A Healthier Indoor Environment:

There is no-doubt that a major concern of all homeowners these days is the quality of the air we breathe. In this Built Green™ home, many design techniques, materials and systems all work together to create healthier indoor air. A dedicated mechanical ventilation system delivers fresh outside air to all bedrooms and key living spaces while removing stale, contaminated air.

Wool carpet in the bedrooms do not release chemicals and come from renewable resources. Wool is also more durable than synthetics, so it will last and look better a lot longer. Sherwin-Williams Harmony paints used throughout the home are low-odor during application and have very low VOCs*. VOCs are known or suspected to have negative health effects. The Harmony paint also provides a durable, washable, anti-microbial surface.

* VOC= volatile organic compounds. Base paint is no VOC, tints are low VOC.

Here are five simple suggestions from the American Lung Association® of Washington that can improve the indoor air quality of your home:

• Remove shoes when entering the home
• Wash bedding weekly in hot (140 degree) water
• Control humidity levels by using bathroom and kitchen fans
• Clean with nontoxic products
• Damp dust and vacuum weekly

If anyone in your family has asthma or other chronic lung disease, free in-home assessments are offered by trained volunteers in King and Pierce County. For more information or to learn more about your home environment please visit the American Lung Association of Washington's Master Home Environmentalist(TM) program: http://www.alaw.org/air_quality/master_home_environmentalist/