Author(s): Maury M. Breecher, Shirley Linde
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 0471540242
Order From: Amazon.com
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Synopsis:
Carcinogens and toxic fumes don’t just pollute the environment, they hit us where we live. While you can’t always see, smell, or taste these insidious health hazards, you can successfully combat them. This book provides a comprehensive look at the invisible killers in almost every home–and an essential guide to disposing of them.
Booknews, Inc. , 02/01/93:
Provides current information on lead, radon, asbestos, carbon monoxide, pesticides, and potentially toxic household products; alerts readers to the many symptoms of a sick house; and provides a directory of federal and local experts and agencies that can help. An excellent household reference and safety guide. Annotation copyright Book News, Inc. Portland, Or.
The author, Maury M. Breecher , 11/26/96:
Your home may be terribly hazardous to your health. My thanks to individuals who have purchased this book and given me feedback about how it has helped them improve and enhance their health and the health of their families. I’ve accomplished what I set out to do: help people. This book can perhaps help you too. Although published in 1992 it remains up-to-date since the issues this book addresses–pesticide use, toxic household products, contaminated air and water, dangerous noise levels etc.–keep reappearing on the front pages of our nation’s newspapers. Do you want to build a new, or buy an already built, healthy house? This book tells you how. It identifies problems that make houses–and the people residing within–sick, and tells what to do about those problems. Extensively researched and documented. Based on interviews with experts and documents from the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registery, Centers for Disease Control, Consumer Product Safety Commission, EPA, U.S. Dept. of Energy, and HUD. Provides information on lead, radon, asbestos, carbon monoxide and other indoor air pollution problems. Identifies commonly used toxic household products and dangerous household pesticides. Gives easy-to-understand and implement techniques to reduce risks and insure health. Be informed. May your home always be happy and healthy. Maury M. Breecher, M.P.H., Ph.D. (Master’s Degree in Public Health and doctorate in Mass Communication).
Table of Contents
Ch. 1. Warning: Your Home May Be Hazardous to Your Health
The Culprits
A Major Worldwide Health Problem
The Sick Building Syndrome Moves Home
A Sick House Can Be Cured
The Safe-at-Home Health Inventory
Ch. 2. Radon Gas: A Deadly Threat to Millions
Radon Can Be Deadly
Radon and Where It Comes From
How to Test for Radon in Your Home
When to Take Action
Simple Solutions
Four Permanent and Cost-Effective Radon Solutions
Finding and Hiring a Professional
Quick Summary
Ch. 3. Indoor Air Pollution: The Enemy Within
Indoor Air Pollutants Can Harm Your Health
How to Find Air Pollution in Your Home
Environmental Tobacco Smoke Pollution
Dangers of Hazardous Combustion Product Pollution
The Ubiquitous Problem of Formaldehyde Pollution
Biological Contaminants
Quick Summary
Ch. 4. Revitalizing Indoor Air: Ventilation and Air Cleaning
Ventilation Ins and Outs
Evaluating Air Movement within Your Home
Improving Your Home’s Ventilation
The Heat Recovery Ventilator Advantage
Advice for Whatever You Choose
Combatting Indoor Air Pollution with Air-Cleaning Devices
Looking at What the Future May Bring
Quick Summary
Ch. 5. Asbestos: A Hidden Killer in Your Home?
Health Dangers of Asbestos
Identifying Materials That Contain Asbestos
Help from Asbestos Professionals
Corrective Action
Quick Summary
Ch. 6. Things You Breathe, Eat, and Touch: How to Allergy-Proof Your House
Symptoms
Tracking Down the Clues
If You Are Allergic to Pollen
Dust Allergy
Mold Allergy
Your Pet May Be the Source of Your Problem
You May Be Allergic to a Food
You May Be Allergic to a Medicine
You May Be Allergic to Things You Touch
Rules for Allergy-Proofing Your Home
Things to Consider if You Are Remodeling or Building a Home
Quick Summary
Ch. 7. Pesticides and Lawn Care Chemicals: Long-Term Health Dangers
Chlordane May Still Pose a Risk
Other Pestiddes That May Pose a Risk
Five Home Pesticides That Concern Americans the Most
Personal Bug Repellents May Cause Adverse Health Effects
Keeping Insects and Other Pests Away from Your Home
If You Must Use Chemical Pesticides, Do It Safely
How to Choose a Pest Control Company
Storing and Disposing Pesticides Safely
Quick Summary
Ch. 8. Risky Waters: Is Your Water Safe?
Are You Getting Sick Because of Contaminated Water?
Is Your Tap Water Safe? Here’s How to Find Out
Serious Health Threat to Your Family: Lead-Contaminated Water
Protect against Chloroform
Well Water Pollution
Devices to Clean Your Water
Is Bottled Water Better?
The Safe Drinking Water Act’s Failed Promise
Quick Summary
Ch. 9. Perilous Paint: The Hidden Hazard Posed by Paint
Mercury Pollution
Lead Pollution
Another Danger from Indoor Exposure to Paint – Bis(Tributyltin) Oxide
Quick Summary
Ch. 10. Toxic Threats: Potentially Dangerous Products and Hazardous Wastes in the Home
Defining Poisonous, Toxic, and Hazardous
The Air You Breathe May Be Hazardous to Your Health
Health Dangers of Volatile Organic Chemicals
How to Protect Your Family from Household Chemicals
How to Choose Nontoxic, Environmentally Safe Home Products
Disposal of Hazardous Wastes from the Home
Quick Summary
Ch. 11. Electromagnetism: Should We Be Worried?
Electromagnenc Fields Defined
Possible Dangers from EM Radiation
Microwave Radiation
How to Protect Your Family
Points to Remember When Considering a Move
Quick Summary
Ch. 12. Hazardous Noise: Sound Advice
Health Effects of Excessive Noise Levels
Our Homes Are No Longer a Haven from Noise
How to Protect Your Family
Quick Summary
Ch. 13. An Ounce of Prevention: Healthy Cocooning
Factors to Consider When Building a New Home
Buying an Older Home
Maintaining Your Home for Health and Safety
Room-by-Room Health and Safety Tips
The Trend toward Cocooning
Appendix: Resource Directories
Directory A: State Contacts for Healthy Home Issues
Directory B: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Regional Office Indoor Air, Radon, and Asbestos Contacts
Directory C: National Hotlines and Clearing Houses
Directory D: Resource List of Private Sector and Nonprofit Organizations
Index
