Home energy Q&A.(The Orlando Sentinel)

Q. We moved into our home about six months ago and my kids have had colds all this time. My wife and I have felt lousy too. How do we know if we bought a "sick house?"

A. The answer is a simple one. Every house is potentially a "sick house." Carpets, drapes, furniture and cabinets, depending on their composition, can all give off volatile organic compounds. Paints, varnishes and other solvents also can give off VOCs inside the house. Perfumes, soaps, hair sprays and other common personal care products can give off VOCs. Pesticides can give off VOCs.

Many common building materials, home furnishings and all kinds of products taken into your house are potential sources of indoor air pollution. In most cases, fortunately, there is adequate ventilation to keep the indoor air relatively clean. And some people are not as sensitive to fumes and gases as are other people.

Consider that about 65 percent of your time is spent inside your home. With so many potential sources of allergens, pollutants, mold and mildew and other problems, it is, indeed possible that some of the health problems your family is experiencing are caused by indoor pollutants.

Another potential source of these problems is improperly installed, damaged or deteriorating ductwork. You may have ductwork in the attic that is not properly sealed, allowing humid outside air to be drawn indoors and foster the growth of mold and mildew. Ducts that are not airtight can cause poor indoor air quality.

Here are tips from the American Lung Association of Florida for keeping indoor air clean and healthy:

_When painting, seal the work area with tape and plastic, open windows and use fans to vent the vapors outdoors.