Formaldehyde: The Next Silent Killer?

by Faith Ranoli

Formaldehyde is found in most homes in multiple applications from pressed wood products, insulation and chemicals adhering to clothing imported from other countries. The EPA studies indicate a link from formaldehyde to cancer, asthma and allergies - in people and animals.

Formaldehyde is colorless but definitely has a noticeable pungent odor causing eyes and throats to burn and eyes to water. For those who are very sensitive or have chemical sensitivities, nausea and breathing difficulties may be experienced. Chemical sensitive people experience fatigue, skin rash and other allergic reactions.

Rising temperatures, humidity and the air exchange rate can affect indoor air containing formaldehyde. As temps rise formaldehyde is released from glues, adhesives and sealants on interior plywood, particleboard, medium density fiberboard. Some paints containing preservatives, the finish on some papers, building insulation, textiles, environmental tobacco smoke and improperly vented fuel burning appliances will also cause a release of formaldehyde.

It's everywhere trapped in your home or office. For those working from home or animals that are continually in a closed office or home, the risks are greater.

So what can you do about it?

Here are some very simple tips to lower the concentration of formaldehyde in your home or office:

o Ventilate your home, open the windows and doors and air out your home daily.
o Use exterior grade pressed woods, no VOC paints and finishes.
o Inspect your fuel burring appliances for proper venting and operation.
o Use your air conditioner to lower the temps in your home during the summer.
o Install only building materials containing the American National Standards Institute stamp indicating lower or no formaldehyde levels.
o When you buy clothing, wash it before wearing it.
o Remove formaldehyde-containing products if you can and seal those that must remain with a no VOC sealant.


Tune in to Faith Ranoli's Heart And Home Radio Show Thursdays 1pm Pacific Time

Things to know when hiring a contractor

by Faith Ranoli

Do you have home remodeling projects? What if you've watched the building TV shows and know you do not want to end up like some of those people. How do you protect yourself? How do you bring your project in on time and on budget? Most importantly, how do you hire a team to accomplish your goals of bringing your dream into reality on budget?

Here are some tips to help you hire the right people and avoid common pitfalls. The best advice is to be prepared and do your due diligence.

Before you start your project:
Hire a home inspector to assess the property for hidden needed repairs. Speak with professionals to help you lay out the project, perhaps an architect, designer, the kitchen or bath staff at the big box store, look at magazine and search the Internet for ideas and products.Depending on your time commitment and level of involvement you may choose to hire a remodeling coach to help interface with contractors or to oversea the project or to help you do some of the work.Once you have a plan of action think about your budget, hold back 10-15% for the unexpected, if you don't spend it on surprise repairs then you can upgrade fixtures or other materials towards the end of the project.

When hiring a contractor:
Ask friends or professional contacts for contractor referrals, check with your home insurance company carrier or Realtor for their vendor list. When talking to contractors ask for proof of insurance, workman's compensation insurance and state licensing. Call and verify all insurances and ask for certificates of insurance before you start the job. Call and verify the contractor is in good standing with the state licensing board. Call and verify the contractor and the company name are in good standing with the Secretary of State's office and the Better Business Bureau. Use the Internet and research the contractor and his company. Ask to see their driver's license and car insurance. Ask for past customer references from each contractor, call those customers and ask to see the finished work.

During the bid process:
Obtain bids from at least three qualified contractors. Ensure the bids are made on the same job specifications and quality of materials. Obtain a land and cell phone number, street mailing address not a post office box, an email address and website address for each contractor and make sure this information is reflected on their bid. Each bid should have a start date, end date and payment breakout dates. Ask for the bid to be broken down into labor and materials for each phase of the project.

Drawing up the contract:
After selecting your contractor(s)ask for the contract and look for:
-- A start date and end date with a clause detailing the process if the contractor cannot meet the end date. The work description encompasses the total project they bid on, all the details are written into the contract.
-- A payment schedule, based on finishing phases of the project.
-- A plan for obtaining permits where needed.
-- A lien release from all subcontractors and material suppliers, do this before paying for any work.
-- A means to track changes to the project. Unexpected repairs or changes to the original design will crop up, a way to track those changes is necessary because it will most likely change the cost of the project. A form filled out by the contractor and signed by both of you is recommended.
-- A clause for touch ups and warranties.
-- A labor and material price breakdown for each phase of the project.
-- A means of negotiating if the job is not done to your agreed upon contract.

Remember, anything you sign is a contract. When the job is completed, do not write that final check until you have the signed and completed permit from your local building inspection office. Also, have others look at the finished project and look for touch ups. You've been looking at the project daily and you might miss something, a fresh eye will help you see the touch ups needed while the contractor is motivated to make those repairs.

Tune in to Faith Ranoli’s, Heart & Home radio show, Thursday 1p.m.PT