Tuesday, May 8, 2007
What Is Stored in Your Garage and Basement?
Chemical solvents, gasoline, paints, turpentine, and pesticides should not be stored in your living space. Once a container is opened, it is not possible to totally re-seal it. Vapors from inside the container can pass into room air.
A law of physics is that gaseous molecules spread from areas of higher concentration to areas of lower concentration until there is equalization. Thus, if you have multiple re-sealed cans of paint in your basement, paint molecules will be found throughout the basement, as well as potentially upstairs in lower concentrations.
If you absolutely need to retain a few cans of paint for touch-up, try this: Take the lid off a can of paint. Place a layer of plastic wrap over the top of the can. Replace the lid and tamp it down. Store the can of paint upsidedown.
If you absolutely need to store toxins in the garage, seal off openings between the garage and the house. If there is a door from the garage to the house, add weatherseal to minimize air leakage at the door.
A better plan, of course, is to avoid storing toxins at your home. For just about every product, there are healthier choices.
A law of physics is that gaseous molecules spread from areas of higher concentration to areas of lower concentration until there is equalization. Thus, if you have multiple re-sealed cans of paint in your basement, paint molecules will be found throughout the basement, as well as potentially upstairs in lower concentrations.
If you absolutely need to retain a few cans of paint for touch-up, try this: Take the lid off a can of paint. Place a layer of plastic wrap over the top of the can. Replace the lid and tamp it down. Store the can of paint upsidedown.
If you absolutely need to store toxins in the garage, seal off openings between the garage and the house. If there is a door from the garage to the house, add weatherseal to minimize air leakage at the door.
A better plan, of course, is to avoid storing toxins at your home. For just about every product, there are healthier choices.
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