THE GARAGE
1. GET A LOCKER
Half empty cans of paint, toxic cleaners, used motor oil, batteries, or pesticides should only be stored in a locked cabinet, outside living areas.
2. ALARM IT.
A Carbon monoxide detector and smoke detector in the garage is a good idea for early fire detection. Also, never idle a vehicle in the garage for even a short while if children are present.
3. HARD HAT ZONE?
Be careful about stacking heavy tools or construction materials that could fall on small bodies.
4. HIDING PLACE
Be aware of containers kids might crawl into, especially ones that may contain volatile trash.
THE BACK YARD
1. SEAL TREATED WOOD
Pressure-treated lumber sold before May 2004 contains chromium copper arsenate (CCA), a form of arsenic, which is linked to cancer. Rather than tear it out before its time, seal it with a watertight coating once a year. When you’re ready, replace it with a composite deck made of recycled plastic.
2. LEAVE POLLUTANTS AT THE DOOR
A large door mat prevents some dirt, pesticides, lead and other pollutants from entering your home. Keep house shoes, slippers, or socks at the door.
3. PHASE OUT DEET BUG SPRAY
Why spray a toxin on to your child? Alternatives include a soybean oil product, which tests have found to be as effective as a 15% concentration of DEET and lasted for 4-8 hours. Oil of lemon eucalyptus also provides protection, although it may be toxic if ingested at high doses.
4. AVOID PESTICIDES
Pesticides are poisons. Protect your health by using natural methods of weed and pest control. Corn gluten suppresses common turf weeds. Others can be drowned in boiling water or burned with a vinegar spray. Mulch will keep down weeds in your garden.
5. SHOP YOUR SAND
Keep the sandbox covered, so critters don’t use it as a bathroom. Look for river or beach sand that has no silica or tremolite. Or opt for pea gravel some kids like playing in that just as well.
6. TEST YOUR SOIL
Urban yards often contain arsenic or lead from old paint or auto emissions. The main risk is from ingestion. Mitigate by planting toxin-absorbing plants such as spinach and then disposing of them as hazardous waste, or cover contaminated soil with several inches of mulch or pebbles.
04.2012
www.greenbuildermag.com 61
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