Indoor air pollution ranks among the top five environmental risks, but homeowners can take steps to reduce exposure to dangerous contaminants in their home.
In recent years, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and its Science Advisory Board (SAB) have ranked indoor air pollution among the top five environmental risks to public health. EPA studies show that indoor air levels of many pollutants may be two to five times higher than outdoor levels.
However there are simple steps you can take to reduce your exposure:
Biological pollutants
These are the most common household contaminants and include such things as mold
, dust and animal dander. They usually come from walls, ceilings, carpets and furniture that are wet or moist, poorly maintained furnaces, air conditioners, humidifiers and dehumidifiers. Bedding and pets are also sources of biological contaminants.
* Install and use fans vented to outdoors in kitchens and bathrooms, especially if there are no windows in those rooms.
* Vent clothes dryer and stoves to outdoors.
* Clean cool mist and ultrasonic humidifiers daily and use only distilled water in them.
* Empty water trays in air conditioners, dehumidifiers and refrigerators frequently.
* Clean and dry, or remove, any porous materials that have been water damaged such as SHEETROCK (R), carpets, and upholstered furniture.
* Use basements as living areas only if they are leak-proof and have adequate ventilation. Use a dehumidifier, if necessary, to maintain humidity at 30 to 50 percent.
Carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide
Sources include fireplaces, wood stoves, kerosene heaters and smoke from cigarettes, pipes and cigars.
* Keep gas appliances properly adjusted and vented to the outside, not to attics or crawl spaces.
* Use proper fuel in kerosene space heaters.
* Choose wood stoves proper for the size of your home and make certain their doors fit tightly.
* Have a trained professional inspect, clean, tune up and repair any leaks in your central heating
system—furnace, flues and chimneys—annually.
* Do not idle your car inside the garage.
* Do not allow smoking in your home.
* Buy one or more carbon monoxide detectors for your home.
Organic pollutants
Found in household products like paint, paint strippers and other solvents, wood preservatives, aerosol sprays, cleansers and disinfectants, moth repellents and air fresheners, stored fuels and automotive products, hobby supplies and dry cleaned clothing.
* Use household products outdoors or in well-ventilated areas according to manufacturer's instructions.
* Buy in quantities that you will use up quickly and throw away any unused or little-used products at your local hazardous waste collection site. To find the one nearest to you, call (651)222-7678.
* Use nontoxic alternatives whenever possible. (See sidebar.)
Formaldehyde
Strongly suspected of causing cancer, this pollutant is found in furniture and home construction products made of pressed wood products such as plywood, particle board, and fiberboard. Insulation, textiles and glues may also contain formaldehyde.
* Use exterior grade pressed wood products which have lower emissions of formaldehyde because they contain phenol resins, not urea resins.
* Increase ventilation, especially after bringing news sources of formaldehyde into your home.
* When you replace your carpet, insist on products, including the carpet pad and glue, with little or no formaldehyde content.
Pesticides
These are found in products, such as insecticides and termiticides, used to kill household pests. Exposure may also occur from products used on lawns and gardens that drift or are tracked inside your home.
* Mix or dilute outdoors and apply only in recommended quantities, strictly following
manufacturer's directions.
* Where possible, treat indoor plants or pets outdoors. When using indoors, increase ventilation.
* Use non-chemical pest control whenever possible. If you do use a pest control company, choose it carefully.
* Don't store unneeded pesticides inside your home. Dispose of unvented containers at your local hazardous waste collection site.
Lead. Sources include automobile exhaust, sanding or open-flame burning of lead-based paint and any activities using lead solder.
* Do not idle your car inside the garage
* If you suspect the paint you are removing may contain lead, have it tested.
* Do not disturb lead-based paint. Instead of sanding or burning it off, cover it with wall paper or other building material.
* Use lead products for hobbies and house maintenance in well-ventilated areas. Consider using no-lead solder.
Asbestos
Comes from deterioration of damaged insulation, fire-proofing or acoustical materials.
* Use trained and qualified contractors for control measures that may disturb asbestos.
* Follow proper procedures in replacing wood stove door gaskets
that may contain asbestos.
Radon. Enters the home from earth, uranium and rock beneath the home, well water and building materials.
* Test your home for radon and get professional advice before taking measures to reduce elevated levels.
* Seal cracks and other openings in your basement floor.
* Ventilate crawl space.
* Install an air-to-air heat exchanger.
The air in your home will never be completely pollution-free but, by taking a few of these simple steps, you can greatly diminish contaminants and their effects on you.
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