Page 38 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • May 8, 2013 No one enjoys the presence of dust in a home. In addition to being an eyesore, excessive dust in a home can make it hard to breathe and could potentially affect human health. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, lead contaminated dust is one of the most common sources of lead poisoning. Typically formed when leadbased paint is dry scraped, dry sanded or heated, lead dust, when settled, can re-enter the air when a floor is vacuumed or swept. As much of a nuisance and health risk as dust can be, it can also be easily remedied. Homeowners who are hoping to rid their homes of dust can take the following Dust is a potentially harmful houseguest measures. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter. A HEPA, or high-efficiency particulate air, filter improves indoor air quality by removing microscopic contaminants that can cause sickness when breathed in. When vacuuming, use a vacuum with a HEPA filter. Once or twice a week should be enough. Open windows when the weather permits. Chemicals known as polybrominated diphenyl ethers, or PBDEs, are commonly found in dust. While there is no proof that PBDEs are harmful, their structural similarity to cancer-causing PCBs is a cause for concern, and some PBDEs are banned in Europe. A Canadian study conducted several years ago found that PBDE flame retardants were present in indoor air at concentrations 50 times higher than those in outdoor air. Opening the windows when the weather permits helps diminish those concentrations while also reducing dust. Remove clutter from the home. A cluttered home is often a dusty home. Homeowners who collect or simply fail to discard items like magazines, newspapers, or junk mail are inviting dust. Don’t let such items pile up, particularly during the winter months when the windows will be closed and the air inside won’t be as fresh. Clean bedding once a week. Dust is especially fond of bedding, and unwashed bedding is often a paradise for dust. Wash bedding on a weekly basis, and store any unused bedding and seasonal clothing in boxes or bags to reduce dust buildup. Dust frequently. It might seem like a no-brainer, but frequent dusting is a great way to remove dust. As simple as it sounds, however, many people simply don’t dust. When used regularly, feather dusters, floor cleaning systems, or even dusting spray can drastically reduce dust buildup. Each approach requires little elbow grease and each is highly effective. PLANET, the national trade association for landscape industry professionals, announced that Glenn Jacobsen, a resident of Allendale, will be the president of the 2013-14 board of directors. Jacobsen took office on May 1. “The association is in a great place right now with strong membership,” said Jacobsen. “I am excited to help PLANET continue to grow the programs that members need to help strengthen their businesses.” Jacobsen has been an active member of PLANET for years and has served on the board of directors and on many committees. He helped launch PLANET Gives Back at GIC and GIE+EXPO in Louisville, supports the PLANET Academic Excellence Foundation with his wife Melissa, earned Jacobsen to head PLANET Board of Directors the respected designation of PLANET Trailblazer, and mentors students from Penn State and SUNY Cobleskill. “Glenn is so passionate about the industry and about how it can make an impact on people’s lives,” said Sabeena Hickman, CAE, CMP, chief executive officer of PLANET. “We are lucky to have Glenn’s passion and energy focused on improving the industry.” Jacobsen is president and founder of the award-winning Jacobsen Landscape Design & Construction in Midland Park. The company specializes in landscape design and build for residential properties and is well-known for comprehensive landscape maintenance services, which include residential and commercial property care, irrigation, garden design, and commercial snow management. Jacobsen and his team have received awards from numerous landscape industry organizations, including PLANET and the New Jersey Landscape Contractors Association. Jacobsen participates in dozens of charities and has contribute to many community landscape projects, including the building of the 9/11 Memorial Garden at the Midland Park Firehouse, the annual Renewal & Remembrance at Arlington National Cemetery, PLANET Day of Service, Come Alive Outside, and organizing the PLANET Gives Back community service projects in Louisville, Kentucky. PLANET represents more than 100,000 landscape industry professionals who create and maintain healthy, green living spaces for communities across America. PLANET members are committed to the highest standards in industry education, best practices, and business professionalism. Many of PLANET’s professionals have attained the status of becoming Landscape Industry Certified, achieving the greatest level of industry expertise and knowledge. Visit PLANET at www.landcarenetwork.org.