Poor Indoor Air May Be Hazardous To Your Health?

Is Your Home Hazardous To Your Health? How Indoor Air Pollution May Lead To Illness.

We tend to look upon our homes as our castles–safe places to go in order to get away from the hub bub of modern life. For the most part this is true, but there’s a hidden risk hanging around in the seemingly serene and protective confines of our houses, and it is something we had better to sit up and notice of. That concealed danger is the quality of indoor air.

The human action of breathing is so innate we don’t even realize we are doing it, but what about the air that we suck in every time we inhale? When was the last time you stopped to think of the caliber of the air you were taking into your lungs, transmitting deep down into the cells of your lungs and respiratory system?

What are the health effects of poor indoor air quality? The most common symptoms are irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, headaches, fatigue and dizziness. Usually, these symptoms go away when the person is no longer exposed to the irritants.

But it is also possible to develop long-term chronic conditions and diseases like asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis and humidifier fever. Other health effects won’t even be noticeable till years after the exposure: Respiratory disease, heart disease and cancer. It’s highly crucial to keep your indoor air healthy.

Most common Sources of Indoor Air Quality Problems

Poor indoor air can develop from many origins. At least a few of the following contaminants can be detected in almost any home:

* Moisture and biological pollutants such as molds, mildew, dust mites, animal dander and cockroaches from high humidity levels, inadequate ventilation, and poorly maintained humidifiers and air conditioners.

* Combustion products, including carbon monoxide, from unvented fossil fuel space heaters, unvented gas stoves and ovens, and backdrafting from furnaces and water heaters.

* Formaldehyde from durable press draperies and other textiles, particle board products such as cabinets and furniture framing, and adhesives.

* Radon, a radioactive gas from soil and rock beneath and around the home’s foundation, groundwater wells and some building materials.

* Household products and furnishings such as paints, solvents, air fresheners, hobby supplies, dry-cleaned clothing, aerosol sprays, adhesives, and fabric additives used in carpeting and furniture which can release volatile organic compounds (VOC).

* Asbestos found in most homes more than 20 years old. Sources include deteriorating, damaged or disturbed pipe insulation, fire retardant, acoustical material and floor tiles.

* Lead from lead-based paint dust created when removing paint by sanding, scraping or burning.

* Particulates from dust and pollen, fireplaces, wood stoves, kerosene heaters and unvented gas space heaters.

* Tobacco smoke, which produces particulates, combustion products and formaldehyde.

Remedies to Indoor Air Quality Troubles

Paneling, pressed-wood furniture and cabinetry. These products may release formaldehyde gas.
Remedy: Ask about formaldehyde content before purchasing furniture or cabinets. Some types of pressed-wood products, such as those with phenol resin, give off less formaldehyde. Also, products surfaced with polyurethane or laminates may reduce formaldehyde emissions. After installation, open windows. Maintain moderate temperature and humidity.

Carpet. Biological pollutants can grow on water-damaged carpet. New carpet can release organic gases. Remedy: Promptly clean and dry water-damaged carpet, or remove it altogether. If adhesives are needed, ask for low-emitting ones. During installation, open doors and windows, and use window fans or room air conditioners. Vacuum regularly. Consider area rugs rather than wall-to-wall carpet. Rugs are easier to remove and clean, and the floor underneath also can be cleaned.

Floor tiles. Some contain asbestos. Remedy: Periodically scrutinise for damage or impairment. Don’t cut, rip, sand or remove any asbestos-containing materials. If you plan to make changes that might disturb the asbestos, or if materials are more than slightly damaged, reach a professional for repair or removal. Call your local or state health department or the Environmental Protection Agency.

Moisture. Moisture promotes biological pollutants, including allergens such as mold, mildew, dust mites and cockroaches. Remedy: If possible, do away with moisture sources. Install and use exhaust fans. Use a dehumidifier if necessary. Remove molds and mildew by cleaning with a solution of chlorine bleach (1 cup bleach to 1 gallon water). Maintain good fresh air with natural and mechanical air circulation.

Fireplace. Your fireplace can be a source of carbon monoxide and combustion pollutants. Remedy: Open the flue when using the fireplace. Have the flue and chimney inspected each year for exhaust backdrafting, flue obstructions or cracks, excess creosote or other damage. Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Air conditioner. This can be a source of biological allergens. Remedy: If there is a water tray, empty and clean it often. Follow all service and maintenance procedures, including changing the filter.

So as you can see, there are many factors that can cause the air in your home to be harmful to your health.  Like many things, education and planning can eliminate many of the air quality dangers inside your home.

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