Colds, Sniffles, And Indoor Air Quality

kleenexJust about everyone I know is either dealing with a cold, just got over a cold, or has someone in their house dealing with a cold.

So, in honor of those of us on AR fighting off colds, the flu, and other nasty airborne problems, consider these facts from the National Institute of Health and from the International Indoor Air Quality Commission:

 

  • In winter, children with persistent cold-like symptoms (PCLS) have up to 3 times higher symptom scores directly related to the mold count in their homes.
  • Respiratory infections are the leading cause of physician office visits and loss of time from school.
  • There is a significant association between children’s sore throats and maternal smoking at home.
  • Hospitalization of children for respiratory illness and incidence of bronchitis or pneumonia increases significantly with increasing cigarette smoking of family members.
  • Children’s ear infections require 27 million doctor visits each year. Known clinically as acute otitis, 60% are caused by bacteria.
  • The New England Journal of Medicine reports that pests, including dust mites and cockroaches, can increase the severity of asthma in children and lengthen hospitalization times. In addition, continued exposure to these allergens can be fatal.
  • The sale of bronchia inhalers have almost tripled since 1979.
  • Last winter there were 200 different cold viruses floating around.
  • A recent journal article from the Mayo Clinic reports that the cause in the vast majority of the 37 million Americans with sinusitis is a fungus.
  • Coughing, sneezing, talking, bed-making, turning pages of books, etc. all generate microbial aerosols which are carried and dispersed by air movements. Inhalation of these particles may cause allergic responses or infectious diseases.

And, in case you were wondering: Most cold infections are acquired at the office.

 

Jason Channell     Twitter - Home Inspection LinkedIn Twitter - Home Inspection

Diadem Property Inspections
(888) 699-8710

Learn more: michigan-indoor-air-quality.com

Learn more: HouseSleuth.com

Michigan Builder's License 2101198700
Environmental Solutions Association 3818 -- Certified Mold Inspector & Assessor, Certified Allergen Inspector
International Indoor Air Quality Commission CC1983 --  Indoor Environmental Certified Consultant

logos

 
Post is included in group: Addicted to Active Rain
Post is included in group: Dedicated Bloggers
Post is included in group: LATE NIGHT - EARLY MORNING AT ACTIVERAIN
Post is included in group: Michigan Real Estate
Post is included in group: "Whacked"!!!

2 Comments on Colds, Sniffles, And Indoor Air Quality

FEB
14
2011
155,778 Points 13 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Even though they are facts, stats like that can be creepy. Now I feel like I should be wearing a face mask.
11:49am • #1
MAR
07
2011

I rarely get colds. The last one I had was way back in 2002 or so. I wonder if it has anything to do with all the grape juice, orange juice, and grapefruit juice that I drink.
9:58pm • #2


What does the graphic say?
Leave a response…

(optional)
Spam Prevention:
 
Jasonchannellpicture2

Jason Channell, The House Sleuth

Troy, MI

More about me…

Diadem Property Inspections - Serving Southeast Michigan

Office Phone: (888) 699-8710

Cell Phone: (248) 688-6379

Email Me



Links

Archives

RSS 2.0 Feed for this blog

Find MI real estate agents and Troy real estate on ActiveRain.