Do Just One Thing

If your home was built before 1978, there's a very good chance lead paint was used inside. There are simple tests you can do to find out if your paint is lead-based, and you can find them at any home improvement store. If your home does have lead-based paint, there's no need to actively remove it. In fact, sanding or chipping away at lead paint can be worse, since the process can turn the paint into a breathable dust. So, what's the best course of action? Leave it alone and be aware if old paint begins to chip or fall apart.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Do you use a laser printer in your home office? Every time you print out a page, you might be inhaling ultrafine toxic particles. Scientists at the Queensland University of Technology studied the particle emissions of 62 common printers. Around 40% emitted particles, and among those, 27% emitted a high level. Cardiovascular problems have been linked to ultrafine particles, including those from printers. If you use a laser printer, try to keep it away from where you work, or use it in a well-ventilated area.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Whether you're in a hotel, restaurant, office building or at the gym, if you see a water leak, you should say something. The managers of these commercial buildings often are completely unaware that they may be wasting water, and it helps when someone like you brings it to their attention. Even slow drips of water -- which may not seem like a big deal -- can waste up to a third of a gallon a day. Multiply that by the millions of potential leaks and it really adds up.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION