Did you know that the air we breathe indoors is five times more polluted than the air outdoors? According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), there are many elements that are to blame for indoor air pollution. A combination of biological and chemical pollutants are found in every home, regardless of how clean you keep it, and they may be making you sick. From items that are we are exposed to daily inside the home, to outdoor pollutants that are brought indoors, our homes can be filled with hazardous indoor pollutants that we are not even aware of.
Types of indoor air pollutants:
Granted, not everything in your home will make you sick. You certainly cannot avoid cleaning, dusting, or enjoying day to day life by locking yourself inside an air tight chamber. But, by knowing what may cause indoor pollution, you may help to reduce exposure. Here are some fairly common causes of indoor air pollution:
Candles – Yes, this is sad news to me too. I love candles, but it’s a fact that they are notorious indoor air pollutants. Not only are heavily scented candles bad for the air, but any candle with a leaded wick will release dangerous pollutants. To put into perspective just how bad candles are for indoor air, consider this – Leaded wick candles can pollute indoor air by 20 times the level the EPA deems acceptable in just three hours. THAT’S SCARY!
To reduce the amount of pollutants released by candles you can do several things. Purchase candles that contain wicks coated with soy or beeswax. Keep wicks trimmed to ¼” to reduce the amount of soot released into the air. Also, wipe the candles off before burning. This will remove dust and dirt from the surface so that it’s not a contributing factor to indoor pollution.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) – A lot of attention has been brought to VOCs, simply because they are so commonly seen in paint. Many paints are now being offered in Low-Voc or No-VOC forms, which don’t put off the same hazardous chemicals that standard paint can. But paint is not the only thing that contains these volatile compounds. It can also be found in floor coverings, insulation, furniture and textiles, mattresses, and even building supplies.
When one experiences symptoms of VOC exposure, they may experience mild to severe headaches, shortness of breathe, fatigue, shortness of breath, and similar flu-like symptoms. You cannot die from VOC exposure, but it can certainly make you sick.
To combat this problem, pay close attention to what you bring into your home. Opt for eco-friendly materials, or those that have been sealed to prevent off gassing.
Mold – Mold is the common culprit behind a musty basement odor, but this is not the only place it can be found. Mold is one of the most common indoor pollutants, which can grow anywhere that steam and moisture is present. It’s frequently seen in bathrooms, crawl spaces, and other dark, moist locations. By breathing in air contaminated with mold, one is more likely to experience respiratory problems such as bronchitis, pneumonia, and chronic infections.
If you suspect mold is a problem in your home, it must be thoroughly cleaned and removed. If it has been in place for a long period of time, cleaning the outer surface is not enough to remove it entirely. Since it quickly spreads, chances are you will need to have a professional remove sheetrock, carpeting, and, possibly, floor joints that is has come in contact with.
Pollen – Pollen can be found in even the most tightly sealed homes during peak times of the year. Why? Because it comes in on our shoes, on our pets, and even on our clothing. There is really no way to completely remove this type of indoor air pollution, but you can reduce it by:
Remove shoes before entering the home. Wipe off pets before they come indoors. Change clothing immediately upon returning home from work or school. Shower before climbing into bed. Dust furniture frequently. Vacuum daily.
While pollen isn’t a life-threatening air pollutant, it can certainly cause a great deal of discomfort for those that suffer from seasonal allergies.
More from Jennifer Wagner:
Invisible Dangers Lurking at Home
Fireplace Safety Tips
How the New Lead Paint Laws May Affect You
SOURCE:
Personal knowledge
http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/hpguide.html