Provide ample ventilation if toxics-emitting materials are already installed, Non-toxic sealants can reduce harmful emissions from chipboard, plywood and woods treated with hazardous preservatives such as peritachlorophenol 'off-gassing' from furniture and building materials does tend to diminish with time. However, for future home improvements, think non-toxic.

Asbestos: This carcinogen is now restricted from use as an insulation and pipe covering. It is still found, however, in older buildings and in stoves, furnaces, appliances, and some roofing, flooring and siding materials. Avoid it at all costs. Seek expert advice before removing or handling suspect materials.

Caulking: All liquid caulks emit solvent fumes when drying, and do-it-yourself brands emit them for months. Use roll type soft caulk or permanent molding instead. When you must use a liquid caulk, have a professional use a "double-component polyurethane." Provide ventilation as long as odors linger.

Carpet and Flooring: Avoid synthetics in favor of naturally-occurring materials such as wool, cotton, and wood. Buy rugs and carpets that have not been treated with insecticides and fungicides. When rugs are cleaned, insist that no pesticides be used. Buy real linoleum (a long-lasting composite of wood flour, linseed oil, pine resins, and burlap) instead of imitation.

Insulation: The safest bets: probably "rock wool" or aluminum-backed fiberglass. Get as many facts as you can before buying any insulating materials. Harmful gaseous emissions, cancer causing or irritating particles, etc. are common among the following insulating materials: urea-formaldehyde; polyurethane (blown-in-place and rigid panels); asbestos; fiberglass on kraft paper with asphalt adhesive; cellulose; vermiculite and perlite.

Paint: Use water-based paints instead of solvent-based to minimize toxic emissions and allow clean-up with water, Paint when windows can be opened for good ventilation and when warm air will dry surfaces more rapidly. Vacate painted rooms until odors subside --- about 2 weeks for water-based paints. Emissions from the more than 300 toxic chemicals that have been identified in solvent-based paints may linger for months after the paint is applied. When removing old paint, wear a mask; sand or scrape as much as possible to reduce the need for solvents. To remove old paint from brushes, place in an old pan with vinegar, boil several minutes, and wash with soap and water.

Plastic: Use wood, rock, concrete, paper, and other "soft-tech' materials that don't add to the toxics burden at home... and in the world at large ... that accompanies the production and use of plastics.

Plywood and Particle Board: Use whole woods whenever possible. Formaldehyde emissions from plywood and particle board are major contributors to airborne toxics in homes. If accessible, these materials may be sealed to reduce emissions.

Used Construction Materials: Avoid used railroad ties and utility poles. These materials have been treated with pentachlorophenol, creosote or other toxic, persistent chemicals. Contaminants can spread to people, pets, soil, and groundwater. Stone, brick or cement are non-toxic alternatives for lining gardens and walkways.

Water Pipes: Use steel or galvanized pipe and lead-free solder. Lead pipe and lead solder are not suitable for water-carrying uses. Both contaminate drinking water with this heavy metal which has harmful effects at very low concentrations. Lead pipes, which can still be found in older buildings and communities, should be replaced.

Wood Finishes: Use natural oils or beeswax rather than products containing solvents or synthetics. Simple non-toxic finishes can be used to seal interior woods and many exterior woods.

Wood Preservatives: Use rot-resistant woods (redwood, cypress, and red cedar), concrete, and construction techniques designed to eliminate the need for preservatives. Otherwise, apply less-toxic preparations: for indoor applications, boric acid and acetic acid products; for outdoors, copper or zinc formulas. Wood preservatives containing pentachlorophenol (Penta), are among the most hazardous of consumer products. Despite well-known health risks, Penta is still widely used in Canadian and U.S. wood products and is available over the counter in Canada. This persistent, bioaccumulative toxic has been found in more than 80% of U.S. citizens.