The best way to reduce the growth of mildew and more toxic molds is to decrease humidity by increasing air circulation. The bathroom vent should be run for at least 20 minutes after a steamy shower. Allow towels and shower curtains to dry completely and as quickly as possible after every use. Door knobs, light switches, and faucet handles can be covered with body soil, mold, yeast, and bacteria like E. coli and Listeria that can make family members very ill. Keep some disinfecting wipes on hand and give everything a quick wipe down at least once per day. Do it more often if anyone is suffering from a cold or virus. If the fan is not vented properly to an outside exhaust system or the interior is covered with dust and mold, it may be recirculating dangerous particles. In 2009, esearchers found that showerheads can be home to microbes like Legionella pneumophila and Mycobacterium avium. These are particularly harmful to those with lung disease or weakened immune systems. After every use, the scrubbing tools should be washed with soap and rinsed well. Remove them from the shower and hang to air dry where there is good air circulation. Toss them in the washer often for a thorough cleaning. Hand towels should be changed daily and disinfected properly, especially if someone in the household is ill. Almost all vinyl emits volatile organic chemicals (VOCs), but increasing ventilation during installation and for a few weeks when it is done will help them dissipate. There are vinyl flooring options that are manufactured to meet strict standards for indoor air quality. You can help offset problems by selecting a low VOC vinyl and adhesive and using a qualified installer.
