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Home sweet home. We tend to think of our homes as safe, secure places. But the new wall-to-wall carpeting in the living room, the old paint in the den, your drinking water and soil around your home may contain hidden health hazards.
Indoor air pollution is a major home hazard. Today's tighter energy-efficient homes trap indoor air pollutants and hazardous chemicals. Chemically manufactured building materials worsen the problem.
New wall-to-wall carpeting, for example, is one of the biggest pollutants in the home. The carpeting, its backing and the glues used to install it may release gases - including formaldehyde - that can irritate the skin or promote respiratory problems, such as asthma attacks and allergic reactions. Over time, these toxins lose power, only to be replaced by another health hazard - the mold and dust mites that find a home in the carpeting. Molds also release chemicals into the air and can make you feel very tired or sick.
There are many other sources of indoor air pollution. Lead was used in most paints manufactured before 1978. Asbestos was used in insulation, flooring and plasters. Although paint no longer contains lead and asbestos is no longer used, these dangers may still lurk in older homes.
Products stored inside our homes can also pose a danger. Pesticides, the sprays, powders and foggers we keep in our closets or cupboards to kill insects and disinfect our bathrooms can release fumes that can irritate our respiratory systems. Some can even increase the risk of cancer. Surveys show 75 percent of homes in the United States use at least one pesticide product - most often insecticides and disinfectants - indoors per year.
Some outdoor pollutants can also become indoor pollutants. Radon, a radioactive gas from soil and rock, is one such hazard. Radon can enter a foundation and collect inside a home.
If there's a smoker in your home, you may be exposed to a whole array of pollutants, including carbon monoxide and formaldehyde. Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), commonly called secondhand smoke, can actually contain more than 4,000 compounds. More than 40 of these compounds are known to cause cancer in humans or animals and in the very least are strong irritants.
All things considered, the air inside your home may be worse than outdoor pollution. Studies by the federal Environmental Protection Agency have shown that indoor air levels of many pollutants may be two to five times - and occasionally more than 100 times - higher than outdoor levels. Also consider that most people spend as much as 90 percent of their free time indoors.
If you find you feel considerably healthier outside your home, notice if there are unusual odors inside or if the air indoors is stale or stuffy. If you don't have adequate ventilation, you may have an indoor air quality problem. Knowing what to look for and how to reduce indoor pollutants can make your home safe.
Top 10 indoor air hazards
- Moisture, molds, mildew and dust mites: Sources include excessive humidity levels, poorly maintained humidifiers and air-conditioners, inadequate ventilation, and animal dander. Most cities and towns have a yellow pages listing for mold inspectors.
- Carbon monoxide and other combustion products: Sources include unvented fossil-fuel space heaters, unvented gas stoves and ovens, and "backdrafting" from furnaces and water heaters. Keep a carbon monoxide detector in the hallway near every separate sleeping area in your home. Make sure it is not covered up by furniture or draperies.
- Formaldehyde: Sources include carpeting; durable press drapes and other textiles; particleboard products such as cabinets and furniture framing; and adhesives.
- Radon: This is a radioactive gas from soil and rock beneath and around the foundation, groundwater wells and some building materials.
- Household products and furnishings: These include volatile organic compounds from paints, solvents, air fresheners, hobby supplies, dry cleaned clothing, aerosol sprays, adhesives and fabric additives used in carpeting and furniture.
- Asbestos: Most homes more than 20 years old are likely to have asbestos. Sources include deteriorating, damaged or disturbed pipe insulation, fireproofing or acoustical material and floor tiles. If asbestos materials are not damaged, then they are probably safe and should be left alone, if possible.
- Lead: Sources include lead-based paint dust from removing paint by sanding, scraping and burning or lead pipes.
- Particulates: Sources include particles from fireplaces, woodstoves, kerosene heaters, unvented gas space heaters, tobacco smoke, dust and pollen.
- Remodeling byproducts: Remodeling can provide disturbance, which releases such materials as asbestos, lead, formaldehyde and other hazardous materials.
- Environmental tobacco smoke: A mixture of smoke given off by the burning end of a cigarette, pipe or cigar and the smoke exhaled from the lungs of smokers. This secondhand smoke can cause cancer and other health problems.
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External Sources
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Environmental Protection Agency
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.
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