Reducing Exposure in Everyday Living

Our homes contain a variety of materials, furnishings, cleaning products and personal care items. Understanding what we bring indoors and how these substances may influence our indoor environment is an important part of creating a healthier home.

In building biology, we consider several ways to reduce exposure, beginning with removing an unwanted source wherever practical.

The following seven principles provide a useful framework for observing your surroundings and considering what changes may be appropriate for your home.

1. Elimination

Where practical, begin by identifying and removing the source of unwanted exposure.

• Consider products, materials or activities that may be contributing to indoor air concerns.

• Removing the source is often the most effective first step.

2. Reducing Exposure

When removing a source is not possible, consider ways to reduce contact with it.

• Look at how and where a product or material is being used.

• Consider whether changes to everyday practices, ventilation or moisture management may assist.

3. Engineering

Consider changes to the building or indoor environment that may help reduce exposure.

• Improve ventilation where appropriate, taking outdoor air conditions into account.

• Address moisture sources and building concerns.

• Consider materials and finishes suited to the space and its occupants.

4. Substitution

Explore whether a product or material can be replaced with a more suitable alternative.

• Review ingredients and product information.

• Consider lower-emission cleaning, personal care and household products.

5. Isolation

Where a source cannot be removed immediately, consider whether it can be safely separated from occupied spaces.

• Store suitable products securely and away from everyday living areas.

• Avoid bringing unnecessary chemical products into bedrooms and other frequently occupied spaces.

6. Administrative Measures

Everyday routines can help reduce unnecessary exposure.

• Establish appropriate cleaning, maintenance and ventilation practices.

• Keep a record of products, appliances and areas that may need attention.

7. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Some activities may require additional protection.

• Use suitable gloves, eye protection or respiratory protection where recommended for the task.

• Follow product safety instructions and seek professional assistance for hazardous materials.

A thoughtful approach

Begin with the source wherever possible. Protective equipment and everyday routines may assist, but they do not replace addressing the underlying concern.