Indoor Air Pollution

Indoor air pollution can be a very serious problem. You should be aware of the potential health hazards within your home, and you should also know how to effectively reduce the levels of air pollutants. Most people spend about 90% of their time indoors, so it is extremely important to keep the indoor air clean!

Respirable Particles

Respirable particles come from wood stoves, fireplaces, kerosene heaters, and tobacco smoke. They can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation, as well as respiratory infections and ailments (such as bronchitis and lung cancer). There are several steps you can take to reduce the health impacts of respirable particles:

• Don't use kerosene heaters
• Make sure exhaust fans that vent to the outside are installed on all gas stoves
• Open the flues when you're using the fireplace
• Make sure there are no leaks on your wood stove
• Have your central heating system professionally inspected every year
• Don't keep cars running in the attached garage for very long

Volatile Organic Compounds

Volatile organic compounds (or VOCs), come from paints, solvents, wood preservatives, aerosol sprays, cleaners and disinfectants, air fresheners, insect repellents, stored fuels, hobby supplies, and dry-cleaned clothing. VOCs can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, nausea, and dizziness. Long term exposure is responsible for damage to the kidneys, liver, and central nervous system. In addition, there is some evidence that links VOCs to certain types of cancer. You can minimize the impact of VOCs by following these steps:

• Use household products only as directed on the label
• Try to use the above products outdoors when possible
• If the products must be used indoors, make sure the area is well ventilated
• Only buy the above products in quantities that you will use quickly
• Try to use non-toxic alternatives

Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is found mostly in wood products, although it is also found in tobacco smoke, certain types of insulation, and some drapes, textiles, and glues. It has similar health effects to VOCs, but it can also cause fatigue, skin rashes, and severe allergic reactions. The important steps to reduce your exposure to formaldehyde are below:

• Use only pressed wood products that are labeled "exterior grade", because the formaldehyde they contain doesn't escape as easily
• Increase the ventilation in your home, especially if there are new sources of formaldehyde in the house (example: new cabinets)
• If new carpet is installed, you should get a carpet pad with little or no formaldehyde in it
• If at all possible, install carpets in the warm months to allow for extra ventilation in the short term

Pesticides

Pesticides can kill pests around the house or yard, but they can also be harmful to us! They can irritate your eyes, nose, and throat, and can cause damage to your central nervous system and kidneys. They may also cause cancer. The following safety tips should be followed:

• Use pesticides only as the label directs you to
• If the pesticides must be used indoors, make sure the area is well ventilated
• Apply only the amount needed -- no more
• If pesticides are used inside, remove any plants or pets from the area
• Try to use non-chemical methods of pest control

Lead

Lead is a heavy metal that comes from lead-based paint and lead solder (sometimes used in plumbing pipes and connections). If it is taken into the body, it can cause physical and mental underdevelopment in fetuses and young children. It can also cause a decrease in coordination and mental capability, and damage to the kidneys, nervous system, and blood cells. The following tips will help reduce your exposure to lead:

• If you live in an older home, before removing paint you should have it tested to see if it contains lead
• If there is lead-containing paint in your house, don't remove it! Cover it with wallpaper
• If any soldering is done in your house, you should make sure it doesn't contain any lead

Asbestos

Asbestos is found in some older insulation and fireproofing materials. Prolonged exposure to asbestos particles can cause cancer and lung diseases. Smokers are at a higher risk to asbestos than non-smokers. If you live in an older home, be sure to have professionals inspect your house before disturbing any potential sources of asbestos.

Biological Pollutants

Biological pollutants include molds, mildews, bacteria, and small insects and other pests. They are found in damp places, in bedding, and on pets. There are many illnesses that are associated with biological pollutants, including respiratory irritations and some serious diseases. Take the following steps to ensure that biological pollutants are not a problem in your house:

• Kitchen and bathrooms should be well vented
• Clothes dyer should be vented to the outside
• Humidifier should be cleaned daily
• Empty the water trays in air conditioners, humidifiers, and refrigerators frequently
• Make sure wet carpets are dried thoroughly
• Make sure your basement has no leaks, and is well ventilated
• If you live in a very humid area, you should get a dehumidifier to keep the humidity under 50%

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon Monoxide (CO) comes from incomplete burning. CO can come from all fuel-burning appliances (furnaces, water heaters, stoves, ovens), as well as from fireplaces and wood stoves. Car exhaust is also a major source of CO, as well as tobacco smoke. Carbon monoxide can cause headaches, nausea, fatigue, blurred vision, rapid heart beat, loss of muscle control, and flu-like symptoms. Breathing carbon monoxide can be fatal. Please take the following precautions:

• Keep gas appliances in your house adjusted correctly
• If possible, use only direct-vent or sealed combustion fuel-burning appliances
• Don't use kerosene space heaters
• You should have an exhaust fan that vents outside for your gas stove
• Open flues in the fireplace when it's in use
• Make sure that your wood stove has no leaks and use only approved products
• A professional should inspect your central heating system every year
• Don't let a vehicle run in an attached garage

Nitrogen Dioxide

Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) is a gas produced by kerosene heaters, and unvented gas stoves. It is also a component of tobacco smoke. NO₂ can case eye, nose, and throat irritation, and it may impair lung function in young children. The following steps will decrease the effects of nitrogen dioxide in your home:

• Keep gas appliances in your house adjusted correctly
• If possible, use only direct-vent or sealed combustion fuel-burning appliances
• Don't use kerosene space heaters
• You should have an exhaust fan that vents outside for your gas stove
• Open flues in the fireplace when it's in use
• Make sure that your wood stove has no leaks
• A professional should inspect your central heating system every year

Radon

Radon is a radioactive gas that comes from the decay of uranium in the Earth. It comes up through cracks in the ground and can get into your basement. It can accumulate in the basement up to levels which can cause lung cancer. Smokers are at an especially high risk of getting lung cancer from radon. There are several steps you can take to reduce the effects of radon in your house:

• Have your house checked for radon
• Seal any cracks that may exist in your basement
• Make sure your basement has good ventilation
• Some well water may contain radon. It can be removed by aerating or using an activated charcoal filter.

Environmental Tobacco Smoke

Environmental tobacco smoke (or ETS) comes from cigarettes, pipes, and cigars. It can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation, as well as headaches, bronchitis, pneumonia, lung cancer, and heart disease. It also increases the risk of respiratory and ear infections in young children. This is the easiest type of indoor air pollution to get rid of: don't allow smoking in your house.