand your floors refinishing will always be more DIY friendly over replacing! Larger floor sanders can be rented from your local hardware store or if you chose to strip off that old tired finish be sure to use a safe stripper the number one DIY friendly remover on our list is EZ Strip Paint & Varnish Remover find it here http://www.ezstrip.ca/buy-ez-strip/ once your old finish is off pick a new fresh color to give your home a high value upgrade!

Here's a quick how to refinish stairs with EZ Strip! 

3. Cleanliness counts

Make the interior of you home shine from the moment someone walks through the door. Sometimes a top-to-bottom scrubbing is all your home really needs to change the look and feel of any room. Even if you clean your home regularly, there are nooks and crannies that you may miss or overlook. Do a room by room scan and tackle tough removal jobs like dried paint drips/permanent marker mistakes/stickers or tape glue residues/and more with safe cleaners that pack a punch, top on our DIY friendly remover list is EZ Strip All Purpose Remover to really make your home sparkle. Find it here http://www.ezstrip.ca/buy-ez-strip/

Here's a quick removal how to with EZ Strip!

4. Paint, paint, paint

One of the simplest, most cost-effective DIY home improvements of all is paint! Freshly painted rooms look clean and updated — and that spells value. When selecting paint colors, the world is your oyster get that fresh new look with a DIY friendly paint project! For a longer lasting paint finish start right by prepping the surface.

Here is a quick how to surface prep for paint with EZ Strip! 

Easy DIY fixes can dramatically change the look or value of your home with a lot less cost but always plan ahead to make sure the project you take on is safe and truly DIY friendly! For more DIY friendly removal project ideas visit https://www.ezstrip.ca/how-to-remove/ Thanks for reading!

The EPA wants to broaden the ban on a deadly chemical on store shelves

                            

    The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency originally banned the ingredient methylene chloride also known as dichloromethane from consumer use products in 2019. You could find this ingredient before the ban in common consumer products like automotive cleaners and paint strippers. These products can be easily bought without any extra measures taken by retailers to ensure their safe use, although they do include warning labels and usage information. This led to multiple consumer use injuries including severe skin burns, loss of consciousness, and in extreme cases even death. Sadly, at least 85 people have died from
methylene chloride since 1980.

While the legislation initially focused on consumer use within the United States, other countries such as Canada took a similar approach at the retailer level by refusing to stock products containing methylene chloride on their shelves. This was done in order to safeguard their customers from potential harm. 

    Unfortunately, workers weren’t protected by the restrictions. 

    And the vast majority of injuries and deaths could be traced to methylene chloride exposure on the job. Now the EPA is proposing to ban most uses of methylene chloride — still with some on-the-job exceptions, but far fewer. The proposed rule would prohibit methylene chloride in all consumer products and most industrial and commercial uses. 

    Beyond the health concerns for consumers and workers, we are seeing a growing concern for the environment surrounding methylene chloride as well. Levels of methylene chloride appear to be rapidly increasing in the stratosphere, threatening to delay the return to normal of the ozone layer. The ozone layer has been recovering slowly since the Montreal Protocol (1987) banned CFC gases. In 1987, an international agreement was signed to gradually eliminate CFC gases (used in refrigeration and aerosols), responsible for the famous “hole” in this gaseous layer. CFCs have thus been replaced by HFCs (which, however, help to warm the planet).

    Scientists have already expressed concerns about the impact of certain volatile compounds, such as methylene chloride. A recent study aims to assess the harm caused by this product. According to the research, the concentration of methylene chloride in the stratosphere has nearly doubled since 2004. Grant Allen, an atmospheric physicist at the University of Manchester, emphasized the urgency to take immediate action to prevent the release of this chemical into the atmosphere. He stated, "If we wish to preserve the progress made over the past three decades through commendable scientific and political efforts, which undoubtedly have saved numerous lives, we must act now."

Protect as many people as possible

     Liz Hitchcock, the director of Safer Chemicals Healthy Families and a member of Toxic-Free Future, has been tirelessly working for years to halt the harmful effects caused by methylene chloride. She enthusiastically welcomed the announcement of the proposed ban as a significant milestone. If implemented, the ban would prohibit the use of methylene chloride in various applications such as commercial and industrial vapor degreasing, adhesive removal, textile finishing products, liquid lubricants, hobby glue, and numerous other uses.

 

Photo courtesy of Lauren Atkins

    Joshua Atkins and his mother, Lauren, at a park in Louisville, Kentucky, in 2011. Joshua Atkins died in 2018 at 31 while refinishing his BMX bike with a product containing methylene chloride. 

    “Currently, an estimated 845,000 individuals are exposed to methylene chloride in the workplace,” the EPA said in a statement. “Under EPA’s proposal, less than 10,000 workers, protected from unreasonable risk via a required workplace chemical protection program, are expected to continue to use methylene chloride.”

What can you do?

    The EPA said it hopes the rule will take effect in August 2024. Federal rules must go through a set process to give the public a chance to influence the final outcome. If an agency receives a “Petition for Rulemaking” from a member of the public, it may decide to announce the petition in the Federal Register and accept public comments on the issue. An agency that is in the preliminary stages of rulemaking may publish an “Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking” in the Federal Register to get more information. The Advance Notice is a formal invitation to participate in shaping the proposed rule and starts the notice‐and‐comment process in motion. Anyone interested (individuals and groups) may respond to the Advance Notice by submitting comments aimed at developing and improving the draft proposal or by recommending against issuing a rule.

    Methylene chloride can still be found in products on retail shelves as aerosol degreasers and brush cleaners for paints and coatings. Adhesives and sealants sold for commercial purposes use it.  And manufacturers tap it to make other chemicals. Making personal purchase decisions to use safer alternatives can keep this chemical out of your home and reduce your impact on the environment. One company that has been manufacturing safer methylene chloride-free paint stripping products for over a decade is EZ Strip. Use your purchase power to reduce harmful chemicals like methylene chloride in your home!

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House Hold Cleaner Hazards & Indoor Air Quality

Keeping your home clean is one of the most important ways to assure healthy indoor air quality. However, the use of some cleaning products and heavy-duty removers may actually increase indoor air pollution. Fortunately, you can take simple steps to reduce or eliminate the production of these pollutants.

Many cleaning supplies or household products can irritate your eyes or throat and even cause headaches along with other health problems. Some products release dangerous chemicals, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs). 

What Are VOCs? 

VOCs are chemicals that vaporize at room temperature that can enter the body through inhaling. If you have ever cut into a lemon and enjoyed the fresh scent, then you've experienced a natural VOC firsthand! The problem with VOCs is not all are as harmless as a lemon. 

Cleaning supplies and household products containing VOCs and other toxic substances can include, but are not limited to:

Aerosol Spray Removal Products

Cleaners or removers that come in pressurized cans release tiny particles at high speed. This makes it easy to apply but also very easily absorbed by your lungs. Some more toxic VOCs found in pressurized glass and floor cleaners are toluene and formaldehyde. 

Fragrances 

An increasing number of people are reporting allergic reactions to fragrances and scents. Avoid air fresheners or heavily scented products. It's time to change our expectations of what clean smells like. A clean space shouldn't have any smell at all! 

Chlorine Bleach

Commonly found in many brand name household products should be used with caution as they can off gas harmful chemicals. Only use in well ventilated areas and never mix bleach or any bleach-containing product with any cleaner containing ammonia. The gases created from this combination can lead to chronic breathing problems and even death.

Oven Cleaners

A common toxic ingredient found in many ‘off the shelf’ oven cleaners is sodium hydroxide. The chemical more commonly known as caustic soda can cause irritation to the eyes and throat, irritate the lungs triggering an asthma attack or cause chronic asthma, and cause severe skin burns. 

Furniture Refinishing Products 

Furniture refinishing products commonly contain a high VOC percentage and are among the most toxic products used in homes and workshops! The active ingredients in most common refinishing products are organic solvents which may damage the skin, eyes, respiratory tract, nervous system, and internal organs. Special precautions must be taken in their use, especially if there are children present who might come in contact with either the material or its vapors. Use safer alternatives whenever possible. 

What Precautions Can I Take When Using Cleaning & Removal Products? 

The most crucial step, is always to read the label. There may be specific requirements, chemicals you cannot use alongside, or surfaces which the product may ruin if you do not read the instructions. Make more informed purchase decisions when buying cleaners and removers. Look for products marked low VOC, fragrance or bleach free, choose products devoid of irritants and flammables.   

Check the Safety Data Sheet (often available with a quick online search) on any product you plan to use before you buy. Always follow safety recommendations, dispose of them appropriately and use common sense. If you are concerned because you have small children or chemical sensitivities, consider alternative products with tested and proven science to back them up.

Safe Cleaning & Removal Options

Many find making your own cleaners with varying combinations of tried and true old standards like baking soda, lemon juice, vinegar, sea salt, and more are the safest cleaning alternatives. Truly safe removal alternatives are available as well. One of the safest chemicals in removal products proving to be an effective substitute in removers for refinishing and even oven cleaning is dibasic esters. They are non-flammable, water-soluble, low VOC, readily biodegradable, non-corrosive, and have a mild, fruity odor. One company that is utilizing these innovative chemicals with world-patented technology is EZ Strip.

Visit EZstrip.ca today for safe alternatives to heavy-duty removers! Your home's indoor air quality can greatly affect you and your family's health so make informed choices regarding the cleaning and refinishing products you bring into your home. Your family will thank you!