CertainTeed embraces air quality

CertainTeed has taken steps to remind homeowners of the importance of indoor air quality.

The company released a list of “Five Ways to Breathe Happy at Home.” Here they are:

Identify the source: Just like it’s important to check nutrition labels for food, it’s just as imperative to do the same when selecting building products. Check the label -- many manufacturers proactively choose formaldehyde-free materials to contribute to sustainable, healthy homes.

Keep level: Humidity plays a huge role in developing unwanted toxins in the air. High levels of moisture can contribute to mold growth, so it’s important to keep moisture levels balanced.

Use smart products: When repairing or renovating your home interior, the ultimate way to improve the quality of air -- and the health of a home -- is to invest in smart building materials for its entire structure. So install smart drywall over smart insulation, the company recommends.

Risks worth detecting: According to the EPA, radon -- a radioactive gas derived from the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water -- is the cause of more than 20,000 deaths each year. To ensure you’re not inhaling this harmful gas, have your home tested. Many kits are inexpensive and require minimal time to complete.

Clean up: Don’t let airborne indoor pollutants linger. Recent construction, mold, dust mites and dander are just a few examples of what may be lurking in the air you’re breathing. To eliminate these factors, clean thoroughly and vacuum and dust often.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says the concentration of indoor pollutants is two to five times higher than typical outdoor concentrations.