Does Indoor Air Pollution Compromise Your Health?

Today's Healthy Outlook with Jennifer Foss, R.N.

(ARA) -Thoughts of home tend to evoke pleasant images of family, sanctuary or safety. Rarely do images of pollution spring forth. But according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), air pollution in many of our weather-tight, inadequately ventilated homes is among the top environmental health risks.

If you're like most people, you spend as much as 90 percent of your time indoors. If you find yourself getting sick a little too often, indoor air pollution may be a factor.

Serious Offenders

Indoor air quality ranges from life-threatening to merely irritating. Pollutants may have an immediate effect, such as irritation of the eyes, nose or throat; or may show up after years of exposure, long-term health problems may develop. So, before you dismiss the idea of indoor air pollution because you don't seem to be affected, let's look at what can pollute indoor air.

-- Tobacco smoke - First- and second-hand smoke have been linked to lung cancer. If you must smoke, do so outdoors.

-- Radon - This naturally occurring, tasteless, odorless, invisible gas is found in significant amounts in 7 percent of American homes. High exposure to this gas can cause lung cancer. Purchase a radon detector (about $20 at most hardware stores) to test your home.

-- Carbon monoxide - The end-product of burning fuel, this pollutant can be deadly. It is colorless, odorless and tasteless. Install carbon monoxide detectors and inspect furnaces, gas appliances and fireplaces annually. Never leave a car running in a garage attached to the house.

Other Troublemakers

Indoor pollutants also include mold, dust and toxic fumes. These reach troublesome levels when ventilation is poor and excess moisture builds inside homes. The following list can help you identify these sources of indoor air pollution:

-- Mold - Signs of excess moisture that leads to mold growth include musty odors, excessive condensation on windows, buckling walls or ceilings, sweating pipes and peeling or cracking paint.

-- Dust mites - Damp conditions can aggravate the proliferation of dust mites (microscopic insects found in household dust), which can cause allergy problems.

-- Chemicals - Improper mixing of common household chemicals, such as ammonia with chlorine bleach, can be toxic. Poor ventilation also can trap toxic fumes from spray paint, paint thinner and other chemicals.

Preventive Measures

Improving ventilation and airflow can improve air quality. Opening windows whenever possible is one solution. Air filtration systems installed in the ventilation system can help clean the air in your home. Replacing furnace filters regularly also can help clean the air.

For more information about indoor air quality, visit the EPA Web site at www.epa.gov/iaq or call toll-free (800) 438-4318.

Courtesy of ARA Content, www.aracontent.com, e-mail: info@aracontent.com