Indoor air pollution can pose significant health risks, especially if we spend a great deal of our time indoors. &, according to recent studies, most of us are–up to 90 percent of our time is indoor time.

The amount of indoor air pollution present inside a building depends on the number of pollutant sources, the effectiveness of building ventilation, & environmental conditions.

Most indoor air pollution is caused by substances or devices that release gas or particles into the air. Some of these are obvious: oil, gas and kerosene release pollutants when stored improperly or when burned for heat or cooking. Home furnishings like carpet, insulation or wood furniture can contribute to indoor air pollution. Household cleaning products and personal care products are possible pollutant sources. Improperly adjusted or inadequately maintained heating and cooling systems can emit dangerous pollutants. Finally, some indoor air pollution results from the entry of elements from outside. Pollutants like radon and pesticides frequently enter from outside.

Ironically, a major factor in the amount of indoor air pollution is the “leakiness” of the building. If the building is tightly sealed to keep outdoor air outside and cooled or heated air inside, then pollutants may accumulate to dangerous levels. Newer buildings have been designed to minimize the exchange of air between inside and outside in order to heat or cool the inside air economically and efficiently. However, these tightly sealed buildings should provide a mechanical means of ventilation to counteract the buildup of indoor air pollution.

Finally, high temperatures and/or high humidity levels can increase indoor air pollution concentrations. Unfortunately, the kind of weather conditions that produce high heat and humidity also reduce the airflow in and out of buildings.

Sick building syndrome is a term first used in the 1970s to describe symptoms experienced by occupants of a building that can be linked to their presence in the building. Usually, the building in question is an office building, but that is not always the case.

There are a whole range of symptoms associated with sick building syndrome. Many of the complaints (eye & throat irritation, nasal congestion, inability to concentrate) could be connected with common ailments. But what suggests a syndrome is the fact that occupants share the same symptoms, and the symptoms are relieved when occupants leave the building.

If a significant portion of building occupants report discomfort, then the possibility of sick building syndrome should be considered. However, if symptoms can be linked to a specific indoor air pollution source, then the symptoms should be considered a building related illness, not sick building syndrome.

Sick building syndrome has been blamed most often on poorly designed or maintained ventilation systems. The ventilation system itself may carry the irritant source throughout the building.

Others believe that very low levels of known pollutants, which would not threaten occupants’ health individually, nonetheless work in combination to cause health effects. Environmental elements may also contribute to the problem–humidity, poor lighting, temperature extremes, noise and psychological stress.

It is not known exactly how widespread the problem of sick building syndrome is. A nationwide survey in the United States found that one office worker in four perceived indoor air pollution problems in their work environment. One in 5 believed that their work performance was hampered by indoor air pollution.

Any attempt to solve the problem of sick building syndrome will require a team approach. Health care providers, industrial hygienists and public health officials will need to cooperate to investigate sick building syndrome complaints and develop solutions.

Secondhand smoke, or as it is technically known, environmental tobacco smoke, refers to smoke coming from a cigarette, pipe, or cigar, or exhaled by a smoker. Exposure to secondhand smoke is referred to as passive smoking. Secondhand smoke, a complex cocktail of cancer causing compounds, is a dangerous component of indoor air pollution.

A landmark research study by the Environmental Protection Agency determined that passive smoking leads to about 3,000 lung cancer deaths each year in nonsmoking adults. Secondhand smoke also negatively affects the respiratory health of “hundreds of thousands” of children. These effects include serious conditions like pneumonia and bronchitis and often lead to hospitalization. Less critical, but still serious conditions caused by secondhand smoke include coughing, reduced lung function and ear infections.

The environmental tobacco smoke component of indoor air pollution is especially threatening to children with asthma. Passive smoking increases the number of episodes and severity of symptoms in asthmatic children.

The most obvious solution to secondhand smoke is to refrain from smoking indoors. Smoking in a different room from non-smokers may seem to reduce exposure, but studies have indicated that this does not eliminate the passive smoking threat.

Ventilation will also reduce but not eliminate exposure to environmental tobacco smoke. But the amount of ventilation required to have an effect on secondhand smoke will also cause significant increases in energy costs.

Because children are especially sensitive to the effects of secondhand smoke, you should avoid smoking almost children. The same rules apply to baby-sitters and other home workers. If your child attends day care, ensure that environmental tobacco smoke has been eliminated from the home or child care facility.

The best time to address indoor air pollution issues is when you are remodeling your home, or taking steps to improve its energy efficiency. Indoor air pollution considerations should guide your purchases of new building materials and furnishings. If you plan to disturb any existing materials, there will also be indoor air pollution consequences to consider.

The most effective way to reduce indoor air pollution is to eliminate, control, or reduce the emissions of pollutant sources. Improvements to mechanical ventilation systems can lower indoor pollutant concentrations by increasing the amount of outside air coming inside. Air cleaning systems can complement source control and ventilation.

Asbestos was an incredibly useful building material because of its heat resistance and durability. Unfortunately, when asbestos fibers are inhaled, they pose a significant health risk, primarily the risk of lung cancer. As long as asbestos-containing materials are undamaged and well-sealed, the material can be considered safe. If your remodeling project calls for the removal of asbestos containing materials, get more information from the Environmental Protection Agency.

If you have any fuel-burning appliances (space heaters, ranges, furnaces, fireplaces, etc.) or if you plan to install any in the remodeling process, take care to install the proper size, follow installation instructions, have the appliances inspected, and maintain them religiously. And, as consistantly, provide adequate ventilation.

Seal all the seams and joints of any air duct systems. Not only will this conserve energy, it will prevent contaminants from entering the ducts and circulating throughout your home. Air ducts that would normally be difficult to access may be attainable during remodeling. Don’t forget to cover indoor air duct registers during any work that might generate dust and debris.

A leaky house might seem “well-ventilated,” but a better solution is to make your home tightly sealed and energy efficient, and then add mechanical ventilation. This will ensure that you maintain control over ventilation. Outdoor air enters a leaky house intermittently. Mechanical ventilation brings in outside air and exhausts pollutants in a planned way.

To sum up, remodeling is an excellent time to address and correct any existing indoor air pollution problems, and to effectively prevent future ones.

When you are remodeling your home, or taking steps to improve its energy efficiency, it is a perfect time to address issues related to indoor air pollution. Indoor air pollution should be considered when purchasing new building materials and furnishings, and also when making decision about disturbing existing materials.

The most effective way to reduce indoor air pollution is to deal with the sources. Eliminate them, control them, or reduce their emissions. Ventilation improvements should also be considered. Mechanical ventilation systems can lower indoor pollutant concentrations by increasing the amount of outside air coming inside. Air cleaning is not a solution by itself, but can complement source control and ventilation.

Test your home for radon. If tests reveal radon levels in excess of 4 picocuries per liter of air (pCi/l), then you should investigate techniques for preventing high levels of radon.

The most significant source of lead exposure in the United States today is old lead-based paint. If lead-based paint is improperly removed during the remodeling process, harmful exposures can occur. Learn more about proper removal methods, especially if your home was built before 1978.

Excessive moisture in your home can encourage the growth of mold, mildew and other biological organisms. These biological contaminants can cause a variety of health effects ranging from common allergic reactions to death. Fix water leaks, increase ventilation, use vapor barriers in wall construction, and prevent soil moisture from entering through basement floors and crawlspaces.

Your remodeling project should include an assessment and improvement of your home’s ventilation. Adequate ventilation protects your health and your home. It prevents high concentrations of dangerous gases and prevents the growth of biological organisms.

These remodeling tips will go a long way toward helping you incorporate indoor air pollution reduction strategies into your home remodeling project. Part two of Remodeling and Indoor Air Pollution has even more information you can use.

Radon usually exists as a gas. It is colorless, odorless, and radioactive. Usually radon is released by the natural breakdown of uranium in soil or rock. If a home or building is built on soil containing uranium, there is a risk that radon could enter through cracks and drains. The real danger occurs when radon becomes trapped inside and concentrations begin to build. Any home, regardless of age or construction, is at risk for radon gas buildup.

Breathing air that contains elevated radon levels has been linked to lung cancer. Radon gas is blamed for thousands of preventable lung cancer deaths annually. You face an even greater risk of lung cancer if your house contains radon gas and you smoke.

If you suspect that radon is a significant indoor air pollution threat in your home, you can start by measuring radon levels in your home. Relatively inexpensive do-it-yourself kits are available, but make sure you stick to kits that are state-certified or nationally approved. You can also hire a contractor to do the measurement for you. Reducing radon levels in your home will probably require that you hire a trained radon reduction contractor.

Another good move would be to stop smoking and discourage smoking in your home. Smoking can be a health risk by itself, but is much more dangerous when combined with high radon levels.

If your drinking water is supplied by your own well, it is possible that radon could be present in the water also. Well water should be tested for radon, and effective water filtration should be used if radon is present.

Indoor air pollution is a persistent risk in the world’s industrialized countries. The chemical byproducts of technology & people’s increasing time indoors combine to create a serious indoor air pollution problem.

Pesticides are one component of indoor air pollution. Most households in the United States have used at least one pesticide product indoors. Surprisingly, pesticide levels in many households are higher than can be explained by indoor pesticide use. Additional pesticides may enter from outside sources, they may be released from stored containers, or may even be collected and then released from household surfaces.

Pesticides are quite dangerous–they are designed to kill pests after all. Tens of thousands of children each year are involved in common household pesticide poisonings or exposure. Even the “inert” ingredients in pesticides are capable of causing health problems. They are inert only to the targeted pest.

Both active and inert pesticide ingredients are usually organic compounds and can cause health effects similar to those caused by other household products: eye and respiratory tract irritation, headaches, and dizziness. But there is still not complete understanding about the level of concentration required to cause negative health effects.

The most outstanding step in reducing exposure to pesticides is to read and follow the label directions. Do not attempt to apply pesticides that restricted to use by certified professionals. When you apply pesticides approved for general public use, only use the recommended amount. Over-application does not increase protection against pests, and it may actually harm you.

Thoroughly ventilating the location of pesticide use will help reduce the chance of harmful concentration levels. Do your pesticide mixing outside, and only mix what you will need right away. Dispose of unused or partially used pesticides according to community guidelines for hazardous waste. If at all possible, use non-chemical methods of pest control.

Choose you pest control contractor carefully. Find out what chemicals they intend to use, and share your safety concerns.

Moth repellents require special consideration. The active ingredient, paradichlorobenzene, causes cancer in animals. There are potential short-term toxic effects as well. If you use moth balls to protect your items, store them in areas that are ventilated separately from your home.

Most discussions of indoor air pollution and strategies to reduce exposure to dangerous levels of pollutants concentrate on residential homes. But indoor air pollution is not limited to homes. Many offices and office buildings face significant indoor air pollution problems.

Many offices are not adequately ventilated and don’t have access to adequate amounts of fresh outdoor air. Individuals working in offices may also have less control over the indoor environment.

Serious health conditions have been linked to building-related problems. Some of the more well-known of these include Legionnaires’ disease, asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis and humidifier fever.

Some building occupants experience other symptoms that are not typical and difficult to link to a specific indoor air pollution source. This situation has been labeled sick building syndrome. Symptoms include dry or burning sensations in the eyes, nose and throat, nausea, dizziness, sneezing, fatigue, forgetfulness, and more. In addition to indoor air pollution, other building conditions like inadequate lighting, noise, vibration and stress may also contribute to these symptoms.

The World Health Organization estimates that up to 30 per cent of new or remodeled commercial buildings have unusually high rates of health complaints from occupants. Indoor air pollution may be responsible for many of these complaints.

Indoor air pollution problems in office buildings are caused by the presence of indoor air pollution sources, inadequate ventilation systems, and uses of the building for activities other than those for which it was designed.

Many of the same indoor air pollution source found in homes are also found in offices. Offices also may have copying machines, photography and print shops, stronger cleaning and disinfecting chemicals, and pesticides from commercial pest management activities.

Office ventilation systems may be poorly maintained or even unused to save money. In commercial areas, poorly placed intake vents outside could bring in motor vehicle exhaust, dumpster fumes, or other industrial emissions.

Buildings designed for 1 purpose may be converted into office space. If proper modifications were not undertaken during remodeling, restricted ventilation may lead to an increase in indoor air pollution.

If you are planning to construct a new home for your family, it’s the perfect opportunity prevent indoor air pollution problems before they start. To make sure that you avoid exposure to indoor air pollution, you must give special attention to potential indoor air pollution sources and the air exchange rate in your new home.

It’s crucial to express your concerns about indoor air pollution to your architect and contractor. If you can enlist their cooperation, that will make successfully avoiding indoor air pollution much more likely. You need to specify the purchase of building materials and furnishings that emit only low levels of pollutants if any at all, and also express your desire to provide adequate ventilation in your new home.

Ventilation standards are express in air changes per hour (ach). To make home more energy efficient, many consumer and industry groups recommend low ventilation rates (like 0.35 ach) for new homes. If your home is constructed to a tight ventilation standard, then you may need to take special care to prevent the buildup of indoor air pollution.

Insist on the use of radon-resistant construction techniques. Contact the EPA for more information about these techniques.

Use building materials and furnishings that contribute only minimal amounts of pollutants. Use solid wood products if possible. Otherwise, use exterior-grade pressed wood products, even indoors.

If you install wall-to-wall carpet on concrete, you must ensure that an effective moisture barrier is installed first. Provide proper drainage approximately the house and seal the foundation.

Investigate the use of mechanical ventilation systems that are designed to efficiently bring outdoor air into the home. Make sure that combustion appliances like fireplaces, furnaces and heaters are proper vented and adequately ventilated.

Diligent efforts to reduce indoor air pollution sources and increase home ventilation during the construction of your new home will pay off dividends for years in improved health and lower repair costs.

Indoor health pollution can threaten anyone who spends time indoors. Surveys indicate that people in industrialized countries spend up to 90 per cent of their time indoors. It makes sense to learn more about possible contaminants and how they may affect your health.

Lead has long been a recognized environmental threat. Exposure to lead can occur through air, water, food, soil, dust and old paint. Before the dangers of lead were understood, it was also a key ingredient in gasoline, pipes and a variety of other products.

The most significant source of lead exposure in the United States today is from old lead-based paint. You can be exposed to harmful levels of lead when lead-based paint is being improperly removed by dry scraping, sanding, or open-flame burning. Other sources of lead exposure are lead dust from outside sources and the use of lead in some indoor hobby activities like soldering and making stained glass.

Lead produces damaging effects throughout the body. High levels of lead exposure can cause convulsions, coma and death. Low levels have negative effects on the brain, the central nervous system, blood cells and kidneys.

Effects on children include developmental delays, lowered IQs and behavioral problems. Lead is more easily absorbed into growing bodies.

You can reduce the threat of exposure by keeping children’s play areas clean and dust free. Most homes build before 1960 and some as recently as 1978 may have lead-based paint on window frames, walls or exterior surfaces. Avoid burning any painted wood.

If lead-based paint is in good condition, it is best to leave it alone. It probably won’t create a problem unless some surfaces rub against each other and create dust.

If there is lead-based paint that needs to be removed, don’t attempt to remove it yourself. Hire a specially trained contractor for the work, and leave the place until work is finished and cleanup is complete.

If you work in areas with lead exposure, be sure you avoid bringing any lead dust home. If you suspect lead in your drinking water, have it tested. Finally, eat right. Children who receive adequate amounts of iron and calcium will actually absorb less lead.