My House Is Killing Me!: The Home Guide for Families with Allergies and Asthma (Paperback)

by Jeffrey C. May (Author), Jonathan M. Samet MD (Foreword) "A young man who was having allergy symptoms in his house asked me to investigate..." (more)
Key Phrases: fragrance emitters, blower cabinet, mite fecal pellets, Managing the Unseen (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal
Asthma and allergy sufferers, this book is essential reading: it will answer all your questions about why you suffer in your own home and what you can do to prevent it. May, an air quality investigator and president of a home investigation company, takes you on a tour of your home, both interior and exterior, with a detailed description of the organic and inorganic substances that are making you ill. He covers every room, including the basement, attic, laundry room, garage, heating and air-conditioning system(s), and nooks and crannies that you probably forgot about. He explains how insects, molds, bacteria, yeast, dust, moisture, larvae, pet dander, fabric fibers, smoke, and many other agents can trigger an episode and how to eliminate them permanently. May provides actual stories from his many years of experience with the solutions he has recommended to his clients. Todd Schultze's A Safe Haven? (LJ 4/01/01) complements May's work with practical advice on ridding your home of toxic hazards like radon, asbestos, and lead. Both will serve for years to come as the definitive guides to establishing disease-free living environments. [See also John Bower's The Healthy House, LJ 9/1/00. Ed.] Irving Weintraub, Brooklyn Coll. Lib., N.
- Irving Weintraub, Brooklyn Coll. Lib., NY
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
A friend of May's read a rough draft of his book on what is actually in a "clean" house, hoping it would put her to sleep. Instead, the pictures and text kept her awake all night. Chemical consultant May describes where and how the various parts of a residence can cause temporary or chronic illness for those with allergies or other sensitivities. Dust mites and other bugs, their fecal pellets and body parts, the skin scales of human inhabitants, and volatile chemicals are the major contaminants, and some elements of a house usually considered beneficial--finished basements, wall-to-wall carpeting, central air conditioning--can cause difficulties. One of the best single chapters is on cleaning processes and equipment; it reveals that "dry" steam, carefully used, is excellent. The "Recommendations" that conclude each chapter serve as review and highlighting of an information-packed text. A first-rate reference that is enjoyable to read. William Beatty
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: The Johns Hopkins University Press; 1 edition (October 8, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0801867304
• ISBN-13: 978-0801867309
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.8 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #165,496 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #8 in	Books > Health, Mind & Body > Disorders & Diseases > Asthma
  #17 in	Books > Health, Mind & Body > Disorders & Diseases > Respiratory
  #54 in	Books > Health, Mind & Body > Disorders & Diseases > Allergies

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

35 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Reference, March 14, 2002

By	apoem "apoem" (Bosque Farms, NM USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

My son was diagnosed with asthma and I decided to do what I could to help him through housekeeping and house improvements.
This book was the place I started. After reading through this book and looking at the pictures I was able to make a list of things I wanted to do and the order they needed to be done. It made a huge difference for our family.

The pictures only add to the text and help to clarify what the author is discussing. The text is clear and easy to read. The directions are simple and informative. WELL WORTH THE MONEY!

I did not find this book to be overwhelming or full of too much information. Rather it was a perfect book for home owners who suffer from allergies or asthma.

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My House is Killing Me! Things every person should know!, January 26, 2002

By	Edward Gerhardt (Chapel Hill, North Carolina) - See all my reviews

My House is Killing Me! is a real eye opener. This book is a must read for anyone who has asthma, allergies or a family member or friend that has sensitivities to allergens. Informative, but not overly technical, this book describes why homes have indoor air quality problems and what the homeowner can do to improve the air quality around them.

The photos demonstrate real life situations where poorly maintained furnaces, air ducts and humidifiers can contribute to the misery of allergy and asthma sufferers. The photomicrographs and photos from the scanning electron microscope show how mold can grow on surfaces that were thought would not support mold growth. The recommendations at the end of each chapter provide valuable information and guidance that will enable the homeowner to improve the air quality in the home.

Who should read this book? People with asthma, allergies, doctors, home inspectors, trades people or anyone interested in maintaining a healthy home.

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars But Your House DOESN'T Have to Kill You, June 20, 2004

By	"no1cdatty" (Los Angeles, California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: My House Is Killing Me! The Home Guide for Families With Allergies and Asthma (Hardcover)

When I heard about this often-referenced book, I wondered if it was just 'sensationalist'. It's not. This book is alternately frightening and terribly funny. In his Closing Remarks, Mr. May says, "If you read this book and then go out and purchase a HEPA vacuum, I'll be pleased; but if you throw out your couch or mattress, I'll be upset. I wrote the book not to cause hysteria, but to help people suffering from allergies and asthma gain control over the air quality where they live, play and work. I believe firmly that taking simple steps can make enormous improvements, just as minor omissions can create major problems."

This book starts off with an introduction of allergy causing organisms, ranging from mold to mites. The microphotographs of carpet bettles and dust mites are like something from a scary movie. After that, Mr. May discusses the "Stage, Set and Crew" - rugs, furniture, bedding, pets, plants, and our own bodies. These make up our environment. Mr. May talks about a whole host of allergens including pets, mites, mold, and off-gassing. He also addresses important issues such as air-quality problems (such as carbon monoxide buildup) and home hazards, including improper wiring. Throughout the book, he discusses moisture and moisture control as it applies to specific areas of a home.

Mr. May addresses problems that can be found in each area of a home: the bedroom; the bathrooms; living room and family rooms; kitchens and dining rooms; basements; laundries; the attic; and in HVAC systems. He also talks about allergens in cars, schools, and homes. Importantly, he has solid and sensible recommendations for fixing the problems.

Now, for the funny stuff. Mr. May has been an inspector for many years, and has run into some very interesting problems. One laugh-out-loud story was called "The Hot Seat," and described a toilet that actually smoked and steamed (page 66). Have a bee problem? Don't try and remove them yourself (page 89). He has plenty of personal anecdotes as well, such as a temporary biological weapon his son inadvertently created by frying jalepeno peppers and onions (page 100).