Don't let home make you sick

[Guest guest]

Don't let home make you sick

Indianapolis Star,IN*

& Carey

Posted: August 9, 2008

http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?

AID=/20080809/LIVING02/808090312/1084/LIVING02

A There's plenty of concern -- with good reason -- about air

pollution. But many people are unaware that indoor pollution can be

just as bad as, or even worse than, the outdoor kind.

Studies of human exposure to air pollutants by the Environmental

Protection Agency indicate that indoor air levels of many pollutants

may be two to five times, and occasionally more than 100 times,

higher than outdoor levels.

Paradoxically, laws designed to improve energy efficiency and

outside pollution don't improve indoor air quality. Tightly sealed

homes constructed in the past couple decades to reduce drafts have

diminished the use of fossil fuels, but if a house can't " breathe, "

it also can't dilute pollutants contained in building and decorating

products.

While pollutants can affect people differently, the EPA warns of

immediate effects, including irritation to the eyes, nose and

throat, headaches, dizziness and fatigue. Long-term effects can

include respiratory disease, heart disease and cancer, according to

the EPA.

Potential sources of indoor air pollution include central heating,

cooling and dehumidification systems; household cleaning and

maintenance products; outdoor sources such as pesticides; biological

contaminants such as animal dander, mold and cockroaches; dry-

cleaned clothing; tobacco smoke; formaldehyde from fabrics, pressed

wood products and insulation; styrene found in adhesives, foam,

lubricants, plastics carpets and insulation; and paint-strippers and

removers.

While this is not particularly good news, awareness is the first

step to a more healthful indoor environment. Your best defense

against indoor air pollution is a strong offense.

» STOP POLLUTING. First, identify and control sources of pollution

to reduce and prevent indoor air contamination. This can range from

changing housecleaning products to airing out freshly dry-cleaned

clothing to tossing out furniture containing formaldehyde.

» IMPROVE VENTILATION. Proper ventilation -- the mixing of indoor

air with outdoor air -- can revitalize the air in your home and

protect your health. Adequately sized exhaust fans should be used

wherever moisture and combustion are present -- in the bathroom,

laundry and kitchen. A bath fan, for example, will help to dissipate

chloroform gas, which is a byproduct of chlorinated water. It also

will remove excessive moisture that can lead to mold, which can

produce yet more health hazards.

» SMOKE IT OUT. Since cigarette smoke is one of the single greatest

contributors to indoor air pollution, smoking indoors is a no-no.

Similarly, fireplaces and other fuel-burning appliances (water

heaters, furnaces, stoves, etc.) should be properly adjusted and

vented to the exterior. Doing so will both prevent carbon-monoxide

poisoning and improve the efficiency of the appliance.

» TEST IT. Do-it-yourself test kits are available for many indoor

air pollutants such as lead or radon. Other indoor pollutants such

as asbestos require professional testing. The rule of thumb for lead

and asbestos is that they are best left alone if in good shape and

not peeling or crumbling.

Radon, on the other hand, is a naturally occurring gas that is

derived from uranium in the ground. Radon can make its way into a

home through cracks in foundation or basement walls. Small amounts

of radon can be controlled by sealing cracks with a caulking or

patching compound. Higher levels might require the installation of

an exhaust system to disperse concentrated amounts into outdoor air.

For more home-improvement tips and information, visit our Web site

at www.onthehouse.com or call our listener hotline at (800) 737-

2474, ext. 59.