Improving Your Indoor Air Quality

Written by: Stacey Champion

Published in the Verde Independent, Dec. 2004

Indoor air quality has become a very hot topic.  It is estimated that Americans spend approximately 90 percentof their time indoors.  Our indoor air is often far more polluted than the outdoor air we breathe.  Those who would be more susceptible to indoor air pollution would include: infants and children, the elderly, pregnant women, immune-compromised individuals, and people who suffer from allergies and/or asthma.  Indoor air pollution can stem from many different sources.  Here are 5 of those possible sources, and simple steps you can take to improve the indoor air quality of your home.  Happy breathing!

1.  Carbon Monoxide (CO).  Carbon monoxide is often called the "silent killer."  It is an odorless, tasteless, colorless gas.  It can cause many health effects and can be fatal at high doses.  Gas appliances, wood stoves and fireplaces, and gasoline powered equipment are potential CO sources.  Placing a carbon monoxide detector near these appliances could save a life.  Never idle your car in an attached garage.  Use your exhaust fan if you have a gas stove.  Make sure it is properly vented to the outside.  It's also a good idea to have your central heating system and chimney inspected by a trained professional on an annual basis.

2.  Pesticides.  Creepy crawlies are an everyday part of life!  The EPA reports that 80 percent of our exposure to pesticides occurs indoors.  Before relying on toxic chemicals, consider trying Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in your home.  IPM incorporates removing the source of food, water, and shelter of the pests.  Using poison as a last resort, IPM explores alternative ways to address the problem.

3.  Remodeling.  If you are remodeling your home, consider using "green" building materials.  Green building focuses on creating healthy, sustainable, energy efficient buildings.   Many things found in our homes off-gas VOC's, (volatile organic compounds).  VOC's can potentially cause both short and long-term health effects.  Building materials, furnishings, paint, cleaning products, and office equipment are all potential sources.  There are many products on the market now which contain little or no VOC's.  The prices of "green" products are quickly coming down to meet consumer demand.

4.  Biological Contaminants.  Some of these would include: mold, bacteria, dust mites, pollen, and pet dander.  Health effects associated with these contaminants can range from being mild to severe.  Many steps can be taken to minimize and avoid indoor air quality issues associated with biological contaminants.  Practice good housekeeping.  If possible, invest in a HEPA vacuum cleaner.  HEPA stands for High Efficiency Particulate Air filter.  A HEPA filter will capture tiny particles (usually 0.3 microns and up) which we can't see.  You also may want to upgrade your furnace's air intake filter to a HEPA filter.  Do monthly maintenance checks at your home.  Inspect plumbing, roof, and gutters.  If you have a leak, fix it immediately or at least within 24 to 48 hours.  This will discourage mold and bacteria growth.  Try to keep the humidity level of your home between 30-50 percent.  Mold, bacteria, and dust mites thrive in humid environments.  Use ventilation fans when bathing and cooking.  Make sure ventilation fans and clothes dryers are vented to the outdoors.  Consider replacing carpeting in bathrooms with hard-surfaced flooring.   If considering a portable or whole-house air filtration system, do your research prior to buying.  Also never use ozone indoors as it is a known lung irritant.

5.  Smoking.  If you smoke in your home - stop!  The second-hand smoke produced by cigarettes is said to contain more than 40 known carcinogens.  Children suffer the greatest risk from second-hand smoke, as their lungs are still developing.  Asthma, respiratory infections, ear infections, and reduced lung capacity are all risks associated with second-hand smoke.  Smoking is also the leading cause of lung cancer.

Happy holidays, happy breathing, and may your home be a healthy one!

Informational resources:

Children's Health Environmental Coalition - http://www.checnet.org

US EPA - http://www.epa.gov

Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers - http://www.aham.org

US Green Building Council - http://www.usgbc.org