As you take measures to prevent heat loss from your home, remember that while these efforts may help hold in heat, they also keep in air pollutants that can negatively affect your health. What can you do to care for the air you breathe at home?

Get a carbon monoxide detector - it's the law!

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, potentially deadly gas. If your home or apartment's central heating and cooling system, water heater or cooking appliances are powered by gas, oil or propane - and if your garage is attached to your home - Illinois law mandates that carbon monoxide detectors be within 15 feet of each room in which people sleep. A standard detector costs less than $20. To prevent carbon monoxide leaks, have your home's systems and appliances serviced regularly. Avoid harmful smoke containing carbon monoxide and other harmful gases and particles.

Test for radon, too

Radon is a naturally occurring, low-level radioactive gas that enters buildings through crawlspaces and cracks in basement foundations. It is colorless and odorless, so you'll need a radon detection kit to determine the level present in your home. Your local public health district has more information, and Champaign-Urbana residents may qualify for a free test kit as long as supplies last. 

Reduce chemicals and perfumes in your home

Most commercial household cleansers contain strong chemicals that are harmful to your health in an air-tight house. Healthy alternatives are easy to make using readily available, non-toxic ingredients, such as baking soda and white vinegar.   

Most commercial air and fabric fresheners are chemical-based and use synthetic perfumes. You can release lovely natural scents in your home by growing herbs to pinch as needed. Mints, rosemary and lavender are favorites. If you have them, take advantage of the heat of you radiators by warming cinnamon sticks in water on top of them.    

Control mold, dust and dirt

To avoid indoor mold growth, keep the humidity level below 50 percent, remembering that about 40 percent humidity is great for your health in winter. Immediately fix leaks in plumbing or in roofs and walls.  Avoid over-watering live plants, which are wonderful natural air purifiers.  Boston ferns tolerate a lot of neglect while improving your indoor air quality. 

The best way to keep dust and dirt outdoors is to remove your shoes as you enter your home and don a pair of  socks or slippers that are never worn outdoors. Wipe down your pets' feet, too, as they come indoors.

More easy-breathing ideas

* If you are a smoker, take it outdoors to protect the health of your household members and pets. There is help out there to kick the habit when you are ready to make that choice. 

* Check your fireplace flue each year for blockages that would prevent smoke from going outdoors.  

* Burn candles to create a pleasant atmosphere. Those made from natural beeswax or soy - no color or scent added - are the healthiest options. Trim candle wicks to ¼ inch in length for cleaner burning. If you burn incense, avoid doing so in small, poorly ventilated rooms.  

Editor's Note: Carol Jo appears regularly on WCIA's "Green Right Now," which is broadcast on the morning news program on alternating Tuesdays. You can watch the Jan. 16 segment for tips on  improving your home's air quality on the station's web site. Check back there for past and future programs.