wood." But he warned that natural fiber car- pets can harbor mites, mold, and dust. Kauffman Tharp now offers healthy and green strategies to her interior design clients. When budget prohibits new con- struction, she offers these "low-hanging
fruit options" for retrofitting: ★ Fix problem areas, like basement mold, but be careful not to trade a moisture problem for a chemical problem. Healthier sealant and waterproofing alternatives are now available locally and online.
★ Avoid ducted forced air and AC. Duct work can harbor dust, contaminants, and mold that get airborne and distributed to rooms, where they are inhaled. Efficient and attractive hydronic radiators (forced hot water), radiant heaters, and mini-split ductless AC are healthier options.
★ Remove wall-to-wall carpeting. ★ Avoid toxic synthetic fragrances found
in most laundry and cleaning products, room fresheners, and candles.
★ Buy only solid-wood furniture with safe finishes. Avoid adhesive-containing par- ticle board or laminates which off-gas.
"I love repurposing old furniture as long as it is mold- and lead-free," she said. "Building healthy can also be aesthetically beautiful." ★
Freelance writer JANET MENDELSOHN is the author of Maine's Museums: Art, Oddities & Artifacts (Countryman Press, 2011).
SPRING/SUMMER 2012 ★ north bridge magazine ★ 41