You may have heard of sick building syndrome. But could your home also be making you sick? One lung doctor says yes. In fact, he says the air quality in your home is much worse than the pollution outside. We'll bring you on a tour of an average home to show you where the dangers are.
"Living in a home that is polluted with mold can cause all sorts of respiratory problems," says Dr. Neil Schachter, lung specialist.
And that's a great concern to Scott Lerman, who has a 4-year-old.
"We want to make sure that our house is as healthy as it can be so that my son can be as healthy as he can be."
So Scott agreed to a tour of his home by lung specialist Dr. Neil Schachter, who pointed out this water damage.
"What really counts is what is underneath there."
The EPA estimates indoor air quality is two to five times
more polluted than the air we breathe outside.
Dust is another culprit. And it's found in carpet. So put easier-to-clean area rugs over carpet. Get rid of dust ruffles, and don't keep stuff under the bed. Clutter in your basement also attracts dust mites.
"All these things can cause allergies, can cause asthma."
Back to the moldy shower -- Dr. Schachter advises cleaning with cholirnated wipes to avoid spraying chemicals, which can irritate your airways.
Pollutants can also come from outside, so to keep them out, install a filter -- like a $9 one used in this home. It adjusts to fit most windows.
It's been an eye-opening tour for this homeowner.
"You assume that your house is healthy, and until you get someone to points these things out."
So now Scott commits to get rid of more than just the dust in an effort to keep his family healthy.
The EPA says the number one key to controlling mold is controlling moisture.
And if there's not a lot of moisture, ceratain antimicrobial sprays, like Febreze, can help control mold growth on fabrics.
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Environmental Protection Agency -- Mold Resources
http://www.epa.gov/mold/moldresources.html http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=health&id=4892001# # #
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