Poor Indoor Air Quality Poses Health Risk
MOST PEOPLE KNOW that when the skyline looks hazy with smog,
breathing the air can be harmful. But did you know the air inside
your home can make you sick?
In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency rates indoor air
pollution among the top environmental health risks because most
Americans spend 90 percent of their time indoors. Over the past
40 years, exposure to indoor air pollutants has increased for
a variety of reasons.
Today's homes and buildings are more tightly sealed and don't
provide proper ventilation. We've also increased our use of synthetic
building materials and furnishings, and chemically formulated
personal care products, cleaning supplies and pesticides.
Poor indoor air quality can lead to a variety of health problems,
including toxic and allergic reactions, infections, and even cancer.
It can also contribute to asthma and other lung diseases.
There are a variety of sources of indoor air pollution, including
building materials, combustible sources, biological pollutants,
and household chemical products.
Building Materials
Materials used in building and remodeling such as pressed wood,
particle board, carpeting, laminated flooring, and permanent-press
fabrics used for drapes contain chemicals that can irritate your
lungs, including formaldehyde.
Emissions of formaldehyde are highest when products are new.
When you buy new furniture, drapes and carpet, air them out in
your garage for a few days before bringing them inside. When you
get new carpet, furniture, drapes, or any remodeling, open up
your house and run exhaust fans for the first week. Increasing
ventilation in your home and reducing humidity will also help
reduce formaldehyde levels.
Combustible Sources
Combustible sources include tobacco, wood stoves, fireplaces,
kerosene, and natural gas. The most dangerous pollutant caused
by combustible sources is carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless
gas that can kill you. Combustible sources can also emit significant
amounts of nitrogen dioxide and particles.
Never let anyone smoke in your house. Don't use kerosene heaters
and have your central heating system inspected every year. Make
sure exhaust fans that vent to the outside are installed over
all gas stoves. Open the flue when you are using the fireplace
and make sure there are no leaks in your wood stove.
Biological Pollutants
Molds, mildews, bacteria, droppings from dust mites and other
insects, animal dander and viruses are all biological pollutants.
They can be inhaled alone or by attaching themselves to particles
of dust. You can never get rid of biological pollutants completely,
but you can limit their growth.
Make sure your kitchen and bathrooms are well vented and your
clothes dryer is vented to the outside. Water trays in humidifiers,
air conditioners and refrigerators should be emptied frequently.
Replace or clean moldy shower curtains, and clean bathrooms and
kitchens often. Air out your home regularly. Wash bedding in hot
water at least every 10 days to kill dust mites, and vacuum and
dust often. If you have lung disease, you may want to consider
removing your carpet and drapes.
Household Chemical Products
Cleaning supplies and pesticides are the most used chemical products
at home. They give off toxic fumes that can irritate your nose,
throat and lungs.
Never mix chemical products, especially chlorine bleach with
ammonia. The combination produces a deadly gas.
It's best to use cleaning products made with safer ingredients
like vinegar and baking soda, as well as less toxic substitutes
for pesticides. (See sidebar for a list of cleaning solutions.
)
Bugs and other pests can be controlled by keeping them out of
the home. Don't leave food out because it gives them a reason
to come inside. Caulk holes and cracks where pests can enter the
home. Keep screen doors and windows in good repair, and prune
back bushes.
American Lung Association Focuses on Reducing Indoor Air
Pollution
Most of the indoor air tips listed here are from the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA)and the American Lung Association of the
Central Coast's Healthy Homes program, which teaches agricultural
workers —who are at greater risk of developing asthma and
other respiratory ailments — how to improve indoor air quality
at home.
The American Lung Association and EPA's Tools for Schools program
is helping schools reduce indoor air pollution so children can
feel better and concentrate on learning.
These and other programs offered by American Lung Associations
around the state are working to reduce indoor air pollution so
that everyone can breathe easier, especially at home.
Cleaning Solutions
All Purpose Household Cleaner
Mix one teaspoon liquid soap, one teaspoon baking soda, and one
quart warm water.
Vinyl Floor Cleaner
Mix half cup vinegar with one gallon water.
Oven Cleaner
Mix two tablespoons baking soda and one gallon water. Scrub with
very fine steel wool. Wear gloves and rinse well.
Mildew Cleaner
For mild cases, scrub with baking soda. For more severe cases,
scrub with tri sodium phosphate. Do not rinse off except in food
areas.
Glass Cleaner
Mix half teaspoon liquid soap, three tablespoons vinegar, and
two cups cold water. For very dirty windows, add more soap.
Online Resources:
www.arb.ca.gov/research/indoor/indoor.htm
www.cal-iaq.org/
www.epa.gov/iaq/
|