Shelly Barnes: Providing safe and healthy places to live, work, play – Lebanon Democrat

Seven principles of a healthy indoor space include:

Keep it dry.

Keep it clean.

Keep it well ventilated.

Keep it pest free.

Keep it contaminant free.

Keep it safe.

Keep it well maintained.

Keep it dry. Damp and wet environments make it possible for dust mites, cockroaches, rodents, and molds to grow and thrive. Repair all plumbing and structural leaks immediately. Make sure rainwater flows away from the structure. Open windows or use exhaust fans so steam does not build up in bathrooms or kitchens.

Keep it clean. Clean environments help reduce pest infestations and exposure to harmful irritants, such as pollens, dust and toxic contaminants. First, try to keep these things outside. Then, use smooth and cleanable surfaces. Reduce clutter, as it serves as a place for pests to live and dust to accumulate. Always damp mop and dust, to keep from scattering dust into the air and having it settle somewhere else. Always follow label directions on cleaning products.

Keep it well ventilated. A supply of fresh air can help reduce exposure to indoor allergens and asthma triggers as well as other contaminants. The best solution is to install a ventilation system into the heating and cooling systems. If this is not possible, use exhaust fans and open windows, especially when cleaning, cooking, or using chemicals.

Keep it pest free. All pests, including cockroaches, mice and rats, require food, water, and shelter. If these are lacking, then pests will go elsewhere to live. The best approach in combatting pests is to use Integrated Pest Management. The three components of IPM are:

Monitor Know if you have pests, what they are, and how severe the infestation may be.

Prevent Keep the pests from getting inside by sealing all cracks and holes in the outside walls and making certain that food, water, and shelter are not easily available to pests.

Control Once the pest has been identified, first use the least toxic method of control, such as a trap. If pesticides are needed, use the appropriate type, placing it where pests are usually found in cracks and crevices.

Keep it contaminant free. Contaminants that can be found inside include lead, radon, pesticides, volatile organic compounds, environmental tobacco smoke and carbon-monoxide. To keep indoor environments contaminant free, test for radon, install carbon monoxide detectors, use lead-safe practices to fix deteriorating lead paint, establish smoke-free environments and store and use chemicals, paints and cleaning products safely.

Keep it safe. Many injuries occur indoors, especially within the home. These include falls, burns, and poisonings. Prevent injuries by properly labeling and storing all chemicals, including medicines and personal-care products, securing loose rugs, keeping stairs in good repair, removing hard and sharp surfaces and installing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Keep it well maintained. Poorly maintained structures are at risk for pests, moisture, deteriorating lead paint and other structural problems. Inspect, clean and repair routinely. Take care of minor repairs and problems before they become large repairs and major problems.

UT Extension provides a gateway to the University of Tennessee as the outreach unit of the Institute of Agriculture. With an office in every Tennessee county, UT Extension delivers educational programs and research-based information to citizens throughout the state. In cooperation with Tennessee State University, UT Extension works with farmers, families, youth and communities to improve lives by addressing problems and issues at the local, state and national levels.

For more information on this or other family and consumer sciences-related topics, contact Shelly Barnes, family and consumer sciences Extension agent for UT Extension in Wilson County. Barnes may be reached at sbarnes@utk.edu or 615-444-9584.

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Shelly Barnes: Providing safe and healthy places to live, work, play - Lebanon Democrat