Ottawa – Every day, we are exposed to chemicals and pollutants in the air, water, soil, food and products we use in our home. Here are some tips on how to help protect yourself and those around you.
Make sure your roof, foundation and walls don’t leak. Ensure that the ground around your home slopes away from the foundation wall to prevent water from leaking into the basement. Check basement pipes for condensation or dripping. Insulate pipes in order to reduce humidity. Fix any leaking pipes.
Keep your chimney clean
Check your chimney to ensure it isn’t blocked and that it’s cleaned once a year so pollutants are vented outside.
Store chemical products safely
Store pesticides, fertilizers, fuels and fuel-burning equipment in a storage cabinet or, if possible, a locked shed, separated from your home’s ventilation system. This will help prevent chemical fumes from these products from entering your home. If you live in an apartment or condo, consult with your landlord or condo board.
Check the Air Quality Health Index
Pay attention to the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI). The AQHI is a scale from 1 – 10 that measures outdoor air quality. The hottest days of the year are often those with the worst air quality. If you have an air conditioner, make sure it works properly before the hot weather starts. If you don’t have air conditioning, find an air-conditioned spot close by where you can cool off for a few hours on very hot days.
Keep poor outdoor air from entering your house
Keep windows closed when the outdoor air quality is poor, such as during wildfires or extreme heat. Help keep poor outdoor air from coming into your house by ensuring windows, doors and skylights are tightly sealed. Repair or replace weather stripping and caulking as required.
Use insect repellent safely
Always read the product label carefully before use and follow all directions. Insect repellent can help protect you against diseases spread by ticks and mosquitoes, such as Lyme disease and West Nile.
Use pesticides safely
Always read the product label carefully before use and follow all directions, if you choose to use a pesticide. Only use a pesticide that is authorized for use in Canada and be sure to check with your municipality for pesticide by-laws.