The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) concludes that indoor air quality is one of the
top five environmental health risks in the U.S. today. They say indoor levels of
pollutants can be two to five times as high as outdoor levels, and sometimes more.
Some problems of indoor pollution can be traced
to energy efficiency, according to the Texas Institute for the Indoor Environment at the
University of Texas. A tighter home is good for conserving energy but bad in terms of air
pollution.
Second-Hand Smoke: For children, secondhand smoke increases the risk of
bronchitis, pneumonia, and the severity and frequency of asthma episodes. It also can
decrease lung function and increase the risk of ear infections and build-up of fluid in
the middle ear. Children are vulnerable to secondhand smoke because they still are
developing physically and have higher breathing rates than adults.
EPA is encouraging adults not to smoke in their
car, home, or anywhere children are present. Don't hire baby sitters who smoke. For your
kids, take the Smoke-Free Home Pledge.
Ozone, the key
component in smog, has become an indoor problem. By itself, ozone is lower inside than
outside But when oily terpenes from products such as air fresheners, aroma-therapy
candles, oils, and cleaning agents interact with ozone, they generate pollutants like
formaldehyde.
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Some other pollutants and what you can
do about them:
Asbestos: Leave
undamaged asbestos material be. Call a qualified contractor if you must remove it.
Carbon monoxide: Keep
gas appliances properly adjusted. Open fireplace flues. Don't run a car in an attached
garage.
Dust mites, pollens, and pet
dander: Wash bedding in hot water (130 degrees F). Use wool carpet or wood
flooring. Use vacuums with high-efficiency filters.
Formaldehyde: Avoid
pressed-wood products. Buy carpet with no formaldehyde content; increase ventilation.
Lead: Use bottled
water if drinking water tests positive for lead. Don't sand or burn off lead paint. Cover
with wallpaper.
Mold: Install kitchen
and bathroom fans vented to the outdoors. Clean air conditioning and heating equipment.
Keep basement dry.
Radon: Have a home
test. Seal cracks in basement floor. Ventilate crawl space.
Pesticides: Use
nonchemical methods of pest control. Don't store, pour, or mix pesticides inside the home.
