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KEEP IT CLEANSteps to Healthier Homes

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LEARNING OBJECTIVES

List three contaminants or allergens that are frequently found in house dust and their health effects.

Describe three ways allergens or contaminants get into house dust.

Identify three strategies to reduce them.

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WHY IS CLEAN AND EASILY CLEANABLE IMPORTANT?

Reduce exposure to: Chemical contaminants Allergens Pest droppings and urine Pesticides Heavy metals such as lead and arsenic

Reduced harborage for pests

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ENVIRONMENTAL ALLERGENS

AnimalsDust MitesMoldsTree PollenGrass PollenWeed PollenLatexFoodsStinging InsectsMedications

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Dust mites in humid and dry buildings

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Dust mite control• Keep humidity at or below 50% • Wash bedding• Use mattress and pillow

encasements• Freeze soft toys and small items• If possible, replace carpets with

hard surfaces, and remove draperies and upholstery

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WHERE DOES HOUSE DUST COME FROM?

Brought-In

• Lead Dust• Dust Mites

Home-Grown

• Garbage• Clutter

Resident-Made

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BROUGHT IN DUST

Four Steps to ReduceHard Surface WalkwaysOutside Grate-Like MatInside Carpet PadHard Surface Floor

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SHOES OFF – LESS DUST ENTERS

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HEALTHY CLEANING Don’t dry dust or dry sweep

Vacuuming:

• Low-emission vacuum with beater bar• Very slowly (or use vacuum with dirt finder)

Wet cleaning:

• Use “elbow grease”• Frequently change water

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MAKE BUILDINGS MORE CLEANABLE

Dust walk-off systems at entrywaysDust-creating activities away from people.Smooth, cleanable surfacesEffective storage spaceFlooring that is easy to cleanVacuums with good filtration and easy to use

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ISOLATE PROBLEMSPage

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Keep pets off of beds and out of the bedroom.

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CLEANABLE FLOORING Page

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WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A VACUUM?

Beater Bar

Vacuum Strength

Filter Type

Dirt Sensor

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OLDER CARPETS: DIFFICULT TO CLEAN

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WIRE SHELVINGPage

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HOW CLEAN IS CLEAN?

Clearance testing for lead40 micrograms of lead per square foot on floors250 micrograms of lead per square foot on window sills.

Standards for allergens?Standards for dust?

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PROBLEMATIC CLEANING MEASURES

Carpet cleaningOveruse of anti-microbialsSanitizersAir fresheners

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DUCT CLEANING

EPA recommends duct cleaning when:

• Substantial visible mold• Ducts infested• Ducts clogged• Ducts release particles

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CLUTTER

What’s the problem? What do we do to help? Organize home,shelves and storage bins. Hoarding? What’s the psychological aspect of this?

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CODE REQUIREMENTS

305.1

• General

302.1

• Sanitation

307.1

• Accumulation of rubbish or garbage

503.4

• Floor surface

Code requirements related to cleanliness

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KEY MESSAGES

Pesticides, allergens, and general chemicals in the home can cause allergic reactions, asthma and asthma exacerbation, and toxic exposure effects.

Potential sources of allergens and contaminants in the home come from outdoor and indoor sources.

Keeping a home clean includes controlling the source, creating smooth and cleanable surfaces, reducing clutter, and using effective cleaning methods.

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LEARNING OBJECTIVES

List three contaminants or allergens that are frequently found in house dust and their health effects.

Describe three ways allergens or contaminants get into house dust.

Identify three strategies to reduce them.

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