Article published Apr 11, 2008
There's plenty of concern — with good reason — about air
pollution. But many people are unaware that indoor pollution can be just as bad
as, or even worse than, the outdoor kind.
Studies of human exposure to air
pollutants by the Environmental Protection Agency indicate that indoor air
levels of many pollutants may be two to five times, and occasionally more than
100 times, higher than outdoor levels.
Paradoxically, laws designed to
improve energy efficiency and outside pollution don't improve indoor air
quality. Tightly sealed homes constructed in the last couple decades to reduce
drafts have diminished the use of fossil fuels, but if a house can't
"breathe," it also can't dilute pollutants contained in building and
decorating products.
While pollutants can affect
people differently, the EPA warns of immediate effects including irritation to
the eyes, nose and throat, headaches, dizziness and fatigue. Long-term effects
can include respiratory disease, heart disease and cancer, according to the
EPA.
Potential sources of indoor air
pollution include central heating, cooling and dehumidification systems;
household cleaning and maintenance products; outdoor sources such as
pesticides; biological contaminants such as animal dander, mold and
cockroaches; dry-cleaned clothing; tobacco smoke; formaldehyde from fabrics,
pressed wood products and insulation; styrene found in adhesives, foam,
lubricants, plastics carpets and insulation; and paint-strippers and removers.
While this is not particularly
good news, awareness is the first step to a more healthful indoor environment.
Your best defense against indoor air pollution is a strong offense.
First, identify and control
sources of pollution to reduce and prevent indoor air contamination. This can
range from changing housecleaning products to airing out freshly dry-cleaned
clothing to tossing out formaldehyde-containing furniture.
Proper ventilation — the mixing
of indoor air with outdoor air — can revitalize the air in your home and
protect your health. Adequately sized exhaust fans should be used wherever
moisture and combustion are present in the bathroom, laundry and kitchen. A
bath fan, for example, will help to dissipate chloroform gas, which is a
byproduct of chlorinated water. It also will remove excessive moisture that can
lead to mold which can produce yet more health hazards.
Since cigarette smoke is one of
the single greatest contributors to indoor air pollution, smoking indoors is a
no-no. Similarly, fireplaces and other fuel-burning appliances (water heaters,
furnaces, stoves, etc.) should be properly adjusted and vented to the exterior.
Doing so will both prevent carbon-monoxide poisoning and improve the efficiency
of the appliance.
Do-it-yourself test kits are
available for many indoor air pollutants such as lead or radon.
Other indoor pollutants such as
asbestos require professional testing.
The rule of thumb for lead and
asbestos is that they are best left alone if in good shape and not peeling or
crumbling.
Asbestos or lead should not be
scraped or sanded and should be removed only by a professional abatement
contractor with the proper equipment.
Moreover, testing should be
performed after the abatement process to ensure the air quality is safe.
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