This
Information Is Provided By
Abstracted
from the EPA’s Guide to Indoor Air Quality
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DISCLAIMER
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Information
provided in this booklet is based on current scientific and technical understanding
of the issues presented and is reflective of the jurisdictional boundaries
established by the statutes governing the co-authoring agencies. Following
the advice given will not necessarily provide complete protection in all
situations or against all health hazards that may be caused by indoor air
pollution. INDEX (these links are all on this page) |
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All of us
face a variety of risks to our health as we go about our day-to-day lives.
Driving in cars, flying in planes, engaging in recreational activities, and
being exposed to environmental pollutants all pose varying degrees of risk.
Some risks are simply unavoidable. Some we choose to accept because to do
otherwise would restrict our ability to lead our lives the way we want. And
some are risks we might decide to avoid if we had the opportunity to make
informed choices. Indoor air pollution is one risk that you can do something
about.
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, people who may be exposed to indoor air pollutants for the longest
periods of time are often those most susceptible to the effects of indoor air
pollution. Such groups include the young, the elderly, and the chronically ill,
especially those suffering from respiratory or cardiovascular disease.
While
pollutant levels from individual sources may not pose a significant health risk
by themselves, most homes have more than one source that contributes to indoor
air pollution. There can be a serious risk from the cumulative effects of these
sources. Fortunately, there are steps that most people can take both to reduce
the risk from existing sources and to prevent new problems from occurring. This
booklet was prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to help you decide whether to
take actions that can reduce the level of indoor air pollution in your own
home.
Because so
many Americans spend a lot of time in offices with mechanical heating, cooling,
and ventilation systems, there is also a short section on the causes of poor
air quality in offices and what you can do if you suspect that your office may
have a problem. A glossary and a list of organizations where you can get
additional information are available in this document.
Indoor pollution
sources that release gases or particles into the air are the primary cause of
indoor air quality problems in homes. Inadequate ventilation can increase
indoor pollutant levels by not bringing in enough outdoor air to dilute
emissions from indoor sources and by not carrying indoor air pollutants out of
the home. High temperature and humidity levels can also increase concentrations
of some pollutants.
There are
many sources of indoor air pollution in any home. These include combustion
sources such as oil, gas, kerosene, coal, wood, and tobacco products; building
materials and furnishings as diverse as deteriorated, asbestos-containing
insulation, wet or damp carpet, and cabinetry or furniture made of certain
pressed wood products; products for household cleaning and maintenance,
personal care, or hobbies; central heating and cooling systems and
humidification devices; and outdoor sources such as radon, pesticides, and
outdoor air pollution.
The
relative importance of any single source depends on how much of a given
pollutant it emits and how hazardous those emissions are. In some cases,
factors such as how old the source is and whether it is properly maintained are
significant. For example, an improperly adjusted gas stove can emit significantly
more carbon monoxide than one that is properly adjusted.
Some
sources, such as building materials, furnishings, and household products like
air fresheners, release pollutants more or less continuously. Other sources,
related to activities carried out in the home, release pollutants
intermittently. These include smoking, the use of unvented or malfunctioning
stoves, furnaces, or space heaters, the use of solvents in cleaning and hobby
activities, the use of paint strippers in redecorating activities, and the use
of cleaning products and pesticides in housekeeping. High pollutant
concentrations can remain in the air for long periods after some of these
activities.
If too
little outdoor air enters a home, pollutants can accumulate to levels that can
pose health and comfort problems. Unless they are built with special mechanical
means of ventilation, homes that are designed and constructed to minimize the
amount of outdoor air that can "leak" into and out of the home may
have higher pollutant levels than other homes. However, because some weather
conditions can drastically reduce the amount of outdoor air that enters a home,
pollutants can build up even in homes that are normally considered
"leaky."
Outdoor
air enters and leaves a house by: infiltration, natural ventilation, and
mechanical ventilation. In a process known as infiltration, outdoor air flows
into the house through openings, joints, and cracks in walls, floors, and
ceilings, and around windows and doors. In natural ventilation, air moves
through opened windows and doors. Air movement associated with infiltration and
natural ventilation is caused by air temperature differences between indoors
and outdoors and by wind. Finally, there are a number of mechanical ventilation
devices, from outdoor-vented fans that intermittently remove air from a single
room, such as bathrooms and kitchen, to air handling systems that use fans and
duct work to continuously remove indoor air and distribute filtered and
conditioned outdoor air to strategic points throughout the house. The rate at
which outdoor air replaces indoor air is described as the air exchange rate.
When there is little infiltration, natural ventilation, or mechanical
ventilation, the air exchange rate is low and pollutant levels can increase.
Apartments
can have the same indoor air problems as single-family homes because many of
the pollution sources, such as the interior building materials, furnishings,
and household products, are similar. Indoor air problems similar to those in
offices are caused by such sources as contaminated ventilation systems,
improperly placed outdoor air intakes, or maintenance activities.
Solutions
to air quality problems in apartments, as in homes and offices, involve such
actions as: eliminating or controlling the sources of pollution, increasing
ventilation, and installing air cleaning devices. Often a resident can take the
appropriate action to improve the indoor air quality by removing a source,
altering an activity, unblocking an air supply vent, or opening a window to
temporarily increase the ventilation; in other cases, however, only the
building owner or manager is in a position to remedy the problem. (See the
section "What to Do If You
Suspect a Problem") You can encourage building management to follow
guidance in EPA and NIOSH's Building
Air Quality: A Guide for Building Owners and Facility Managers. To obtain
the looseleaf-fomat version of the Building Air Quality, complete with
appendices, an index, and a full set of useful forms, and the newly released, Building Air Quality Action
Plan, order GPO Stock # 055-000-00602-4, for $28, contact the:
Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO), P.O. Box
371954, Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7954, or call (202) 512-1800, fax (202) 512-2250.
Health
effects from indoor air pollutants may be experienced soon after exposure or,
possibly, years later.
Immediate
effects may show up after a single exposure or repeated exposures. These
include irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, headaches, dizziness, and
fatigue. Such immediate effects are usually short-term and treatable. Sometimes
the treatment is simply eliminating the person's exposure to the source of the
pollution, if it can be identified. Symptoms of some diseases, including
asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and humidifier fever, may also show up
soon after exposure to some indoor air pollutants.
The
likelihood of immediate reactions to indoor air pollutants depends on several
factors. Age and preexisting medical conditions are two important influences.
In other cases, whether a person reacts to a pollutant depends on individual
sensitivity, which varies tremendously from person to person. Some people can
become sensitized to biological pollutants after repeated exposures, and it
appears that some people can become sensitized to chemical pollutants as well.
Certain
immediate effects are similar to those from colds or other viral diseases, so
it is often difficult to determine if the symptoms are a result of exposure to
indoor air pollution. For this reason, it is important to pay attention to the
time and place the symptoms occur. If the symptoms fade or go away when a
person is away from the home and return when the person returns, an effort
should be made to identify indoor air sources that may be possible causes. Some
effects may be made worse by an inadequate supply of outdoor air or from the
heating, cooling, or humidity conditions prevalent in the home.
Other
health effects may show up either years after exposure has occurred or only
after long or repeated periods of exposure. These effects, which include some
respiratory diseases, heart disease, and cancer, can be severely debilitating
or fatal. It is prudent to try to improve the indoor air quality in your home
even if symptoms are not noticeable. More information on potential health
effects from particular indoor air pollutants is provided in the section,
"A Look at Source-Specific
Controls."
While
pollutants commonly found in indoor air are responsible for many harmful
effects, there is considerable uncertainty about what concentrations or periods
of exposure are necessary to produce specific health problems. People also
react very differently to exposure to indoor air pollutants. Further research
is needed to better understand which health effects occur after exposure to the
average pollutant concentrations found in homes and which occur from the higher
concentrations that occur for short periods of time.
The health
effects associated with some indoor air pollutants are summarized in the
section "Reference Guide
to Major Indoor Air Pollutants in the Home."
Some
health effects can be useful indicators of an indoor air quality problem,
especially if they appear after a person moves to a new residence, remodels or
refurnishes a home, or treats a home with pesticides. If you think that you
have symptoms that may be related to your home environment, discuss them with
your doctor or your local health department to see if they could be caused by
indoor air pollution. You may also want to consult a board-certified allergist
or an occupational medicine specialist for answers to your questions.
Another
way to judge whether your home has or could develop indoor air problems is to
identify potential sources of indoor air pollution. Although the presence of
such sources does not necessarily mean that you have an indoor air quality
problem, being aware of the type and number of potential sources is an
important step toward assessing the air quality in your home.
A third
way to decide whether your home may have poor indoor air quality is to look at
your lifestyle and activities. Human activities can be significant sources of
indoor air pollution. Finally, look for signs of problems with the ventilation
in your home. Signs that can indicate your home may not have enough ventilation
include moisture condensation on windows or walls, smelly or stuffy air, dirty
central heating and air cooling equipment, and areas where books, shoes, or
other items become moldy. To detect odors in your home, step outside for a few
minutes, and then upon reentering your home, note whether odors are noticeable.
The federal
government recommends that you measure the level of radon in your home. Without
measurements there is no way to tell whether radon is present because it is a
colorless, odorless, radioactive gas. Inexpensive devices are available for
measuring radon. EPA provides guidance as to risks associated with different
levels of exposure and when the public should consider corrective action. There
are specific mitigation techniques that have proven effective in reducing
levels of radon in the home. (See "Radon" for additional
information about testing and controlling radon in homes.)
For
pollutants other than radon, measurements are most appropriate when there are
either health symptoms or signs of poor ventilation and specific sources or
pollutants have been identified as possible causes of indoor air quality
problems. Testing for many pollutants can be expensive. Before monitoring your
home for pollutants besides radon, consult your state or local health
department or professionals who have experience in solving indoor air quality
problems in nonindustrial buildings.
The
federal government recommends that homes be weatherized in order to reduce the
amount of energy needed for heating and cooling. While weatherization is
underway, however, steps should also be taken to minimize pollution from
sources inside the home. (See "Improving the Air Quality in Your
Home" for recommended actions.) In addition, residents should be alert
to the emergence of signs of inadequate ventilation, such as stuffy air,
moisture condensation on cold surfaces, or mold and mildew growth. Additional
weatherization measures should not be undertaken until these problems have been
corrected.
Weatherization
generally does not cause indoor air problems by adding new pollutants to the
air. (There are a few exceptions, such as caulking, that can sometimes emit
pollutants.) However, measures such as installing storm windows, weather
stripping, caulking, and blown-in wall insulation can reduce the amount of
outdoor air infiltrating into a home. Consequently, after weatherization,
concentrations of indoor air pollutants from sources inside the home can
increase.
Usually
the most effective way to improve indoor air quality is to eliminate individual
sources of pollution or to reduce their emissions. Some sources, like those
that contain asbestos, can be sealed or enclosed; others, like gas stoves, can
be adjusted to decrease the amount of emissions. In many cases, source control
is also a more cost-efficient approach to protecting indoor air quality than
increasing ventilation because increasing ventilation can increase energy
costs. Specific sources of indoor air pollution in your home are listed later
in this section.
Another
approach to lowering the concentrations of indoor air pollutants in your home
is to increase the amount of outdoor air coming indoors. Most home heating and
cooling systems, including forced air heating systems, do not mechanically
bring fresh air into the house. Opening windows and doors, operating window or
attic fans, when the weather permits, or running a window air conditioner with
the vent control open increases the outdoor ventilation rate. Local bathroom or
kitchen fans that exhaust outdoors remove contaminants directly from the room
where the fan is located and also increase the outdoor air ventilation rate.
It is
particularly important to take as many of these steps as possible while you are
involved in short-term activities that can generate high levels of
pollutants--for example, painting, paint stripping, heating with kerosene
heaters, cooking, or engaging in maintenance and hobby activities such as
welding, soldering, or sanding. You might also choose to do some of these
activities outdoors, if you can and if weather permits.
Advanced
designs of new homes are starting to feature mechanical systems that bring
outdoor air into the home. Some of these designs include energy-efficient heat
recovery ventilators (also known as air-to-air heat exchangers). For more
information about air-to-air heat exchangers, contact the Conservation and
Renewable Energy Inquiry and Referral Service (CAREIRS), PO Box 3048,
Merrifield, VA 22116; (800) 523-2929.
There are
many types and sizes of air cleaners on the market, ranging from relatively
inexpensive table-top models to sophisticated and expensive whole-house
systems. Some air cleaners are highly effective at particle removal, while
others, including most table-top models, are much less so. Air cleaners are
generally not designed to remove gaseous pollutants.
The
effectiveness of an air cleaner depends on how well it collects pollutants from
indoor air (expressed as a percentage efficiency rate) and how much air it
draws through the cleaning or filtering element (expressed in cubic feet per
minute). A very efficient collector with a low air-circulation rate will not be
effective, nor will a cleaner with a high air-circulation rate but a less
efficient collector. The long-term performance of any air cleaner depends on
maintaining it according to the manufacturer's directions.
Another
important factor in determining the effectiveness of an air cleaner is the
strength of the pollutant source. Table-top air cleaners, in particular, may
not remove satisfactory amounts of pollutants from strong nearby sources.
People with sensitivity to particular sources may find that air cleaners are
helpful only in conjunction with concerted efforts to remove the source.
Over the
past few years, there has been some publicity suggesting that houseplants have
been shown to reduce levels of some chemicals in laboratory experiments. There
is currently no evidence, however, that a reasonable number of houseplants
remove significant quantities of pollutants in homes and offices. Indoor
houseplants should not be over-watered because overly damp soil may promote the
growth of microorganisms which can affect allergic individuals.
At
present, EPA does not recommend using air cleaners to reduce levels of radon
and its decay products. The effectiveness of these devices is uncertain because
they only partially remove the radon decay products and do not diminish the
amount of radon entering the home. EPA plans to do additional research on
whether air cleaners are, or could become, a reliable means of reducing the
health risk from radon. EPA's booklet, Residential Air-Cleaning
Devices, provides further information on air-cleaning devices to reduce
indoor air pollutants.
For most
indoor air quality problems in the home, source control is the most effective
solution. This section takes a source-by-source look at the most common indoor
air pollutants, their potential health effects, and ways to reduce levels in
the home. (For a summary of the points made in this section, see the section
entitled "Reference Guide
to Major Indoor Air Pollutants in the Home.") EPA has recently
released, Ozone Generators
That Are Sold As Air Cleaners. The purpose of this document (which is only
available via this web site) is to provide accurate information regarding the
use of ozone-generating devices in indoor occupied spaces. This information is
based on the most credible scientific evidence currently available.
EPA has
recently published, "Should
You Have the Air Ducts in Your Home Cleaned?" EPA-402-K-97-002,
October 1997. This document is intended to help consumers answer this often
confusing question. The document explains what air duct cleaning is, provides
guidance to help consumers decide whether to have the service performed in
their home, and provides helpful information for choosing a duct cleaner,
determining if duct cleaning was done properly, and how to prevent
contamination of air ducts.
RADON (Rn)
The most common source of indoor radon is uranium in the soil or
rock on which homes are built. As uranium naturally breaks down, it releases radon
gas which is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas. Radon gas enters homes
through dirt floors, cracks in concrete walls and floors, floor drains, and
sumps. When radon becomes trapped in buildings and concentrations build up
indoors, exposure to radon becomes a concern.
Any home
may have a radon problem. This means new and old homes, well-sealed and drafty
homes, and homes with or without basements.
Sometimes
radon enters the home through well water. In a small number of homes, the
building materials can give off radon, too. However, building materials rarely
cause radon problems by themselves.
Health Effects of Radon
The
predominant health effect associated with exposure to elevated levels of radon is
lung cancer. Research suggests that swallowing water with high radon levels may
pose risks, too, although these are believed to be much lower than those from
breathing air containing radon. Major health organizations (like the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Lung Association (ALA), and
the American Medical Association) agree with estimates that radon causes
thousands of preventable lung cancer deaths each year. EPA estimates that radon
causes about 14,000 deaths per year in the
Reducing Exposure to Radon
in Homes
Measure levels of radon in your home.
You can't
see radon, but it's not hard to find out if you have a radon problem in your
home. Testing is easy and should only take a little of your time.
There are
many kinds of inexpensive, do-it-yourself radon test kits you can get through
the mail and in hardware stores and other retail outlets. Make sure you buy a
test kit that has passed EPA's testing program or is state-certified. These
kits will usually display the phrase "Meets EPA Requirements." If you
prefer, or if you are buying or selling a home, you can hire a trained
contractor to do the testing for you. EPA's voluntary National Radon Proficiency Program (RPP)
evaluated testing (measurement) contractors. A contractor who had met EPA's
requirements carried an EPA-generated RPP identification card. EPA provided a
list of companies and individual contractors on this web site which was also
available to state radon offices. You should call your state radon office to obtain a
list of qualified contractors in your area.You can also contact either the
National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) - http://www.neha.org or the National Radon Safety Board (NRSB) - http://www.nrsb.org for
a list of proficient radon measurement and/or mitigation contractors.
Refer to the EPA guidelines on how to test
and interpret your test results.
You can
learn more about radon through EPA's publications, A Citizen's Guide to
Radon: The Guide to Protecting Yourself and Your Family From Radon and Home Buyer's and
Seller's Guide to Radon, which are also available from your state radon office.
Learn about radon reduction methods.
Ways to
reduce radon in your home are discussed in EPA's Consumer's Guide to
Radon Reduction. You can get a copy from your state radon office. There are
simple solutions to radon problems in homes. Thousands of homeowners have
already fixed radon problems. Lowering high radon levels requires technical
knowledge and special skills. You should use a contractor who is trained to fix
radon problems.
A trained
radon reduction contractor can study the problem in your home and help you pick
the correct treatment method. Check with your state radon office for names of
qualified or state-certified radon-reduction contractors in your area.
Stop smoking and discourage smoking in your
home.
Scientific
evidence indicates that smoking combined with radon is an especially serious
health risk. Stop smoking and lower your radon level to reduce lung cancer
risk.
Treat radon-contaminated well water.
While
radon in water is not a problem in homes served by most public water supplies,
it has been found in well water. If you've tested the air in your home and
found a radon problem, and you have a well, contact a lab certified to measure
radiation in water to have your water tested. Radon problems in water can be
readily fixed. Call your state
radon office or the EPA Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791) for more
information.
Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) is the
mixture of smoke that comes from the burning end of a cigarette, pipe, or
cigar, and smoke exhaled by the smoker. It is a complex mixture of over 4,000
compounds, more than 40 of which are known to cause cancer in humans or animals
and many of which are strong irritants. ETS is often referred to as
"secondhand smoke" and exposure to ETS is often called "passive
smoking."
Health Effects of
Environmental Tobacco Smoke
In 1992,
EPA completed a major assessment of the respiratory health risks of ETS
(Respiratory Health Effects of Passive Smoking: Lung Cancer and Other Disorders
EPA/600/6-90/006F). The report concludes that exposure to ETS is responsible
for approximately 3,000 lung cancer deaths each year in nonsmoking adults and
impairs the respiratory health of hundreds of thousands of children.
Infants
and young children whose parents smoke in their presence are at increased risk
of lower respiratory tract infections (pneumonia and bronchitis) and are more
likely to have symptoms of respiratory irritation like cough, excess phlegm, and
wheeze. EPA estimates that passive smoking annually causes between 150,000 and
300,000 lower respiratory tract infections in infants and children under 18
months of age, resulting in between 7,500 and 15,000 hospitalizations each
year. These children may also have a build-up of fluid in the middle ear, which
can lead to ear infections. Older children who have been exposed to secondhand
smoke may have slightly reduced lung function.
Asthmatic
children are especially at risk. EPA estimates that exposure to secondhand
smoke increases the number of episodes and severity of symptoms in hundreds of
thousands of asthmatic children, and may cause thousands of non-asthmatic
children to develop the disease each year. EPA estimates that between 200,000
and 1,000,000 asthmatic children have their condition made worse by exposure to
secondhand smoke each year. Exposure to secondhand smoke causes eye, nose, and
throat irritation. It may affect the cardiovascular system and some studies
have linked exposure to secondhand smoke with the onset of chest pain. For
publications about ETS, go to the IAQ
Publications page, or contact EPA's Indoor Air Quality Information Clearinghouse
(IAQ INFO), 800-438-4318 or (703) 356-4020.
Don't smoke at home or permit others to do
so. Ask smokers to smoke outdoors.
The 1986
Surgeon General's report concluded that physical separation of smokers and
nonsmokers in a common air space, such as different rooms within the same
house, may reduce - but will not eliminate - non-smokers' exposure to
environmental tobacco smoke.
If smoking indoors cannot be avoided,
increase ventilation in the area where smoking takes place.
Open
windows or use exhaust fans. Ventilation, a common method of reducing exposure
to indoor air pollutants, also will reduce but not eliminate exposure to
environmental tobacco smoke. Because smoking produces such large amounts of
pollutants, natural or mechanical ventilation techniques do not remove them
from the air in your home as quickly as they build up. In addition, the large
increases in ventilation it takes to significantly reduce exposure to
environmental tobacco smoke can also increase energy costs substantially.
Consequently, the most effective way to reduce exposure to environmental
tobacco smoke in the home is to eliminate smoking there.
Do not smoke if children are present,
particularly infants and toddlers.
Children
are particularly susceptible to the effects of passive smoking. Do not allow
baby-sitters or others who work in your home to smoke indoors. Discourage
others from smoking around children. Find out about the smoking policies of the
day care center providers, schools, and other care givers for your children.
The policy should protect children from exposure to ETS.
Biological contaminants include
bacteria, molds, mildew, viruses, animal dander and cat saliva, house dust
mites, cockroaches, and pollen. There are many sources of these pollutants.
Pollens originate from plants; viruses are transmitted by people and animals;
bacteria are carried by people, animals, and soil and plant debris; and
household pets are sources of saliva and animal dander. The protein in urine
from rats and mice is a potent allergen. When it dries, it can become airborne.
Contaminated central air handling systems can become breeding grounds for mold,
mildew, and other sources of biological contaminants and can then distribute
these contaminants through the home.
By
controlling the relative humidity level in a home, the growth of some sources
of biologicals can be minimized. A relative humidity of 30-50 percent is
generally recommended for homes. Standing water, water-damaged materials, or
wet surfaces also serve as a breeding ground for molds, mildews, bacteria, and
insects. House dust mites, the source of one of the most powerful biological
allergens, grow in damp, warm environments.
Some
biological contaminants trigger allergic reactions, including hypersensitivity
pneumonitis, allergic rhinitis, and some types of asthma. Infectious illnesses,
such as influenza, measles, and chicken pox are transmitted through the air.
Molds and mildews release disease-causing toxins. Symptoms of health problems
caused by biological pollutants include sneezing, watery eyes, coughing,
shortness of breath, dizziness, lethargy, fever, and digestive problems.
Allergic
reactions occur only after repeated exposure to a specific biological allergen.
However, that reaction may occur immediately upon re-exposure or after multiple
exposures over time. As a result, people who have noticed only mild allergic
reactions, or no reactions at all, may suddenly find themselves very sensitive
to particular allergens.
Some
diseases, like humidifier fever, are associated with exposure to toxins from
microorganisms that can grow in large building ventilation systems. However,
these diseases can also be traced to microorganisms that grow in home heating
and cooling systems and humidifiers. Children, elderly people, and people with
breathing problems, allergies, and lung diseases are particularly susceptible
to disease-causing biological agents in the indoor air.
Install and use exhaust fans that are vented
to the outdoors in kitchens and bathrooms and vent clothes dryers outdoors.
These
actions can eliminate much of the moisture that builds up from everyday
activities. There are exhaust fans on the market that produce little noise, an
important consideration for some people. Another benefit to using kitchen and
bathroom exhaust fans is that they can reduce levels of organic pollutants that
vaporize from hot water used in showers and dishwashers.
Ventilate the attic and crawl spaces to
prevent moisture build-up.
Keeping
humidity levels in these areas below 50 percent can prevent water condensation
on building materials.
If using cool mist or ultrasonic humidifiers,
clean appliances according to manufacturer's instructions and refill with fresh
water daily.
Because
these humidifiers can become breeding grounds for biological contaminants, they
have the potential for causing diseases such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis
and humidifier fever. Evaporation trays in air conditioners, dehumidifiers, and
refrigerators should also be cleaned frequently.
Thoroughly clean and dry water-damaged carpets
and building materials (within 24 hours if possible) or consider removal and
replacement.
Water-damaged
carpets and building materials can harbor mold and bacteria. It is very
difficult to completely rid such materials of biological contaminants.
Keep the house clean. House dust mites,
pollens, animal dander, and other allergy-causing agents can be reduced,
although not eliminated, through regular cleaning.
People who
are allergic to these pollutants should use allergen-proof mattress
encasements, wash bedding in hot (130 degrees Fahrenheit) water, and avoid room
furnishings that accumulate dust, especially if they cannot be washed in hot
water. Allergic individuals should also leave the house while it is being
vacuumed because vacuuming can actually increase airborne levels of mite
allergens and other biological contaminants. Using central vacuum systems that
are vented to the outdoors or vacuums with high efficiency filters may also be
of help.
Take steps to minimize biological pollutants
in basements.
Clean and
disinfect the basement floor drain regularly. Do not finish a basement below
ground level unless all water leaks are patched and outdoor ventilation and
adequate heat to prevent condensation are provided. Operate a dehumidifier in
the basement if needed to keep relative humidity levels between 30-50 percent.
To learn
more about biological pollutants, read Biological Pollutants in Your
Home issued by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and the American
Lung Association. For contact information, see the section, "Where to Go For Additional
Information."
In
addition to environmental tobacco smoke, other sources of combustion products
are unvented kerosene and gas space heaters, woodstoves, fireplaces, and gas
stoves. The major pollutants released are carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and particles.
Unvented kerosene heaters may also generate acid aerosols.
Combustion
gases and particles also come from chimneys and flues that are improperly
installed or maintained and cracked furnace heat exchangers. Pollutants from
fireplaces and woodstoves with no dedicated outdoor air supply can be
"back-drafted" from the chimney into the living space, particularly
in weatherized homes.
Health Effects of
Combustion Products
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a
colorless, odorless gas that interferes with the delivery of oxygen throughout
the body. At high concentrations it can cause unconsciousness and death. Lower
concentrations can cause a range of symptoms from headaches, dizziness,
weakness, nausea, confusion, and disorientation, to fatigue in healthy people
and episodes of increased chest pain in people with chronic heart disease. The
symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are sometimes confused with the flu or
food poisoning. Fetuses, infants, elderly people, and people with anemia or with
a history of heart or respiratory disease can be especially sensitive to carbon
monoxide exposures.
Nitrogen dioxide (NO) is a colorless, odorless gas that irritates the mucous membranes in the eye, nose, and throat and causes shortness of breath after exposure to high concentrations. There is evidence that high concentrations or continued exposure to low levels of nitrogen dioxide increases the risk of respiratory infection; there is also evidence from animal studies that repeated exposures to elevated nitrogen dioxide levels may lead, or contribute, to the development of lung disease such as emphysema. People at particular risk from exposure to nitrogen dioxide include children and individuals with asthma and other respiratory diseases.
Particles, released when fuels are incompletely burned, can lodge
in the lungs and irritate or damage lung tissue. A number of pollutants,
including radon and benzo(a)pyrene, both of which can cause cancer, attach to
small particles that are inhaled and then carried deep into the lung.
Take special precautions when operating
fuel-burning unvented space heaters.
Consider
potential effects of indoor air pollution if you use an unvented kerosene or
gas space heater. Follow the manufacturer's directions, especially instructions
on the proper fuel and keeping the heater properly adjusted. A persistent
yellow-tipped flame is generally an indicator of maladjustment and increased
pollutant emissions. While a space heater is in use, open a door from the room
where the heater is located to the rest of the house and open a window
slightly.
Install and use exhaust fans over gas cooking
stoves and ranges and keep the burners properly adjusted.
Using a
stove hood with a fan vented to the outdoors greatly reduces exposure to
pollutants during cooking. Improper adjustment, often indicated by a persistent
yellow-tipped flame, causes increased pollutant emissions. Ask your gas company
to adjust the burner so that the flame tip is blue. If you purchase a new gas
stove or range, consider buying one with pilot-less ignition because it does
not have a pilot light that burns continuously. Never use a gas stove to heat
your home. Always make certain the flue in your gas fireplace is open when the
fireplace is in use.
Keep woodstove emissions to a minimum. Choose
properly sized new stoves that are certified as meeting EPA emission standards.
Make
certain that doors in old woodstoves are tight-fitting. Use aged or cured
(dried) wood only and follow the manufacturer's directions for starting,
stoking, and putting out the fire in woodstoves. Chemicals are used to
pressure-treat wood; such wood should never be burned indoors. (Because some
old gaskets in woodstove doors contain asbestos, when replacing gaskets refer
to the instructions in the CPSC,
Have central air handling systems, including
furnaces, flues, and chimneys, inspected annually andpromptly repair cracks or
damaged parts.
Blocked,
leaking, or damaged chimneys or flues release harmful combustion gases and
particles and even fatal concentrations of carbon monoxide. Strictly follow all
service and maintenance procedures recommended by the manufacturer, including
those that tell you how frequently to change the filter. If manufacturer's
instructions are not readily available, change filters once every month or two
during periods of use. Proper maintenance is important even for new furnaces
because they can also corrode and leak combustion gases, including carbon
monoxide.
Read the
booklet What You Should Know
About Combustion Appliances and Indoor Air Pollution to learn more about
combustion pollutants. The booklet is available by contacting CPSC, EPA's IAQ INFO
Clearinghouse, or your local ALA. (See "Where to Go for Additional
Information" for contact information.)
Organic chemicals are widely used as
ingredients in household products. Paints, varnishes, and wax all contain organic
solvents, as do many cleaning, disinfecting, cosmetic, degreasing, and hobby
products. Fuels are made up of organic chemicals. All of these products can
release organic compounds while you are using them, and, to some degree, when
they are stored.
EPA's
Total Exposure Assessment Methodology (TEAM) studies found levels of about a
dozen common organic pollutants to be 2 to 5 times higher inside homes than
outside, regardless of whether the homes were located in rural or highly
industrial areas. Additional TEAM studies indicate that while people are using
products containing organic chemicals, they can expose themselves and others to
very high pollutant levels, and elevated concentrations can persist in the air
long after the activity is completed.
The
ability of organic chemicals to cause health effects varies greatly, from those
that are highly toxic, to those with no known health effect. As with other
pollutants, the extent and nature of the health effect will depend on many
factors including level of exposure and length of time exposed. Eye and
respiratory tract irritation, headaches, dizziness, visual disorders, and
memory impairment are among the immediate symptoms that some people have
experienced soon after exposure to some organics. At present, not much is known
about what health effects occur from the levels of organics usually found in
homes. Many organic compounds are known to cause cancer in animals; some are
suspected of causing, or are known to cause, cancer in humans.
Reducing Exposure to
Household Chemicals - Follow label instructions carefully.
Potentially
hazardous products often have warnings aimed at reducing exposure of the user.
For example, if a label says to use the product in a well-ventilated area, go
outdoors or in areas equipped with an exhaust fan to use it. Otherwise, open up
windows to provide the maximum amount of outdoor air possible.
Throw away
partially full containers of old or unneeded chemicals safely.
Because
gases can leak even from closed containers, this single step could help lower
concentrations of organic chemicals in your home. (Be sure that materials you
decide to keep are stored not only in a well-ventilated area but are also
safely out of reach of children.) Do not simply toss these unwanted products in
the garbage can. Find out if your local government or any organization in your
community sponsors special days for the collection of toxic household wastes.
If such days are available, use them to dispose of the unwanted containers
safely. If no such collection days are available, think about organizing one.
Buy limited quantities.
If you use
products only occasionally or seasonally, such as paints, paint strippers, and
kerosene for space heaters or gasoline for lawn mowers, buy only as much as you
will use right away.
Keep exposure to emissions from products
containing methylene chloride to a minimum.
Consumer
products that contain methylene chloride include paint strippers,
adhesive removers, and aerosol spray paints. Methylene chloride is known to
cause cancer in animals. Also, methylene chloride is converted to carbon
monoxide in the body and can cause symptoms associated with exposure to carbon
monoxide. Carefully read the labels containing health hazard information and cautions
on the proper use of these products. Use products that contain methylene
chloride outdoors when possible; use indoors only if the area is well
ventilated.
Keep exposure to benzene to a minimum.
Benzene is
a known human carcinogen. The main indoor sources of this chemical are
environmental tobacco smoke, stored fuels and paint supplies, and automobile
emissions in attached garages. Actions that will reduce benzene exposure
include eliminating smoking within the home, providing for maximum ventilation during
painting, and discarding paint supplies and special fuels that will not be used
immediately.
Keep exposure to perchloroethylene emissions
from newly dry-cleaned materials to a minimum.
Perchloroethylene
is the chemical most widely used in dry cleaning. In laboratory studies, it has
been shown to cause cancer in animals. Recent studies indicate that people
breathe low levels of this chemical both in homes where dry-cleaned goods are
stored and as they wear dry-cleaned clothing. Dry cleaners recapture the
perchloroethylene during the dry-cleaning process so they can save money by
re-using it, and they remove more of the chemical during the pressing and
finishing processes. Some dry cleaners, however, do not remove as much
perchloroethylene as possible all of the time. Taking steps to minimize your
exposure to this chemical is prudent. If dry-cleaned goods have a strong
chemical odor when you pick them up, do not accept them until they have been
properly dried. If goods with a chemical odor are returned to you on subsequent
visits, try a different dry cleaner.
Formaldehyde is an important
chemical used widely by industry to manufacture building materials and numerous
household products. It is also a by-product of combustion and certain other
natural processes. Thus, it may be present in substantial concentrations both
indoors and outdoors.
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.
In homes,
the most significant sources of formaldehyde are likely to be pressed wood
products made using adhesives that contain urea-formaldehyde (UF) resins.
Pressed wood products made for indoor use include: particleboard (used as sub-flooring
and shelving and in cabinetry and furniture); hardwood plywood paneling (used
for decorative wall covering and used in cabinets and furniture); and medium
density fiberboard (used for drawer fronts, cabinets, and furniture Go To Of
Sections). Medium density fiberboard contains a higher resin-to-wood ratio than
any other UF pressed wood product and is generally recognized as being the
highest formaldehyde-emitting pressed wood product
Other
pressed wood products, such as softwood plywood and flake or oriented
strandboard, are produced for exterior construction use and contain the dark,
or red/black-colored phenol-formaldehyde (PF) resin. Although formaldehyde is
present in both types of resins, pressed woods that contain PF resin generally
emit formaldehyde at considerably lower rates than those containing UF resin.
Since 1985, the Department of Housing and
Urban Development (HUD) has permitted only the use of plywood and particleboard
that conform to specified formaldehyde emission limits in the construction of
prefabricated and mobile homes. In the past, some of these homes had elevated
levels of formaldehyde because of the large amount of high-emitting pressed
wood products used in their construction and because of their relatively small
interior space.
The rate
at which products like pressed wood or textiles release formaldehyde can
change. Formaldehyde emissions will generally decrease as products age. When
the products are new, high indoor temperatures or humidity can cause increased
release of formaldehyde from these products.
During the
1970s, many homeowners had urea-formaldehyde foam insulation (UFFI) installed
in the wall cavities of their homes as an energy conservation measure. However,
many of these homes were found to have relatively high indoor concentrations of
formaldehyde soon after the UFFI installation. Few homes are now being
insulated with this product. Studies show that formaldehyde emissions from UFFI
decline with time; therefore, homes in which UFFI was installed many years ago are
unlikely to have high levels of formaldehyde now.
Health Effects of
Formaldehyde
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 sensitivity to formaldehyde. It has also been shown to cause cancer in
animals and may cause cancer in humans.
Reducing Exposure to
Formaldehyde in Homes
Ask about the formaldehyde content of pressed wood products ,including building materials, cabinetry, and furniture before you purchase them.
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).
Some
studies suggest that coating pressed wood products with polyurethane may reduce
formaldehyde emissions for some period of time. To be effective, any such
coating must cover all surfaces and edges and remain intact. Increase the
ventilation and carefully follow the manufacturer instructions while applying
these coatings. (If you are sensitive to formaldehyde, check the label contents
before purchasing coating products to avoid buying products that contain
formaldehyde, as they will emit the chemical for a short time after
application.) Maintain moderate temperature and humidity levels and provide
adequate ventilation. The rate at which formaldehyde is released is accelerated
by heat and may also depend somewhat on the humidity level. Therefore, the use
of dehumidifiers and air conditioning to control humidity and to maintain a
moderate temperature can help reduce formaldehyde emissions. (Drain and clean
dehumidifier collection trays frequently so that they do not become a breeding
ground for microorganisms.) Increasing the rate of ventilation in your home
will also help in reducing formaldehyde levels.
According
to a recent survey, 75 percent of
In 1990,
the American Association of Poison Control Centers reported that some 79,000
children were involved in common household pesticide poisonings or exposures.
In households with children under five years old, almost one-half stored at
least one pesticide product within reach of children.
EPA
registers pesticides for use and requires manufacturers to put information on
the label about when and how to use the pesticide. It is important to remember
that the "-cide" in pesticides means "to kill." These
products can be dangerous if not used properly.
In addition
to the active ingredient, pesticides are also made up of ingredients that are
used to carry the active agent. These carrier agents are called
"inerts" in pesticides because they are not toxic to the targeted
pest; nevertheless, some inerts are capable of causing health problems.
Health Effects From Pesticides
Both the
active and inert ingredients in pesticides can be organic compounds; therefore,
both could add to the levels of airborne organics inside homes. Both types of
ingredients can cause the effects discussed in this document under
"Household Products," however, as with other household products,
there is insufficient understanding at present about what pesticide
concentrations are necessary to produce these effects.
Exposure
to high levels of cyclodiene pesticides, commonly associated with
misapplication, has produced various symptoms, including headaches, dizziness,
muscle twitching, weakness, tingling sensations, and nausea. In addition, EPA
is concerned that cyclodienes might cause long-term damage to the liver and the
central nervous system, as well as an increased risk of cancer.
There is
no further sale or commercial use permitted for the following cyclodiene or
related pesticides: chlordane, aldrin, dieldrin, and heptachlor. The only
exception is the use of heptachlor by utility companies to control fire ants in
underground cable boxes.
Reducing Exposure to
Pesticides in Homes
Read the
label and follow the directions. It is illegal to use any pesticide in any
manner inconsistent with the directions on its label.
Unless you
have had special training and are certified, never use a pesticide that is
restricted to use by state-certified pest control operators. Such pesticides
are simply too dangerous for application by a noncertified person. Use only the
pesticides approved for use by the general public and then only in recommended
amounts; increasing the amount does not offer more protection against pests and
can be harmful to you and your plants and pets.
Ventilate the area well after pesticide use.
Mix or
dilute pesticides outdoors or in a well-ventilated area and only in the amounts
that will be immediately needed. If possible, take plants and pets outside when
applying pesticides to them.
Use non-chemical methods of pest control when
possible.
Since
pesticides can be found far from the site of their original application, it is
prudent to reduce the use of chemical pesticides outdoors as well as indoors.
Depending on the site and pest to be controlled, one or more of the following
steps can be effective: use of biological pesticides, such as Bacillus
thuringiensis, for the control of gypsy moths; selection of disease-resistant
plants; and frequent washing of indoor plants and pets. Termite damage can be
reduced or prevented by making certain that wooden building materials do not
come into direct contact with the soil and by storing firewood away from the
home. By appropriately fertilizing, watering, and aerating lawns, the need for
chemical pesticide treatments of lawns can be dramatically reduced.
If you decide to use a pest control company, choose one carefully.
Ask for an
inspection of your home and get a written control program for evaluation before
you sign a contract. The control program should list specific names of pests to
be controlled and chemicals to be used; it should also reflect any of your
safety concerns. Insist on a proven record of competence and customer
satisfaction.
Dispose of unwanted pesticides safely.
If you
have unused or partially used pesticide containers you want to get rid of,
dispose of them according to the directions on the label or on special
household hazardous waste collection days. If there are no such collection days
in your community, work with others to organize them.
Keep exposure to moth repellents to a
minimum.
One
pesticide often found in the home is paradichlorobenzene, a commonly used
active ingredient in moth repellents. This chemical is known to cause cancer in
animals, but substantial scientific uncertainty exists over the effects, if
any, of long-term human exposure to paradichlorobenzene. EPA requires that
products containing paradichlorobenzene bear warnings such as "avoid
breathing vapors" to warn users of potential short-term toxic effects.
Where possible, paradichlorobenzene, and items to be protected against moths,
should be placed in trunks or other containers that can be stored in areas that
are separately ventilated from the home, such as attics and detached garages.
Paradichlorobenzene is also the key active ingredient in many air fresheners
(in fact, some labels for moth repellents recommend that these same products be
used as air fresheners or deodorants). Proper ventilation and basic household
cleanliness will go a long way toward preventing unpleasant odors.
Call the National Pesticide Telecommunications Network (NPTN).
EPA
sponsors the NPTN (800-858-PEST) to answer your questions about pesticides and
to provide selected EPA publications on pesticides.
Asbestos is a mineral fiber
that has been used commonly in a variety of building construction materials for
insulation and as a fire-retardant. EPA and CPSC have banned several asbestos
products. Manufacturers have also voluntarily limited uses of asbestos. Today,
asbestos is most commonly found in older homes, in pipe and furnace insulation
materials, asbestos shingles, millboard, textured paints and other coating
materials, and floor tiles.
Elevated
concentrations of airborne asbestos can occur after asbestos-containing
materials are disturbed by cutting, sanding or other remodeling activities.
Improper attempts to remove these materials can release asbestos fibers into
the air in homes, increasing asbestos levels and endangering people living in
those homes.
Health Effects of Asbestos
The most
dangerous asbestos fibers are too small to be visible. After they are inhaled,
they can remain and accumulate in the lungs. Asbestos can cause lung cancer,
meso-thelioma (a cancer of the chest and abdominal linings), and asbestosis
(irreversible lung scarring that can be fatal). Symptoms of these diseases do
not show up until many years after exposure began. Most people with
asbestos-related diseases were exposed to elevated concentrations on the job;
some developed disease from exposure to clothing and equipment brought home
from job sites.
Reducing Exposure to
Asbestos in Homes
Learn how asbestos problems are created in
homes.
Read the
booklet, Asbestos in Your
Home, issued by CPSC, the
If you think your home may have asbestos,
dont panic!
Usually it
is best to leave asbestos material that is in good condition alone. Generally,
material in good condition will not release asbestos fiber. There is no danger
unless fibers are released and inhaled into the lungs.
Do not cut, rip, or sand asbestos-containing materials.
Leave
undamaged materials alone and, to the extent possible, prevent them from being
damaged, disturbed, or touched. Periodically inspect for damage or
deterioration. Discard damaged or worn asbestos gloves, stove-top pads, or
ironing board covers. Check with local health, environmental, or other
appropriate officials to find out about proper handling and disposal
procedures.
If
asbestos material is more than slightly damaged, or if you are going to make
changes in your home that might disturb it, repair or removal by a professional
is needed. Before you have your house remodeled, find out whether asbestos
materials are present.
When you need to remove or clean up asbestos,
use a professionally trained contractor.
Select a
contractor only after careful discussion of the problems in your home and the
steps the contractor will take to clean up or remove them. Consider the option of
sealing off the materials instead of removing them.
Call EPA's
TSCA assistance line (202-554-1404) to find out whether your state has a
training and certification program for asbestos removal contractors and for
information on EPA's asbestos programs.
Lead has long been recognized as a
harmful environmental pollutant. In late 1991, the Secretary of the Department
of Health and Human Services called lead the "number one
environmental threat to the health of children in the
Old
lead-based paint is the most significant source of lead exposure in the
Health Effects of Exposure
to Lead
Lead
affects practically all systems within the body. At high levels it can cause
convulsions, coma, and even death. Lower levels of lead can adversely affect
the brain, central nervous system, blood cells, and kidneys.
The effects
of lead exposure on fetuses and young children can be severe. They include
delays in physical and mental development, lower IQ levels, shortened attention
spans, and increased behavioral problems. Fetuses , infants, and children are
more vulnerable to lead exposure than adults since lead is more easily absorbed
into growing bodies, and the tissues of small children are more sensitive to
the damaging effects of lead. Children may have higher exposures since they are
more likely to get lead dust on their hands and then put their fingers or other
lead-contaminated objects into their mouths.
Get your
child tested for lead exposure. To find out where to do this, call your doctor
or local health clinic. For more information on health effects, get a copy of
the Centers for Disease Control's, Preventing Lead Poisoning in Young Children
(October 1991).
Ways to Reduce Exposure to
Lead
Keep areas where children play as dust-free
and clean as possible.
Mop floors
and wipe window ledges and chewable surfaces such as cribs with a solution of
powdered automatic dishwasher detergent in warm water. (Dishwasher detergents
are recommended because of their high content of phosphate.) Most multi-purpose
cleaners will not remove lead in ordinary dust. Wash toys and stuffed animals
regularly. Make sure that children wash their hands before meals, nap time, and
bedtime.
Reduce the risk from lead-based paint.
Most homes
built before 1960 contain heavily leaded paint. Some homes built as recently as
1978 may also contain lead paint. This paint could be on window frames, walls,
the outside of homes, or other surfaces. Do not burn painted wood since it may
contain lead.
Leave lead-based paint undisturbed if it is
in good condition - do not sand or burn off paint that may contain lead.
Lead paint
in good condition is usually not a problem except in places where painted
surfaces rub against each other and create dust (for example, opening a
window).
Do not remove lead paint yourself.
Individuals
have been poisoned by scraping or sanding lead paint because these activities
generate large amounts of lead dust. Consult your state health or housing
department for suggestions on which private laboratories or public agencies may
be able to help test your home for lead in paint. Home test kits cannot detect
small amounts of lead under some conditions. Hire a person with special
training for correcting lead paint problems to remove lead-based paint.
Occupants, especially children and pregnant women, should leave the building
until all work is finished and clean-up is done.
For
additional information dealing with lead-based paint abatement contact the
Department of Housing and Urban Development for the following two documents:
Comprehensive and Workable Plan for the Abatement of Lead-Based Paint in
Privately Owned Housing: Report to Congress (December 7, 1990) and Lead-Based
Paint: Interim Guidelines for Hazard Identification and Abatement in Public and
Indian Housing (September 1990).
Do not bring lead dust into the home.
If you
work in construction, demolition, painting, with batteries, in a radiator
repair shop or lead factory, or your hobby involves lead, you may unknowingly
bring lead into your home on your hands or clothes. You may also be tracking in
lead from soil around your home. Soil very close to homes may be contaminated
from lead paint on the outside of the building. Soil by roads and highways may
be contaminated from years of exhaust fumes from cars and trucks that used
leaded gas. Use door mats to wipe your feet before entering the home. If you
work with lead in your job or a hobby, change your clothes before you go home
and wash these clothes separately. Encourage your children to play in sand and
grassy areas instead of dirt which sticks to fingers and toys. Try to keep your
children from eating dirt, and make sure they wash their hands when they come
inside.
Find out about lead in drinking water.
Most well
and city water does not usually contain lead. Water usually picks up lead
inside the home from household plumbing that is made with lead materials. The
only way to know if there is lead in drinking water is to have it tested.
Contact the local health department or the water supplier to find out how to
get the water tested. Send for the EPA pamphlet, Lead and Your Drinking Water, for
more information about what you can do if you have lead in your drinking water.
Call EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791) for more information.
Eat right.
A child
who gets enough iron and calcium will absorb less lead. Foods rich in iron include
eggs, red meats, and beans. Dairy products are high in calcium. Do not store
food or liquid in lead crystal glassware or imported or old pottery. If you
reuse old plastic bags to store or carry food, keep the printing on the outside
of the bag.
You can
get a brochure, Lead Poisoning
and Your Children, and more information by calling the
In recent
years, a number of consumers have associated a variety of symptoms with the
installation of new carpet. Scientists have not been able to determine whether the
chemicals emitted by new carpets are responsible. If you are installing new
carpet, you may wish to take the following steps:
·
Talk to your carpet retailer. Ask for information on emissions from
carpet.
·
Ask the retailer to unroll and air out the carpet in a
well-ventilated area before installation.
·
Ask for low-emitting adhesives if adhesives are needed.
·
Consider leaving the premises during and immediately after carpet
installation. You may wish to schedule the installation when most family
members or office workers are out.
·
Be sure the retailer requires the installer to follow the Carpet
and Rug Institute's installation guidelines.
·
Open doors and windows. Increasing the amount of fresh air in the
home will reduce exposure to most chemicals released from carpet. During and
after installation, use window fans, room air conditioners, or other mechanical
ventilation equipment you may have installed in your house, to exhaust fumes to
the outdoors. Keep them running for 48 to 72 hours after the new carpet is installed.
·
Contact your carpet retailer if objectionable odors persist.
·
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper carpet
maintenance.
Building a
new home provides the opportunity for preventing indoor air problems. However,
it can result in exposure to higher levels of indoor air contaminants if
careful attention is not given to potential pollution sources and the air
exchange rate.
Express
your concerns about indoor air quality to your architect or builder and enlist
his or her cooperation in taking measures to provide good indoor air quality.
Talk both about purchasing building materials and furnishings that are
low-emitting and about providing an adequate amount of ventilation.
The
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers
(ASHRAE) recommends a ventilation rate of 0.35 ach (air changes per hour) for
new homes, and some new homes are built to even tighter specifications.
Particular care should be given in such homes to preventing the build-up of
indoor air pollutants to high levels.
Here are a
few important actions that can make a difference:
Use
radon-resistant construction techniques.
Obtain a
copy of the EPA booklet, Model Standards and
Techniques for Control of Radon in New Residential Buildings, from your state radon office or health
agency, your state homebuilders' association, or your EPA regional office. [You
can also visit EPA's Radon
Resistant New Construction (RRNC) site on the WWW.]
Choose building
materials and furnishings that will keep indoor air pollution to a minimum.
There are
many actions a homeowner can take to select products that will prevent indoor
air problems from occurring - a couple of them are mentioned here. First, use
exterior-grade pressed wood products made with phenol-formaldehyde resin in
floors, cabinetry, and wall surfaces. Or, as an alternative, consider using
solid wood products. Secondly, if you plan to install wall-to-wall carpet on
concrete in contact with the ground, especially concrete in basements, make
sure that an effective moisture barrier is installed prior to installing the
carpet. Do not permanently adhere carpet to concrete with adhesives so that the
carpet can be removed if it becomes wet.
Provide
proper drainage and seal foundations in new construction.
Air that
enters the home through the foundation can contain more moisture than is
generated from all occupant activities.
Become
familiar with mechanical ventilation systems and consider installing one.
Advanced
designs of new homes are starting to feature mechanical systems that bring
outdoor air into the home. Some of these designs include energy-efficient heat
recovery ventilators (also known as air-to-air heat exchangers).
Ensure
that combustion appliances, including furnaces, fireplaces, woodstoves, and
heaters, are properly vented and receive enough supply air.
Combustion
gases, including carbon monoxide, and particles can be back-drafted from the
chimney or flue into the living space if the combustion appliance is not
properly vented or does not receive enough supply air. Back-drafting can be a
particular problem in weatherized or tightly constructed homes. Installing a
dedicated outdoor air supply for the combustion appliance can help prevent back
drafting.
Indoor air
quality problems are not limited to homes. In fact, many office buildings have
significant air pollution sources. Some of these buildings may be inadequately
ventilated. For example, mechanical ventilation systems may not be designed or
operated to provide adequate amounts of outdoor air. Finally, people generally
have less control over the indoor environment in their offices than they do in
their homes. As a result, there has been an increase in the incidence of
reported health problems.
Health Effects
A number
of well-identified illnesses, such as Legionnaires' disease, asthma,
hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and humidifier fever, have been directly traced
to specific building problems. These are called building-related illnesses.
Most of these diseases can be treated, nevertheless, some pose serious risks.
Sometimes,
however, building occupants experience symptoms that do not fit the pattern of
any particular illness and are difficult to trace to any specific source. This
phenomenon has been labeled sick building syndrome. People may complain of one
or more of the following symptoms: dry or burning mucous membranes in the nose,
eyes, and throat; sneezing; stuffy or runny nose; fatigue or lethargy;
headache; dizziness; nausea; irritability and forgetfulness. Poor lighting,
noise, vibration, thermal discomfort, and psychological stress may also cause,
or contribute to, these symptoms.
There is
no single manner in which these health problems appear. In some cases, problems
begin as workers enter their offices and diminish as workers leave; other
times, symptoms continue until the illness is treated. Sometimes there are
outbreaks of illness among many workers in a single building; in other cases,
health symptoms show up only in individual workers.
In the
opinion of some World Health Organization experts, up to 30 percent of new or
remodeled commercial buildings may have unusually high rates of health and
comfort complaints from occupants that may potentially be related to indoor air
quality.
What
Causes Problems?
Three
major reasons for poor indoor air quality in office buildings are the presence
of indoor air pollution sources; poorly designed, maintained, or operated
ventilation systems; and uses of the building that were unanticipated or poorly
planned for when the building was designed or renovated.
As with
homes, the most important factor influencing indoor air quality is the presence
of pollutant sources. Commonly found office pollutants and their sources
include environmental tobacco smoke; asbestos from insulating and
fire-retardant building supplies; formaldehyde from pressed wood products;
other organics from building materials, carpet, and other office furnishings,
cleaning materials and activities, restroom air fresheners, paints, adhesives,
copying machines, and photography and print shops; biological contaminants from
dirty ventilation systems or water-damaged walls, ceilings, and carpets; and
pesticides from pest management practices.
Ventilation Systems
Mechanical
ventilation systems in large buildings are designed and operated not only to
heat and cool the air, but also to draw in and circulate outdoor air. If they
are poorly designed, operated, or maintained, however, ventilation systems can
contribute to indoor air problems in several ways.
For
example, problems arise when, in an effort to save energy, ventilation systems
are not used to bring in adequate amounts of outdoor air. Inadequate
ventilation also occurs if the air supply and return vents within each room are
blocked or placed in such a way that outdoor air does not actually reach the
breathing zone of building occupants. Improperly located outdoor air intake
vents can also bring in air contaminated with automobile and truck exhaust,
boiler emissions, fumes from dumpsters, or air vented from restrooms. Finally,
ventilation systems can be a source of in door pollution themselves by
spreading biological contaminants that have multiplied in cooling towers,
humidifiers, dehumidifiers, air conditioners, or the inside surfaces of
ventilation duct work.
Use of the Building
Indoor air
pollutants can be circulated from portions of the building used for specialized
purposes, such as restaurants, print shops, and dry-cleaning stores, into
offices in the same building. Carbon monoxide and other components of
automobile exhaust can be drawn from underground parking garages through
stairwells and elevator shafts into office spaces.
In
addition, buildings originally designed for one purpose may end up being
converted to use as office space. If not properly modified during building
renovations, the room partitions and ventilation system can contribute to
indoor air quality problems by restricting air re-circulation or by providing
an inadequate supply of outdoor air.
What to Do if You Suspect a Problem
If you or
others at your office are experiencing health or comfort problems that you
suspect may be caused by indoor air pollution, you can do the following:
Talk with
other workers, your supervisor, and union representatives to see if the
problems are being experienced by others and urge that management keep a record
of reported health complaints, if one has not already been established.
Talk with
your own physician and report your problems to the company physician, nurse, or
health and safety officer.
Call your
state or local health department or air pollution control agency to talk over
the symptoms and possible causes.
Encourage building management to obtain a copy of Building Air Quality: A Guide for Building Owners and Facility Managers. Building Air Quality (BAQ) is simply written, yet provides comprehensive information for identifying, correcting, and preventing indoor air quality problems. BAQ also provides supporting information such as when and how to select outside technical assistance, how to communicate with others regarding indoor air issues, and where to find additional sources of information. To obtain the loose leaf-fomat version of the Building Air Quality, complete with appendices, an index, and a full set of useful forms, and the newly released, Building Air Quality Action Plan, order GPO Stock # 055-000-00602-4, for $28, contact the: Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO), P.O. Box 371954, Pittsburgh, PA