Everyone has heard rumors about indoor pollution and toxic chemicals in the products they use in the design and decorating of their homes. As more products are made in countries with lax regulations and little or no enforcement, homeowners are worrying more about the chemicals and compounds used in the products they buy.

The world is still reeling under the asbestos nightmare. It takes education and attention to protect your family from becoming the industry's next victim.

A qualified asbestos technician should inspect the home. This is not a do-it-yourself project. In fact, trying to remove asbestos containing products can dramatically increase the cases of members of the family contracting lung cancer.

Homeowners must be aware that insulation and appliance products may still contain asbestos. While the industry insists that asbestos is not a danger, they have been forced to admit that damaged products or old disturbed insulation, can cause cancer.

Mold and mildew are biological air pollutants that can cause serious illness. They are major contributors to sick building syndrome, and aggravate allergies. Poor ventilation is a major contributor to a mold or mildew problem.

A mold and mildew problem that points to poor ventilation also indicates that the home's air pollution level is probably dangerously high.

Mold, dust, and other contaminants also collect in the heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) ducts. Air-conditioning systems are notorious for promoting mold problems. Systems need to be cleaned by HVAC conditioning specialists.

A good, energy efficient home heating and cooling system will not only reduce the home's heating costs, but it will improve the ventilation, and reduce air-pollutants.

Most homeowners are not aware of all the places how air-pollutants enter the home. Most air pollution comes from chemical emissions that are released as the solvents, synthetic fibers, and chemicals in the product break down.

Insulation, caulking, and adhesive insulation strips will significantly reduce the energy usage and costs. However, not all insulation is healthy. Choose insulation with recycled content and minimal chemical emissions.

Avoid using building materials with high chemical emissions such as formaldehyde, solvents, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and glues. These compounds are found in paint, particle board, vinyl floor, wall coverings, some carpets, and insulation.

Relatively safe products include ceramic tile, linoleum, formaldehyde-free particle board, and low VOC paint, sealers, and adhesive. Before buying a product request a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) from the manufacturers.

Chemically treated carpets, adhesives, and backings emit numerous chemicals. In fact, many have been deemed hazardous for use in daycare centers.

Carpets contribute to indoor air pollution as they collect dust and pollutants in the fibers. Avoid carpets with topical chemical treatments. Avoid rubber backing on carpets.

Airing-out the carpet prior to installation may help. Last, use low-VOC adhesives for installation, and use sparingly. Consistent maintenance is also important.

Wall to wall carpet is the most dangerous. While many come with 20 year guarantees, no carpet should be left in the home that long. No vacuum cleaner works well enough to remove dust mites, pollutants, dead skin, and biological matter from a carpet.

Large floor rugs are healthier than wall-to-wall carpet.

Following these tips will help reduce the level of air pollutants in the home, reduce mold, mildew, and contaminants from the home. This can improve your family's health, may improve your sleep, and even reduce your quality of life.