Date:
01/14/2008 01:32 PM ON THE HOUSE: Is your home making you sick?
By JAMES and MORRIS CAREY
There's plenty of concern — with good reason —
about air pollution. But many people are unaware that indoor
pollution can be just as bad as, or even worse than, the outdoor
kind.
Studies of human exposure to air pollutants
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.
Paradoxically, laws designed to improve energy
efficiency and outside pollution don't improve indoor air
quality. Tightly sealed homes constructed in the last couple
decades to reduce drafts have diminished the use of fossil
fuels, but if a house can't "breathe," it also can't
dilute pollutants contained in building and decorating products.
While pollutants can affect people differently,
the EPA warns of immediate effects including irritation to
the eyes, nose and throat, headaches, dizziness and fatigue.
Long-term effects can include respiratory disease, heart disease
and cancer, according to the EPA.
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.
While this is not particularly good news,
awareness is the first step to a more healthful indoor environment.
Your best defense against indoor air pollution is a strong
offense.
STOP POLLUTING
First, 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.
IMPROVE VENTILATION
Proper ventilation — the mixing of indoor
air with outdoor air — can revitalize the air in your
home and protect your health. Adequately sized exhaust fans
should be used wherever moisture and combustion are present
in the bathroom, laundry and kitchen. A bath fan, for example,
will help to dissipate chloroform gas, which is a byproduct
of chlorinated water. It also will remove excessive moisture
that can lead to mold which can produce yet more health hazards.
SMOKE IT OUT
Since cigarette smoke is one of the single
greatest contributors to indoor air pollution, smoking indoors
is a no-no. Similarly, fireplaces and other fuel-burning appliances
(water heaters, furnaces, stoves, etc.) should be properly
adjusted and vented to the exterior. Doing so will both prevent
carbon-monoxide poisoning and improve the efficiency of the
appliance.
TEST IT
Do-it-yourself test kits are available for
many indoor air pollutants such as lead or radon. Other indoor
pollutants such as asbestos require professional testing.
The rule of thumb for lead and asbestos is
that they are best left alone if in good shape and not peeling
or crumbling. Asbestos or lead should not be scraped or sanded
and should be removed only by a professional abatement contractor
with the proper equipment. Moreover, testing should be performed
after the abatement process to ensure the air quality is safe.
Radon, on the other hand, is a naturally occurring
gas that is derived from uranium in the ground. Radon can
make its way into a home through cracks in foundation or basement
walls. Small amounts of radon can be controlled by sealing
cracks with a caulking or patching compound. Higher levels
might require the installation of an exhaust system to disperse
concentrated amounts into outdoor air.
In either case, if you suspect that your home
contains more than its share of pollutants, we suggest that
you have your home tested by a pro.
———
For more home improvement tips and information
visit our Web site at www.onthehouse.com or call our listener
hotline 24/7 at 1-800-737-2474 (ext 59).
