Home Sweet Home Or An Indoor Air Quality Nightmare?

RADON For much more information about Radon Gas visit our extensive Radon Bible

Sources:

Earth and rock beneath home; well water; building materials.

Health Effects:

No immediate symptoms. Estimated to cause as many as 20,000 lung cancer deaths per year. Smokers are at higher risk of developing radon-induced lung cancer.

Levels in Homes:

Estimated national average is 1 ½ picocuries per liter. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) limit exposure is 4 picocuries per liter. Levels in homes have been found above 200 picocuries per liter. The higher the average concentration, the faster the corrective action should be taken.

To Reduce Exposure:

Test your home for radon. If levels exceed 4 pCi/L, get professional advice before planning and carrying out radon reduction measures.

Common controls include:

1. sealing cracks and other openings in basement floor. 2. ventilating the crawl space. 3. installing ventilation under the slab or basement floor (sub-slab depressurization), installing heat recovery ventilator (air-to-air heat exchanger).

Treat radon-contaminated well water by aerating or filtering through granulated-activated charcoal.

Detection:

Two types of do-it-yourself radon detectors are most commonly used in homes: charcoal canisters that are exposed for 2 to 7 days; and alpha track detectors that are exposed for 3 to 12 months. The alpha track is generally recommended because it monitors radon during variations of seasons.

FORMALDEHYDE For much more information about Formaldehyde visit our extensive Formaldehyde Bible

Sources:

Pressed wood products (hardwood plywood wall paneling, particle board, fiberboard) and furniture made with these pressed wood products. Urea-formaldehyde foam insulation (UFFI). Combustion sources such as heating.

Health Effects:

Eye, nose, and throat irritation; wheezing and coughing; fatigue; skin rash; may trigger severe allergic reactions; suspected of causing cancer. May also cause other effects listed under "organic gases."

Levels in Home:

Average concentrations in older homes without UFFI are generally well below 0.1 ppm (parts per million). In homes with significant amounts of new pressed wood products, levels can be greater than 0.3 ppm. Although no standard has been established for formaldehyde levels in all residences, the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) has recommended 0.1 ppm as the maximum level for continuous indoor exposure.

To Reduce Exposure:

Use "low fuming" or "exterior grade" pressed wood products (lower-emitting because they contain phenol resins, not urea resins). Use air conditioning and dehumidifiers to maintain a moderate temperature and reduce humidity. Increase ventilation, particularly after bringing new sources of formaldehyde into the home. Seal products and finishes containing formaldehyde using vinyl sheet flooring, paints, shellac, varnishes or lacquer.

Detection:

Do-it-yourself monitors (dosimeters) are available from hardware and industrial hygiene stores. This small measuring device is placed in a room for about a week, and then mailed to a laboratory for analysis.

CARBON MONOXIDE

Sources:

Product of incomplete combustion when natural gas, oil, wood, coal, tobacco and other materials are burned. Improperly maintained or faulty woodstoves, gas stoves, oil stoves and furnaces. Unvented kerosene and gas heaters; leaking chimneys and furnaces; down-drafting from wood stoves and fireplaces. Automobile exhaust from attached garages.

Health Effects:

At low concentrations, fatigue in healthy people and chest pain in people with heart disease. At higher concentrations, impaired vision and coordination; headaches; dizziness; confusion; nausea. Can cause flu-like symptoms that clear up after leaving home. Fatal at very high concentrations.

Levels in Homes:

Average levels in homes without gas stoves vary from 0.5 to 5 ppm. Levels near properly adjusted gas stoves are often 5 to 15 ppm and near poorly adjusted stoves may be 30 ppm or higher. No federal standard exists for carbon monoxide in residences. The EPA outdoor standard for carbon monoxide is 9 ppm exposure averaged over 8 hours and 35 ppm for a one-hour average exposure.

To Reduce Exposure:

Keep gas appliances properly adjusted. All gas and kerosene space heaters and furnaces should be vented to the outdoors. If possible provide fresh outside combustion air to fossil fuel heating systems. Install and use exhaust fan vented to outdoors over gas stoves. Use only water-clear 1-K kerosene as a fuel for kerosene space heaters. Open flues when gas fireplaces are in use. Choose properly sized wood stoves that are certified to meet EPA emission standards. Make certain that doors on all wood stoves fit tightly. Have a trained professional inspect, clean, and tune-up central heating system (furnaces, flues, and chimneys) annually. Repair any leaks properly. Do not idle car inside garage.

Detection:

Passive monitors are available for carbon monoxide.

NITROGEN DIOXIDE

Sources:

Kerosene heaters, unvented gas stoves and heaters. Tobacco smoke.

Health Effects:

Eye, nose, and throat irritation; may cause impaired lung function and increased respiratory infections in young children.

Levels in Homes:

Average level in home without combustion appliances is about half that of outdoors. In homes with gas stoves, kerosene heaters, or unvented gas space heaters indoor levels often exceed outdoor levels. No indoor standard has been set for nitrogen dioxide or nitrogen oxide. Healthy people are generally not affected at levels of 1.5 ppm or below, but sensitive individuals can experience respiratory tract irritation at 0.5 ppm. EPA's outdoor standard for maximum nitrogen dioxide is 0.05 ppm.

To Reduce Exposure:

See steps under carbon monoxide.

VOLATILE ORGANIC GASES/COMPOUNDS Acetone and Formaldehyde are two of the most common volatile organic gases likely in your home.

Sources:

Household products including: paints, paint strippers, and other solvents; wood preservatives; adhesives; aerosol sprays; cleaners and disinfectants; moth repellents; air fresheners; stored fuels and automotive products; hobby supplies; dry cleaned clothing; synthetic materials in carpeting, wall coverings, linoleum.

Health Effects:

Eye, nose, and throat irritation; headaches, loss of coordination, nausea; damage to liver, kidney, and central nervous system. Some organics can cause cancer in animals; some are suspected or known to cause cancer in humans.

Levels in Homes:

Levels of several indoor organics average 2 to 5 times higher indoors than outdoors. During and for several hours immediately after certain activities, such as paint stripping, levels may be 1000 times above outdoor levels.

To Reduce Exposure:

Use household products according to manufacturer's directions or use alternative products. Use products outdoors or in well-ventilated indoor areas. Throw away unused or little-used containers safely; buy in quantities that you will use soon. Store chemicals in a well-ventilated outdoor area.

PESTICIDES

Sources:

Products used to kill household pests (insecticides and rodenticides). Also, products used on lawns and gardens that drift or are tracked inside the house (herbicides and insecticides).

Health Effects:

Irritation to eyes, nose, and throat; damage to central nervous system and kidney; cancer.

Levels in Homes:

Preliminary research shows widespread presence of pesticide residues in homes.

To Reduce Exposure:

Use strictly according to manufacturer's directions. Mix or dilute outdoors away from water supply. Apply only in recommended quantities. Take plants or pets outside, when possible to spray. Increase ventilation when using indoors. Use non-chemical methods of pest control where possible. If you use a pest control company, select it carefully. Do not store unneeded pesticides inside the home; dispose of unwanted containers safely. Store clothes with moth repellents in separately ventilated areas, if possible. Keep indoor spaces clean and well-ventilated in order to eliminate or minimize use of air fresheners.

LEAD For much more information about Lead visit our extensive Lead Bible

Sources:

Sanding or open-flame burning of lead-based paint (in 2/3 of homes built before 1940, 1/3 of homes built from 1940 to 1960). Activities involving lead solder. Automobile exhaust. Lead in drinking water leached from pipes using lead solder. (Soft and corrosive water can leach lead from pipes and plumbing fixtures.)

Health Effects:

Impaired mental and physical development in fetuses and young children. Decreased coordination and mental abilities; damage to kidneys, nervous system, and red blood cells. May increase high blood pressure.

Levels in Homes:

Lead dust levels 10 to 100 times greater in homes where sanding or open-flame burning of lead-based paints has occurred.

To Reduce Exposure:

If you suspect that paint you are removing may contain lead, have it tested. Unless it is peeling or flaking off, leave lead-based paint undisturbed. Do not sand or burn off. Cover lead-based paint with vinyl wallpaper or other building material (sheetrock). Replace lead-containing moldings and other woodwork or have them removed and chemically treated off-site. Use well-ventilated areas for hobby and house maintenance activities involving lead. Use "non-lead" solder. If lead exposure is suspected, consult your health department about appropriate removal and clean-up procedures and have your blood lead levels tested. Have your drinking water tested for lead.

BIOLOGICAL - more information may be found on our Biological Pollutants page

Sources:

Poorly-maintained humidifiers, dehumidifiers, and air conditioners; dishwashing, showers, baths, cooking, launderings, indoor spa, hot tub and sauna. Moisture-related micro-organisms such as spores, mold, mildew, mites, bacteria and viruses may multiply in high humidity. Here's our extensive chart showing many of the components of this toxic bioaerosol commonly found in most homes. It lists the source, diseases, and particle size of many fungal, bacterial, and viral sources. Many of these may be entering your lungs right now!!!

Health Effects:

Eye, nose, and throat irritation; shortness of breath; dizziness; lethargy; fever; digestive problems. Asthma; humidifier fever; influenza and other infectious diseases.

Levels in Homes:

Indoor levels of pollen and fungi are lower than outdoor levels (except where indoor sources of fungi are present). Indoor levels of mites are higher than outdoor levels.

To Reduce Exposure:

Install and use fans vented to outdoors in kitchens and bathrooms. Vent clothes dryers to outdoors. Clean cool mist and ultrasonic humidifiers daily and use only distilled water in them. Empty water trays in air conditioners, dehumidifiers, and refrigerators frequently. Use basements as living areas only if they are leak-proof and have adequate ventilation. Use dehumidifiers, if necessary to maintain humidity at 30-50 percent. Clean and dry, or remove, water-damaged carpets.

RESPIRABLE SUSPENDED PARTICLES (RSP)

Sources:

Fireplaces, wood stoves, and kerosene heaters. Tobacco smoke. Soap powders, pollen, lint and dust. (Tobacco smoke and asbestos listed separately.)

Health Effects:

Eye, nose, and throat irritation; respiratory infections and bronchitis; lung cancer. (Effects attributable to environmental tobacco smoke are listed elsewhere.)

Levels in Homes:

As of yet no standard for RSP's, although EPA has an outdoor standard for total suspended particulates (TSP) - 75 ug/m3. Particle levels in homes without smoking or other strong particle sources are the same as, or lower than, outdoor levels, 20 ug/m3. In one study with two or more smokers, an average monthly concentration of RSP was measured at 75 ug/m3.

To Reduce Exposure:

Vent all furnaces to outdoors; keep inside doors to the rest of the house open when using unvented space heaters. Choose properly sized wood stoves, certified to meet EPA emission standards; make certain that doors on all wood stoves fit tightly. Have a trained professional inspect, clean, and tune-up central heating system (furnace, flues, and chimneys) annually. Repair any leaks promptly. Change filters on central heating and cooling systems and home air purifiers according to manufacturer's directions.

ASBESTOS - go to our Asbestos page for more specifics about Asbestos

Sources:

Deteriorating or damaged insulation, flooring, pipe wrap fireproofing, exterior siding, acoustical materials, and many other construction materials found in older houses.

Health Effects:

No immediate symptoms. Chest, abdominal and lung cancers and asbestosis. Smokers are at higher risk of developing asbestos-induced lung cancer.

Levels in Homes:

Elevated levels can occur in homes where asbestos-containing materials are damaged or disturbed by cutting, sanding or other remodeling activities.

To Reduce Exposure:

Seek professional advice to identify potential asbestos problems. Do not disturb (cut, rip or sand) materials suspected of containing asbestos. Use trained and qualified contractors for control measures that may disturb asbestos and for cleanup. Follow proper procedures in replacing woodstove door gaskets that may contain asbestos.

TOBACCO SMOKE If you smoke and your home has elevated Radon Gas Levels your risk of Lung Cancer goes way up!

Sources:

Cigarette, pipe, and cigar smoking.

Health Effects:

Eye, nose, and throat irritation; headaches, bronchitis; pneumonia. Increased risk of respiratory and ear infection in children. Can cause lung cancer and may contribute to heart disease. Increased risk to radon and asbestos induced lung cancer.

Levels in Homes:

Particle levels in homes without smokers or other strong particle sources are the same as, or lower than, those outdoors. Homes with one or more smokers may have particle levels several times higher than outdoor levels.

To Reduce Exposures:

Stop smoking and discourage others from smoking. If you do smoke, smoke outdoors. Ventilate home.