Indoor air pollution consists
of toxic gases or particles that can harm your health.
These pollutants can build up rapidly indoors to levels
much higher than those usually found outdoors. This
is especially true if large amounts of a pollutant are
released indoors. Moreover, "tighter" construction
in newer homes can prevent pollutants from escaping
to the outdoors.
Poor indoor air quality can
cause or contribute to the development of chronic respiratory
diseases such as asthma and hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
In addition, it can cause headaches, dry eyes, nasal
congestion, nausea and fatigue. People who already have
respiratory diseases are at greater risk.
The effects of indoor air pollutants
range from short-term effects - eye and throat irritation
- to long-term effects - respiratory disease and cancer.
Exposure to high levels of some pollutants, such as
carbon monoxide, can even result in immediate death.
Also, some indoor pollutants can magnify the effects
of other indoor pollutants. Based on cancer risk alone,
federal scientists have ranked indoor air pollution
as one of the most important environmental problems
in the US.
The lung is the most common site
of injury by airborne pollutants. Acute effects, however,
may also include non-respiratory signs and symptoms,
which may depend upon toxicological characteristics
of the substances and host-related factors.
A typical mattress is stuffed with polyurethane foam
and other materials that may have been treated with
flame retardants and covered with material treated with
water-, stain- and wrinkle-resistant chemicals. These,
along with chemicals emitted from polyurethane foam,
such as toluene, can contribute to indoor air pollution.
Many sources claim mattresses
and other upholstered furniture that contain polyurethane
foam are often treated with brominated flame retardants,
also known as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs).
Recent studies have shown that brominated flame retardants
persist in human and animal tissue for many years and
that they may have similar action, and perhaps health
effects, as the now banned PCBs and DDT. There has been
evidence that some PBDEs can interfere with thyroid
hormone, which is critical to the development of the
fetus. Women in the U.S. have the highest levels of
PBDEs in their bodies in the world, according to studies.
Fumes from new decorating
products, like paint, carpets, vinyl or pressed wood,
contribute to indoor air pollution, which is ranked
among the top four environmental health risks by the
EPA. Microscopic particles and invisible gases can accumulate
undetected in your home until you notice the ill effects.
These can include burning of the eyes, nose and throat,
headaches, dizziness, fatigue, asthma attacks and cold
or hay fever symptoms.
Formaldehyde is an important chemical
used widely by industry to manufacture building materials
and numerous household products. Formaldehyde, a colorless,
pungent-smelling gas, can cause watery eyes, burning
sensations in the eyes and throat, nausea, and difficulty
in breathing in some humans exposed at elevated levels
(above 0.1 parts per million). High concentrations may
trigger attacks in people with asthma. There is evidence
that some people can develop a sensitivity to formaldehyde.
It has also been shown to cause cancer in animals and
may cause cancer in humans.
Sources of formaldehyde in the
home include building materials, smoking, household
products, and the use of unvented, fuel-burning appliances,
like gas stoves or kerosene space heaters. Formaldehyde,
by itself or in combination with other chemicals, serves
a number of purposes in manufactured products. For example,
it is used to add permanent-press qualities to clothing
and draperies, as a component of glues and adhesives,
and as a preservative in some paints and coating products.
If you experience adverse
reactions to formaldehyde, you may want to avoid the
use of pressed wood products and other formaldehyde-emitting
goods. Even if you do not experience such reactions,
you may wish to reduce your exposure as much as possible
by purchasing exterior-grade products, which emit less
formaldehyde. For further information on formaldehyde
and consumer products, call the EPA Toxic Substance
Control Act (TSCA) assistance line (202-554-1404).
According to the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency:
"In the last several years, a growing body of scientific
evidence has indicated that the air within homes and
other buildings can be more seriously polluted than
the outdoor air in even the largest and most industrialized
cities. Other research indicates that people spend approximately
90 percent of their time indoors. Thus, for many people,
the risks to health may be greater due to exposure to
air pollution indoors than outdoors."
In addition, homes built after
1970 are more likely to harbor bad air because, to keep
energy consumption down, builders tightened up houses
to prevent the loss of precious heat. Unfortunately,
this also traps pollutants indoors. Temperature and
humidity levels also tend to rise in a well-sealed home,
encouraging dust mites and mold.
The U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency:
“The Inside Story: A Guide to Indoor Air Quality”
This short step-by-step guidance provides helpful hints
for comprehensive asthma management. English
PDF
“Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) "Removing allergy triggers from your home"
The American Industrial
Hygiene Association “Is
Air Quality a Problem in my Home?
Center for Disease Control
“Indoor
Air Quality Information by State”
Allergy
& Asthma Foundation of America
American
Respiratory Care Foundation
American
Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology
National
Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases –
National Institutes of Health
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