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What is indoor air pollution?
Indoor air pollution is the contamination of the air inside our
homes, schools, and offices. Indoor air quality is affected by the
presence of environmental tobacco smoke (secondhand smoke), allergens,
volatile organic compounds (VOC's), nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide,
mercury vapor, radon, lead, and pesticides. Since environmental
tobacco smoke, lead, radon, and pesticides are such enormous topics,
there is a separate section devoted to each of these issues. Please
refer to these other areas in our web site.
Allergens are particles that may induce allergic reactions and
aggravate asthma symptoms in individuals who are susceptible. Common
household allergens are dust mites, cockroaches, pet dander, pollen,
bacteria, and viruses. Mold spores are very common outdoors and
can enter your home whenever the doors or windows are opened. Common
indoor molds are Cladosporium, Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Alteraria.
Molds need water and nutrients (wallpaper, dry wall, carpet, cardboard,
and books) to grow. Toxic molds, such as Stachybotrys atra and Trichoderma,
also grow indoors, but usually in chronically water-damaged areas.
Volatile organic compounds (VOC's) are chemicals that evaporate
from a variety of substances. Common household items such as cleaning
products, adhesives, paints, and wood preservatives are sources
of VOC's. Formaldehyde, a common VOC, is a strong-smelling gas used
in pressed wood furniture, paints, cosmetics, fabric, carpets, and
insulation material. Formaldehyde is also released into the air
from burning wood, kerosene, natural gas and tobacco.
Nitrogen oxides are usually found in outdoor air pollution from
power plants and automobiles. Sources of nitrogen oxide in your
home are improperly vented gas ranges, pilot lights, portable gas
heater, and tobacco smoke.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless toxic gas produced
from the incomplete burning of almost any combustible product in
the home. Carbon monoxide can accumulate indoors from gas furnaces
and ranges, fireplaces, wood or coal heaters, tobacco smoke, poorly
ventilated appliances, and automobiles.
Mercury vapor is a toxic substance released into the air as elemental
mercury evaporates at room temperature. It is colorless and odorless.
Elemental mercury has been used in thermometers, thermostat switches,
dental fillings, fluorescent light bulbs, button batteries, and
some folk remedies (Santeria). Children may bring mercury home from
science class because it is so "cool" to play with. Before
1990, interior latex paint sold in the United States contained phenylmercuric
acetate as a preservative. The mercury in the paint can vaporize
and be inhaled. The paint industry voluntarily removed the chemical
from latex paint.
Why is indoor air pollution harmful?
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that we spend
90% of our time indoors, therefore indoor air quality should be
of particular concern. EPA studies have shown that indoor air pollution
may be 2-5 times than outdoor air pollution. It is thought that
indoor pollution is on the rise because newly constructed buildings
are more tightly sealed, and there is an increase in use of synthetic
materials. Also, more chemicals are finding their way into homes
in cleaning agents, pesticides, and personal care products.
The Science Advisory Board of the EPA has ranked indoor air pollution
one of the top five environmental risks to public health. Exposure
to indoor air pollutants can cause a myriad of symptoms and illnesses
in children and adults. Allergens, VOC's and nitrogen oxide exposure
can cause eye, nose and throat irritation, shortness of breath,
dizziness, and may aggravate diseases such as pneumonia and asthma.
VOC exposure also causes rash, headache, nausea, and vomiting. Some
VOC's, like benzene and vinyl chloride are carcinogenic. Exposure
to formaldehyde can cause allergic reactions and hives in some children.
Carbon monoxide can be the deadliest exposure. Carbon monoxide
blocks the red blood cells ability to carry oxygen to the brain
and other organs. Symptoms include fatigue, headache, dizziness,
nausea, vomiting, mental confusion, and rapid heart rate. These
symptoms can mimic the "flu". If these symptoms are ignored,
the results can be fatal. Long-term, low-level exposure may harm
a developing fetus.
Mercury exposure can be acute or long-term. Acute vapor inhalation
from incinerated elemental mercury can result in respiratory failure
and death. Acute exposure can also occur when button batteries are
accidentally ingested. Long-term mercury vapor exposure primarily
affects the brain and the kidneys. Early symptoms may include insomnia,
forgetfulness, loss of appetite, and a mild tremor. Salivation and
excessive sweating are common. With continued exposure, symptoms
progress and may not be reversible, despite removal from exposure.
A child's developing brain and kidneys may be especially vulnerable
to mercury vapor exposure.
What is being done to protect us from indoor air pollution?
The Environmental Protection Agency is working with other federal
agencies and private industry to find ways to reduce indoor air
pollutants in our homes, schools, and other buildings visited by
children. Currently, there are no standards for indoor air quality.
What can I do to protect my family from indoor air pollutants?
Education and prevention are two keys to protecting your family
from these indoor air pollutants. Since carbon monoxide is the deadliest
exposure, it is wise to focus on it. Preventing carbon monoxide
poisoning requires proper installation, use and maintenance of any
appliances or furnaces that use gas, coal, or wood as fuel. Chimneys
and fireplaces should be checked and cleaned every year by a professional.
Install and maintain carbon monoxide detectors in your home. When
used properly, these devices may provide an early warning that you
have an accumulation of carbon monoxide in your home. Keep in mind
that these alarms may not sound until your child has had a significant
exposure. If you suspect there is a problem with carbon monoxide
in your home, evacuate your family and call the local Gas Company
immediately. Seek prompt medical attention for any symptoms indicating
carbon monoxide poisoning. A simple blood test can be performed
in your local Emergency Room.
Mold can not grow without water. If you find mold in your home,
find the source of water and make any repairs. Clean up flood water
immediately. Dispose of any water-damaged carpet, furniture, books,
and boxes. Wear gloves during the cleanup. All surfaces should be
washed with soap and water, followed by a wash with a 1:10 parts
bleach and water solution. It is not necessary to test the mold
in your home, unless your family members are exhibiting unusual
symptoms. This type of testing is extremely expensive and may be
unreliable. There are no available tests to measure mold exposure
in your child.
Eliminating sources of mercury from your home can reduce exposure
to mercury vapor. Do not use products that contain mercury. Paints
manufactured in other countries may contain mercury but may not
be labeled as such. Use caution when disposing any mercury containing
items from your home. Mercury may spill into the environment and
contaminate the ground and water, or spew into the air if incinerated.
If you think your family has been exposed to mercury, laboratory
tests can be used to determine exposure. A board-certified toxicologist
should guide treatment of mercury exposure.
Where can I get more information?
Call, write or visit the Environmental Protection Agency's web
site.
Environmental Protection Agency Region 5
77 W. Jackson
Chicago, IL 60604
(312) 886-6003
www.epa.gov/iaq
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