The Citizen, 2018-05-10, Page 16PAGE 16. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MAY 10, 2018.
Light, construction
materials key in
healthy home renos
Continued from page 15
renovations and lifestyle changes.
• Be aware of furniture
materials: Toxic PBDEs, which are
chemicals used as flame retardants
on furniture fabrics produced prior
to 2006, can send toxins into the air.
Some manufacturers may still use
these flame retardants in new forms,
but with similar risks. Before
purchasing furniture, ask if a
product is treated, and select
naturally fire-resistant materials like
wool and cotton.
• Lighten up: Lighting is often
underappreciated but can have a
dramatic impact on whether a home
feels inviting, warm and/or uplifting.
Experiment with different types of
bulbs and lighting fixtures to turn
drab and dreary environments into
brighter places. Lighting may
improve mood and productivity.
• Let the sun shine in: Modify
window treatments to let more
sunlight into the house. There is
evidence that the sun, particularly
UV light, is a potent bactericide. The
Sunlight Institute advises that
there's no harm in letting natural
sunlight do its work, as bacteria
within eight feet of low -intensity
UV light can be killed in 10 minutes.
• Inspect and service wood -
burning appliances: A study
published in the American Journal
of Respiratory Cell and Molecular
Biology has found regular inhalation
of wood smoke limits immune
activity and function, and anyone
who burns wood indoors should be
aware of these potential health risks.
Ensuring proper ventilation of
smoke and routinely cleaning the
chimney can help cut down on
particulate matter.
• Turn to non-toxic cleaning
products, pesticides and
insecticides: Always opt for non-
toxic, natural products when
cleaning in and around the house.
• Declutter the home: A
cluttered, hectic space can affect
emotions and mental state, never
mind attracting dust and making a
home harder to clean. Spending time
in spaces that do not elicit
stressful feelings is healthier
and can help residents to rest and
recharge.
Making a home healthier can be
on the list of this year's renovation
plans.
Water features add to
master garden plans
MS — Many homeowners aspire
to make their homes appear as
beautiful and welcoming as
possible. Exterior renovations may
be high on homeowners' to-do lists
and landscaping is oftentimes a key
component of those projects.
When planning gardens,
homeowners may benefit by
considering more than just flowers
and shrubs while giving thought to
other elements that can breathe
vitality into their landscape designs.
Water features can do just that, as
such features provide more than just
visual appeal.
• Aesthetic appeal: Water
elements stand out against the
greenery and foliage and can be used
to create focal points around the
garden or yard. A single fountain
can draw the eye, while a trickling
stream or waterfall can deliver water
to various spots in the landscape.
• Soothing sound: Raindrops on a
rooftop or waves lapping on a
shoreline elicit feelings of harmony
and relaxation. Water features can
bring that gentle sound close to
home, further enhancing the
ambiance.
• Brings texture: Water has its
own unique and fluid texture that
can provide stark contrast to blades
of grass or the hard lines of
architectural elements, such as
pergolas or retaining walls. A pond
or fountain can soften lines.
• Enhance the natural
ecosystem: Water features can
attract wildlife to a property. Birds
may visit to take a quick sip and
dragonflies are sure to dart and
hover over the shimmering ripples.
Inviting natural wildlife to the yard
Continued on page 17
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Lighten up
Evidence suggests that ultraviolet light, like the kind found in natural sunlight, is a potent
bactericide. Letting a little sunlight in can lead to a healthier house quickly. (Ms photo)
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