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When we think of air pollution, outdoor air comes to mind, but air inside
our homes can be more contaminated than the air outside.
That's important when we consider that we spend about 90 percent of our
time indoors -- even more during winter months.
Many Colorado homes were built or remodeled for energy efficiency, with
little consideration for fresh and healthy indoor air. Various furnishings,
combustion appliances and household products can compromise indoor air
quality.
Lead-based paint
Lead-based paint can produce serious health problems. Lead has been
banned in gasoline and household paint, but it's still present, especially in older
homes. It can cause delayed development, learning problems, hyperactivity and
other difficulties in children who ingest small but regular amounts.
The Environmental Protection Agency estimates 57 million homes in the
United States still contain some lead paint. Before 1950, paint contained as
much as 50 percent lead.
Paint in good condition poses little risk, but paint that is peeling or is
deteriorating on surfaces, is risky. Dust created from the remodeling of an older
home also can be a source of lead contamination.
Combustion by-products
Combustion by-products from wood stoves, fireplaces, unvented
space heaters and gas stoves can damage the respiratory tract and irritate the
eyes, nose and throat. These appliances must be properly vented.
Carbon monoxide, a component of combustion, can kill. In small
amounts, it can cause flu and allergy symptoms.
Excessive amounts of formaldehyde, used as a preservative and
adhesive in building products and furnishings, can trigger asthma attacks and
damage internal organs, as well as the central nervous system. Take special
care when sanding, removing of old paint or exposing existing walls, activities
that can release formaldehyde, asbestos, carpet fumes and leaded paint dust.
Common household products
Some relatively common household products can cause health
problems if not properly used. Such products include solvents, paints, paint
strippers, wood preservatives, aerosol sprays, moth repellents, air fresheners,
stored fuels, automotive products, hobby supplies, pesticides and some cleaners
and disinfectants.
Improper use and storage can result in short-term effects including
eye and respiratory irritation and headaches. Long-term exposure can cause
loss of coordination, damage to the liver, kidneys and central nervous system.
Too much exposure also increases the risk of cancer in humans and animals.
Watch for products containing volatile organic compounds, which are
organic solvents that evaporate easily into the air. Some may be flammable. The
following are volatile compounds listed on product labels: petroleum distillates,
mineral spirits, chlorinated solvents, carbon tetrachloride, methylene chloride,
trichloroethane, toluene and formaldehyde.
To minimize potential health problems:
- Always read labels before buying a product. Note the product's
ingredients and beware of warnings for its use.
- Use household products only for their intended purpose and according
to manufacturer's instructions.
- Use the product in a well-ventilated area.
- Choose products packaged to reduce the chance of spills, leaks and child tampering.
- Keep household products in their original containers so safety
information and directions for use stay with the product.
Although radon and carbon monoxide often are labeled as the most
common household contaminants, other pollutants also can affect our health.
Particulates -- particles so small they float in the air -- are ever-present in homes.
When we see a shaft of sunlight, dust particles are visibly suspended in the air.
These are some of the larger particulates; they will settle onto surfaces in a
room.
Smaller particulates are not visible to the eye and may stay suspended
indefinitely. It is these biological organisms that are most likely to cause health
problems. Allergic reactions are most commonly associated with biological
pollutants. Symptoms include watery eyes, runny noses and sneezing, nasal
congestion, itching, coughing, wheezing and difficulty breathing, headache,
dizziness and fatigue.
Molds, mildew pollen, fungi, bacteria and dust mites are the main
biological pollutants. Mold and mildew are generated in the home and release
spores into the air. Pollen is generated outside the home. Dust mites and animal
dander are problematic when they become airborne during vacuuming, making
of beds or whenever textiles are disturbed. Dust mites are the single most
frequent trigger for asthma attacks.
Molds thrive in areas of high humidity on organic materials such as paper,
textiles, grease, dirt and soap scum. Mold spores float throughout the house,
forming new colonies where they land. Dust mites thrive on dead human skin
cells and in textiles, such as bedding, carpeting and upholstery.
Animal dander and pollen -- plant material that enters through the
windows or on pets -- also become airborne when disturbed. Infectious diseases
caused by bacteria and viruses generally are passed from person to person
through physical contact, but some circulate through indoor ventilation systems.
To date, we have no practical way to test for biological contaminants, but
you can watch for signs. Sometimes you can see and smell mold colonies
growing on surfaces. Suspect mold growth wherever you see water stains,
standing water or moist surfaces. To help prevent mold growth:
- Keep bathrooms, basements and other rooms clean and dry. Use a disinfectant to clean surfaces that are moldy. If carpeting or furnishings become
wet, dry quickly and thoroughly, or discard them.
- Regularly clean humidifiers, dehumidifiers and air conditioning
condensing units. Use a disinfectant, such as chlorine bleach.
- Keep humidity at acceptable levels, less than 50 percent. Ventilate
properly, especially in areas where moisture tends to build up.
- People who are sensitive to dust mites may need to replace carpeting
with hard surfaced flooring. An option is to use area rugs that can be removed
and cleaned.
- Vacuums with high-efficiency filters or central vacuum systems help reduce the airborne dust generated by vacuuming.
For more information contact Jane Frobose, Colorado State University
Extension agent for Family and Consumer Sciences in Denver
County, Colorado. Phone: (720) 913-5276 or e-mail:
jfrobose@coop.ext.colostate.edu or contact your local
Colorado State University Extension office. Ask for a fact sheet 9.938, "Improving Air Quality in Your Home."
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