Did you know that pesticides -- including those used around the house and those tracked inside from our shoes -- are a major source of indoor air pollution? In the past year, approximately 75 percent of American households used at least one type of pesticide indoors (such as bug spray or pet flea treatments). And overall, 80 percent of exposure happens in our homes.
The high portion of pesticide exposure occurring at home suggests that pesticide-contaminated particles tracked in from outside and household pesticides used inside the home to control microbes, fungi, insects and rodents represent major sources of our overall pesticide exposure.
It’s important that we reduce our exposure to pesticides in order to avoid potential health risks. Use these tips from the EPA to minimize your family’s indoor pesticide exposure.
- Use non-chemical pest control methods when possible.
- Keep indoor areas clean and dry to reduce pests and mold.
- Use pesticides only in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Mix or dilute pesticides outdoors.
- Do not store pesticides indoors.
- Dispose of pesticides safely.
- If using pesticides indoors, make sure the area is well-ventilated.
- Take pets outdoors when applying flea/tick treatments.
- If using a pest control company, select the company carefully.
- Remove shoes before stepping inside the living area.
Keep coming back to this blog for more tips on how to make your home healthier, and contact Thompson Plumbing Heating & Cooling to find out how your family might benefit from our healthy home solutions for air and water.
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Home is Where the Health Is is written and published by Thompson Plumbing Heating & Cooling
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