Indoor Air Quality

The United States Environmental Protection Agency and other private and public organizations have conducted a series of studies that appear to indicate that contaminants in the air inside of our homes and businesses may cause or worsen many respiratory illnesses, and may contribute to or cause allergic reactions in sensitive people.   Our efforts to make our homes and businesses more energy-efficient and weather-tight may have unintended effects, since less fresh air enters our indoor space to dispose the contaminants inside.

There are several categories of indoor air contaminants, including:

· Biological contaminants, (bioaerosols) - There are many biological agents in the air that we breathe, including mold spores, pollen, bacteria, viruses, dust mites, human skin cells and animal dander.  All of these contaminants occur naturally in the environment. In the quantities that are normally found in the indoor environment, they usually don’t cause illness or allergies for most people.  However, mold, animal dander and dust mites often cause allergic reactions in sensitive people.  People with chronic diseases such as cancer, emphysema, HIV or other immune suppressing disorders may be more susceptible to infection from airborne viruses and bacteria.

· Chemical contaminants – There are many airborne chemicals in our indoor air environment.  They include carbon monoxide; carbon dioxide; and volatile organic compounds that are given off by paints, plastics, synthetic fibers, household cleaners, cooking, perfumes, and personal care products. Some people are very sensitive to these contaminants in the air. 

· Radon – Radon is a colorless, odorless radioactive gas that is naturally produced in the soil. High levels of radon have been linked to an increased risk of lung cancer.

· Particulates - Dirt, dust, soot and other solid particles can be suspended in the air.  Excessive amounts of particulate matter can aggravate respiratory illnesses such as asthma, bronchitis and emphysema.  House dust is a mixture of mineral dirt, bioaerosols, volatile organic compounds, lint and other contaminants.

· Humidity - humidity is a measure of the amount of moisture in the air.  If the humidity level in the indoor air is too high, (above 45-50 percent) molds and fungi are likely to grow more rapidly.   If the humidity level is too low, (below 30 percent) some people experience headaches, scratchy throats and itchy eyes.

HOW TO IMPROVE THE INDOOR AIR QUALITY IN YOUR HOME:

· Keep carpeting, upholstery, drapes and area rugs clean. Thoroughly vacuum them at least once a week. Use a good quality vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter system. (Most bagless vacuums are HEPA rated.) Launder sheets and bedding often.

· Collect dust: Damp-mop hard surface floors such as tile at least once a week. Dry-mop wood floors using a dust collecting agent that is safe for them. Use a dust-attracting cloth when cleaning

· Control moisture: Moist or wet surfaces and materials promote the growth of molds and fungi. Vent water producing appliances, such as clothes dryers to the outside. Direct the duct from the bathroom exhaust fan to the outside and not into the attic because the moisture will condense there which will promote the growth of mold. Keep showers and bathrooms clean.  Repair any water damaged walls or ceilings. 

· Reduce volatile organic pollution: Avoid using paints, petroleum based solvents, air fresheners and other cleaning materials unless your home is well ventilated.

· Test your home for carbon monoxide:  A carbon monoxide detector could save your life.   Gas, wood, and fuel oil furnaces, fireplaces and gas ranges can emit carbon monoxide into the indoor air.   A carbon monoxide detector will warn you if the level of CO2 in the air is dangerous to you.  Also, have your furnace, hot water tank and other gas appliances checked to be certain that they are working correctly and that they are vented properly.

· Test you home for radon: Radon is a naturally-occurring, colorless, odorless gas that appears to be linked to an increased risk of lung cancer.  Radon test kits are available from local hardware stores, and some supermarkets.  Be sure to follow the directions that come with the kit when you are testing for radon.  Click HERE for more information on radon testing in your home.

· Ventilate! Most newer homes are built to exclude the outside air.  Allowing some fresh air into your home or business may help replace the stale indoor air, which may contain excessive levels of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.  Ventilation is especially important if there is new carpeting, paint or plastic-surfaced furniture or cabinetry in your home or business.

· Look for allergens: Many people suffer serious reactions when they are exposed to cats, dogs, plants, perfumes, cleaning material, carpeting, synthetic fabrics and other substances.

· Don't smoke. Environmental tobacco smoke adds many volatile organic compounds, radon, and carbon monoxide to the indoor air.

(revised June 2007)

For additional information on indoor air quality call us at (614) 462-3928.