Objective 8.01: RECOGNIZE ways to control comfort through air quality.

Because homes are more airtight, the air in our homes can become polluted Home air pollution comes from cleaning and beauty products, smoke, dust, pet dander and some building materials.

Home air pollution can cause people to develop allergies, feel tired, or develop other serious illnesses What are some ways to eliminate home air pollution?

PROBLEM: Carbon Monoxide Colorless, odorless, tasteless gas Caused by incomplete burning of fossil fuel Symptoms range from headaches to brain damage to death.

SOLUTION: Carbon Monoxide Detectors Sounds an alarm when low levels of CO are detected.

PROBLEM: Radon Radioactive gas that occurs naturally in soil and rock Second leading cause of lung cancer Seeps into home through cracks in foundation.

SOLUTION: Radon Detection Free home tests are available to check radon levels radon/radontest.html radon/radontest.html SOSRADON.

Detecting and Treating Radon

PROBLEM: Mold or Mildew Fungus that grows in moisture and warmth (bathrooms, under carpet, in walls and ceilings, behind wallpaper) Causes allergies and other respiratory conditions.

SOLUTION: Dehumidifier Removes excess moisture from the air that can cause mildew, molds, and musty odors Generally not needed if there is an air conditioner in the home.

PROBLEM: Air That is Too Dry May cause asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis, and nosebleeds Causes static electricity, and split wood floors and furniture.

SOLUTION: Humidifier Adds moisture into air of home.

PROBLEM: Allergies Caused by exposure to dust and other pollutants in the home.

SOLUTION: Air Purifiers and Air Filters Reduce indoor pollution such as dust, mold, bacteria, and other pollutants Filters are used in furnaces and intake areas to remove dust or air impurities Change every 30 days.

OBJECTIVE 8.02: Classify home safety and security features

DANGER: Home Fires

SAFETY MEASURE: Smoke Detectors Placed on each floor of home Usually battery operated Check monthly and replace batteries every 6 months to one year.

Check Your Smoke Detectors

SAFEY MEASURE: Fire Extinguishers WATER FOAM, CHEMICAL, DRY- POWDER CARBON DIOXIDE

How to Use a Fire Extinguisher

SAFETY MEASURE: Underwriters Laboratories Independent company that tests and certifies products UL Seal found on an item shows the item meets safety standards when used properly.

DANGER: Home Break-In

SAFETY MEASURE: Deadbolts Unlocks by turning a knob or key Bolt should extend into the doorjamb a minimum of 1 inch Cannot be opened with a credit card or screwdriver.

Spring Locks Commonly found on interior doors.

SAFETY MEASURE: Window Locks Thumb-turn lockKeyed lock

SAFETY MEASURE: Door Viewer Always look before opening.

SAFETY MEASURE: Biometrics Locks that open through identification of an individual by a unique physical characteristic such as a fingerprint, iris, or voice.

How Biometrics Works

SAFETY MEASURE: Touch Pads Used to enter a specific code to open a door or garage, or activate an alarm system If alarm is activated, company monitoring the system will contact police/fire.

SAFETY MEASURE: Motion Sensors Lights that are set to come on when there is motion within a set number of feet.

SAFETY MEASURE: Timers A utomatically turn lights on and off to give the appearance someone is home.

Closed Circuit Television Cameras are placed in and around the home to observe what is happening on the property.

Automated Management System A central control that manages a home’s daily functions.