Salute or Pollute?

When we hear the words air pollution, we usually think of pollutants like car exhaust and smoke from factories. It is good that air pollution regulations have been created to keep the great outdoors a happy and healthy place to live. But what about the air in our homes and schools? The shocking truth is that the air in our homes, schools and offices can be more hazardous to our health than the smoke pouring out of a factory.

Since we spend a big chunk of our time inside (eating, sleeping, going to school, playing sports and irritating our parents), most of the air that we breathe is indoors. The air in some homes have levels of certain pollutants two to seventy times greater than the level found outdoors.

Unfortunately, some of the biggest pollutants are things that we take for granted. Things such as paint, cleaning products, dust and tobacco smoke can be very poisonous to our environments and our bodies. Gases from the earth (radon), fumes from new carpets (off gassing) and certain molds can also pollute our indoor air and hurt our lungs. Since many people do not realize that these are pollutants, we don't use these products safely or keep a watchful eye for signs of their presence. It sounds like a late night horror movie: radioactive gas seeps unsuspectingly into your home, mold moves stealthily along the bathtub waiting to strike, fierce looking bugs live in your bed and feed on you at night, and Aunt Harriet blows cancer causing agents seductively into the air as you try to watch TV.

Why is there such a difference between the pollution levels inside compared to the pollution levels outside? All of the indoor pollution cannot spread to the outdoors because of the way that our houses are designed. They are made to trap the heat in the winter and cool air in the summer in order to save money. However, these houses also trap indoor air pollution. Unlike outside, indoor air pollution is trapped in a small area and pollution concentrations can become very high.

1. Avoid adding to the problem. Don't use strong chemicals and keep your furnace and appliances in good repair.
2. Remove the source. Don't smoke. Air cleaners just won't cut it!
3. Keep your house and room clean. Most biological agents like bacteria and fungi don't grow in clean areas.
4. Have a good ventilation system: clean vents, open ducts, use fans, leave doors between rooms open, let fresh air in, etc. How can you concentrate on your math if it's musty or if it reeks?

Everyday we breathe about 15,000 to 20,000 liters of air. When that air is polluted, it can have terrible effects on our health. Even if we don't have a smoke-spewing factory in our living room, it doesn't mean that we don't have indoor air pollution. One cigarette in a room is enough pollution to seriously damage our lungs. Although it is impossible to fight all home pollutants, you can learn about some hazards and make some changes. No more excuses...LET'S CLEAN UP OUR ACT!!!