Indoor air pollution a serious hazard
The EPA studies indicate that indoor air levels of many pollutants may be two to five times - and occasionally more than 100 times - higher than outdoor levels.
By Agencies |
Many people are unaware that indoor air pollution can be just as bad as the outdoor kind, or worse.
Studies by the Environmental Protection Agency indicate that indoor air levels of many pollutants may be two to five times - and occasionally more than 100 times - higher than outdoor levels.
Tightly sealed homes constructed in the past few decades to reduce drafts have diminished the use of fossil fuels, but if a house can't "breathe," it can't dilute pollutants contained in building and decorating products.
Pollutants can affect people differently, but the EPA warns of immediate effects including irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, headaches, dizziness and fatigue. Long-term effects include respiratory disease, heart disease and cancer.
Potential sources of indoor air pollution include central heating, cooling and dehumidification systems; household cleaning and maintenance products; outdoor sources such as pesticides; biological contaminants such as animal dander, mold and cockroaches; dry-cleaned clothing; tobacco smoke; formaldehyde from fabrics, pressed wood products and insulation; styrene found in adhesives, foam, lubricants, plastics, carpets and insulation; and paint strippers and removers.
Identify and control sources of pollution to reduce and prevent indoor air contamination. This can range from changing housecleaning products to airing out freshly dry-cleaned clothing to tossing out formaldehyde-containing furniture.
Studies by the Environmental Protection Agency indicate that indoor air levels of many pollutants may be two to five times - and occasionally more than 100 times - higher than outdoor levels.
Tightly sealed homes constructed in the past few decades to reduce drafts have diminished the use of fossil fuels, but if a house can't "breathe," it can't dilute pollutants contained in building and decorating products.
Pollutants can affect people differently, but the EPA warns of immediate effects including irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, headaches, dizziness and fatigue. Long-term effects include respiratory disease, heart disease and cancer.
Potential sources of indoor air pollution include central heating, cooling and dehumidification systems; household cleaning and maintenance products; outdoor sources such as pesticides; biological contaminants such as animal dander, mold and cockroaches; dry-cleaned clothing; tobacco smoke; formaldehyde from fabrics, pressed wood products and insulation; styrene found in adhesives, foam, lubricants, plastics, carpets and insulation; and paint strippers and removers.
Identify and control sources of pollution to reduce and prevent indoor air contamination. This can range from changing housecleaning products to airing out freshly dry-cleaned clothing to tossing out formaldehyde-containing furniture.
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