As winter takes hold in this area, our thoughts turn to staying warm indoors. We are all aware of the dangers of smog and foul outdoor air, but be aware the air inside our apartments and homes can be extremely more dangerous! At this time of year where do you spend more time, indoors or outdoors? Beware of dust mites, molds, mildew, viruses, animal dander and cockroaches, all contributory causes to foul indoor air. "Most people are aware that outdoor air pollution can damage their health but may not know that indoor air pollution can also have significant effects. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) studies of human exposure to air pollutants indicate that indoor air levels of many pollutants may be two to five times, and occasionally, more than 100 times higher than outdoor levels. These levels of indoor air pollutants are of particular concern because it is estimated that most people spend as much as 90% of their time indoors. In recent years, comparative risk studies performed by EPA and its Science Advisory Board have consistently ranked indoor air pollution among the top five environmental risks to public health." Of course most of us do not spend the entire winter indoors, but those with the lowest resistance to foul air (the elderly, sick and children) usually spend most of their time indoors.
TIP OFFS According to the EPA some tips that the quality of indoor air is affecting you are irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, headaches, dizziness and fatigue. Of course there are many reasons for the above problems other than poor indoor air quality. Which makes it all the more important to notice the time and place when these symptoms occur. You have to play detective and be aware if you feel better or worse in different indoor environments. Other things to look for are unusual and noticeable odors on a regular basis. Dust or dirt around heating or air vents, on ceilings or stained walls should alert you that there is a problem. You can take some basic steps, at no expense, to reduce bad indoor air. Do not smoke in your home and request that smokers confine their smoking to the outdoors. Leaving doors between rooms open most of the time will also help. The combination of leaving doors open with some windows partially open will also help. "Poor indoor air quality can cause or contribute to the development of chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma and hypersensitivity pneumonitis. In addition, it can cause headaches, dry eyes, nasal congestion, nausea and fatigue. People who already have respiratory disease are at greatest risk." Biological contaminants are extremely dangerous. These include bacteria, molds, mildew, viruses, animal dander, house mites, cockroaches and pollen. Biological contaminants trigger allergic reactions which include allergic rhinitis and some types of asthma. Molds and mildew release disease-causing toxins. It is important that building managers and homeowners consider the dangers of poor indoor air quality and find out what dangers from foul air lurk in their buildings and how to eliminate environmental hazards. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), September 19, 2000. Steve Wolfson is President of Environmental Cleaning Systems, Inc. (ECS) providing a variety of indoor environmental services. ECS uses state-of-the-art equipment and patented processes to maintain environmental standards in all types of structures. Steve can be reached at 888-CLEARAIR (888 253-2724) or on the internet at www.ecsclearair.com.
American Lung Association, August 1999.