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Indoor air quality can be worse than outdoor air.
That is because many homes are being built and
remodeled more tightly without regard to factors that
assure fresh and healthy indoor air. Many homes contain
furnishings, combustion appliances and household
products that result in questionable indoor air
quality. For older Coloradoans, chances are high that
they live in older homes and that they have become more
sensitive to air quality as they have aged.
Almost all homes contain some common pollutants.
Frequent headaches, itchy eyes, congestion, nausea,
asthma attacks and fatigue are some of the health
problems caused by poor indoor air quality. Use the
following guidelines as you walk through your house,
room by room, and identify and write down potential
indoor air pollution sources. Address each potential
pollutant with the suggestions listed.
Biological pollutants include mold, mildew, dust
mites and pet dander that can be made worse by high
humidity, inadequate ventilation and poorly maintained
humidifiers and air conditioners. Maintaining a maximum
temperature of 80 degrees F and a humidity level of
about 45 percent is recommended. Carpets that have been
water-damaged can house biological pollutants. Promptly
clean as well as dry or remove water-damaged carpet.
During installation of new carpet, open doors and
windows, and use window fans or room air conditioners.
Vacuum regularly. Air conditioners are another common
source of biological pollutants. Change the filter
according to manufacturer recommendations.
Combustion by-products include carbon monoxide from
unvented fossil-fuel space heaters, unvented gas stoves
and ovens, and back drafting from furnaces and water
heaters. Have professionals inspect your flue and
chimney, gas burning appliances and gas burning
furnaces and water heaters every year. Install a smoke
detector in the hallway adjacent to or located in each
bedroom. If you have gas or other fossil-fuel burning
appliances in the house, install carbon monoxide
detectors in these locations as well. Combination
smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are available.
Remember to check the batteries frequently, such as on
your birthday each year. Installation and use of
exhaust fans is a good way to reduce indoor air quality
problems from combustion by-products as well as from
other pollutants.
Formaldehyde is used as a preservative and adhesive
in building products and furnishings. Common sources
include draperies, upholstery, paneling and
particleboard products used for cabinets and furniture
framing. To reduce your exposure, ask about content
levels before buying furniture or cabinets. Open your
windows after installation and air out draperies before
hanging.
Radon is a radioactive gas prevalent in Colorado
that has been linked to lung cancer. This gas can seep
into basements, crawl spaces and other areas from soil
and rock beneath and around the home?s foundation or
from groundwater wells. Test your home for radon by
using an inexpensive radon test kit that can be
purchased from a hardware or building supply store. If
there is a problem, contact a professional.
Household products that may contribute to indoor
air problems include paints, solvents, air fresheners,
hobby supplies, dry-cleaned clothing, aerosol sprays,
adhesives, moth repellents, pesticides and paint
strippers. Select no or low odor-producing products.
Select non-aerosol varieties. Open windows or use an
exhaust fan. Follow manufacturer directions for use and
container disposal.
Asbestos is only a dangerous pollutant when
particles become airborne. Asbestos no longer is used
in new homes but it may be found in homes more than 20
years old. Sources include deteriorating, damaged or
disturbed pipe insulation, fire retardant, acoustical
material and floor tiles. If you are remodeling an
older home, do not cut, rip, chip or remove materials
you suspect contain asbestos. Contact a professional to
repair or remove the materials.
Lead from lead-based paint dust created when
removing paint by sanding, scraping or burning can be a
problem in many homes built before the mid-1970s. Leave
lead-based paint undisturbed if in good condition.
Prior to removing paint, test for lead. Do-it-yourself
lead test kits are often available from hardware or
building supply stores. If you are remodeling, hire a
professional to correct lead-based paint problems.
Indoor air quality is a complex issue, and one that
can dramatically affect the health of older
Coloradoans. In fact, October is designated as indoor
air quality month. Fact sheets are available from
Colorado State University Extension on
lead-based paint, carbon monoxide and healthy indoor
air. A useful web site is www.montana.edu/wwwcxair
For more information, contact your local
Colorado State University Extension office.
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Uploaded Tuesday, November 27, 2007
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