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“Indoor” Air Pollution?

We all know about outdoor air pollutants, such as car exhaust, chemical output from factories and smog, but what do you know about the pollution in your home? You may never have even thought about it, but your home in which you live can easily harbor pollutants that are harmful to you and your family.

Indoor air pollutants contribute to diseases, such as respiratory illnesses (asthma, allergies), headaches, nausea, and fatigue (see related article, Why Am I Always So Tired?). Interestingly enough, many people today are making the effort to “go green” to combat outdoor pollution. So, what are some of the more common causes of indoor air pollution, what are their effects, and what can you do about them?

1. Biological Pollutantsthat include molds, bacteria, pet dander and dust mites. Many biological pollutants reside in heating and air conditioning systems, air ducts, and ventilation systems. When inhaled, these pollutants can cause the respiratory and other problems listed above.

Solution:When sealing or “winterizing” your home, make sure that there is proper ventilation to allow for the proper level of indoor/outdoor air exchange; otherwise, you can just seal in home pollutants. Proper ventilation also reduces moisture in your home, which helps to prevent molds.

2. Formaldehyde, found in pressed wood products (particleboard, plywood, wall paneling), furniture, adhesives (used for bonding in carpets), foam insulation, smoking and certain textiles, which can cause watery eyes, coughing, wheezing, severe allergic reactions and cancer.

Solution: Ask about the formaldehyde concentration in pressed wood products and furniture before you buy them. Use only “exterior grade” pressed wood products. Make sure home ventilation is adequate for proper air exchange. Use dehumidifiers and air conditioning systems to maintain a reasonable temperature and to control humidity to limit formaldehyde emission. Be vigilant about cleaning your dehumidifier water collection tray to keep it from becoming a breeding ground for bacteria.

3. Aerosols, used for cleaning agents, personal hygiene, pesticides, paints and many other household items. Aerosols are sources of significant numbers of chemical compounds that are responsible for eye and skin irritations, respiratory ailments, dizziness, nausea and cancer.

Solution: Cut down or eliminate aerosol use entirely in your home. Many companies are marketing aerosol-free cleaning and hygiene products to protect consumers and the environment.

4. Combustion Appliances, including fireplaces, furnaces, fuel-burning stoves, heaters and clothes dryers, which emit carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide that potentially can be fatal.

Solution: Here again, ventilation is key. Make sure these appliances are in well-ventilated areas and that you replace furnace filters at least every 2–3 months. Keep the furnace fan switched to “on” rather than “auto” for constant air circulation. Have the furnace professionally serviced at least once a year. Make sure your fireplace flue is in the “open” position when burning wood. Vent all gas appliances to the outside of your home. Do not allow smoking in your house. Install carbon-monoxide detectors.

Of course, there are many other sources of indoor pollution, such as radon and dust. Remember, what you don’t see in your home, can hurt you. Prevention and maintenance go a long way to reduce harmful pollutants than can cause illness and accidental death.