Studies Show your Indoor Air Quality May be More Polluted Than the Air Outside: How to Protect the Health of your Family

October 11, 2008

We spend 90% of our time indoors, half of that in our own homes. Yet the EPA has noted that indoor air may be 2 to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air. Today’s homes are sealed tight to protect us from heat or cold and this results in low circulation of air and irregular changes. Minute particles such as dust mites, pet dander, pollen and mold spores that can cause symptoms such as asthma, allergies and other respiratory troubles are all contained in our indoor air.

Studies have revealed that the air in our homes can be even more contaminated than the outdoor air in large cities. Several factors decide whether contaminants in your home will affect your health, and most homes have more than one source of indoor air pollution. The level of contaminants both inside and out, the existence, use, and condition of pollutant sources, the amount of ventilation in your home, and your overall health are all factors.

Air pollution sources in the home include but are not limited to: moisture; dry-cleaned goods; car exhaust; carpets; asbestos tiles and pipe wrap; clothes dryers and gas stoves without ventilation; pressed wood furniture, cabinets and sub-flooring; lead based paint supplies; insecticides; humidifiers; house dust mites; personal care products; paneling; drapes; stored hobby products; air fresheners; stored fuels; wood stoves; tobacco smoke; fireplace; cleaning products; and radon.

According to the results of a study by the University of Nottingham, using kerosene and gas for home heating or cooking can considerably increase the possibility of developing allergy symptoms. Dr. Andrea J. Venn told Reuters Health, “We have identified strong positive associations between allergic skin sensitization and allergic symptoms and the domestic use of modern fuels for cooking and eating, particularly kerosene and to a lesser degree gas.”

Air pollution can affect our health with both short and long-term effects. Examples of short-term effects include irritation to the eyes, nose and throat, and upper respiratory infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia. Long-term health effects can include chronic respiratory disease, lung cancer, heart disease, and even damage to the brain, nerves, liver or kidney.

Mechanical filter or electronic air cleaners can be purchased to improve your air quality, although they are not a single solution, and you should also look at improving your ventilation. The value of any air cleaner depends upon several factors, including its basic efficiency, correct selection for the type of pollutant to be removed, proper setting up with respect to the space, and faithful maintenance.

netinfoseek.com | edit