Poor air quality indoors can make you sick

Experts share tips on improving indoor air quality.

The air in homes is often more polluted than outdoor air, according to experts, and since most people tend to spend 90 percent of their time indoors, this prolonged exposure to indoor air pollution may lead to poor health.

Indoor air pollution is caused by a wide range of synthetic materials commonly found in homes, including paints, plastics, household cleaners, particleboard furniture and more. These can off-gas chemicals and volatile organic compounds into the ambient air.

Other indoor air contaminants include dust, pollen, mold and other allergens that can cause reactions in sensitive people.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, indoor allergens can lead to infections and respiratory problems.

In order to avoid problems with indoor air quality in the home, experts are asking homeowners to make sure that they

• Avoid adding more contaminants by using more natural products and cleaning agents and letting new materials air out before using them indoors
   
• Monitor everyone’s health symptoms to see if allergy symptoms or other ailments can be traced back to the air quality inside
   
• Maintain the ventilation system and replace filters often, every 3-6 months
   
• Open windows regularly if the weather and outdoor air allow it
   
• Fix any plumbing problems or water leaks promptly to prevent mold from growing (mold can start growing after 24-48 hours of standing water)
   
• If you suspect an air quality problem without being able to pin down the cause, call professionals or look into high-quality testing kits.
   
• Use a portable air purifier with activated carbon and HEPA to help remove pollutants such as chemicals, gases, odors, particles, dust, allergens and pathogens.

Source: News 8000

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Protect children from toxic house dust

Young children can be affected by toxic house dust.

It’s not only airborne chemicals and gases in the home that pose a risk to children’s health.

Dust, a common occurrence in indoor environments, can also carry exposure risks.

That’s because a lot of pollutants can attach themselves to tiny dust particles, and when the dust is disturbed and becomes airborne, it too becomes a respiratory hazard.

Studies show that house dust can contain chemical pollutants such as flame retardants, metals like lead, mercury and poisons like pesticides. Even bacteria and viruses can attach themselves to dust particles and pose exposure risks.

People can track chemicals and dust in from the outside, but they can also be generated by activities that are going on inside, or from the wear-and-tear of common household products.

Children are most at risk because their bodies are still developing and they eat more, drink more and breathe more in proportion to their body size. Young children are also closer to the floor and tend to crawl, touch, chew and explore things by putting them into their mouths.

For these reasons, house dust should not be allowed to accumulate in a home with children or pets, and some experts say it should be treated as an environmental health risk.

Here are some pointers to minimize exposure:

1. Clean regularly. You don’t have to overdo it, but setting up a regular cleaning schedule and keeping to it will help avoid the accumulation of dust and particles in the home. Adjust the cleaning schedule for the number of people living under the roof, pets, weather conditions and other factors.
2. Clean with moisture. The best way to avoid disturbing existing dust is to vacuum with a HEPA vacuum cleaner and use a wet cloth and mop. You don’t need harsh chemicals in the water, a bit of white vinegar or a few drops of soap will be enough.
3. Store toys in closed containers and avoid a lot of knickknacks and clutter in the house.
4. Take your shoes off at the door and clean the door mats frequently – separately from your other laundry.

More information: www.healthyenvironmentforkids.ca

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