Indoor Air Pollution

The words "air pollution" evoke images of choking factory fumes, thick diesel exhaust, and smoggy brown skies. Despite the popular perceptions, however, a growing body of scientific research indicates that the air inside our homes and buildings may be more toxic than the air outside, even in large industrial cities. In the U.S., the Environmental Protection Agency states that indoor air pollution is the nation's number one environmental health problem.

The most immediate symptoms of toxic exposure include burning eyes, skin irritations, headaches, and nausea. In the long-term, indoor pollution contributes to respiratory illnesses, cancer, heart disease, and damage to the kidneys and central nervous system, and other major health threats.

Unfortunately, since many indoor pollutants are invisible and odorless, people often don't realize that they've been exposed to toxins until they have develop more serious symptoms.

What Causes Indoor Air Problems?

The biggest source of indoor pollution in homes comes from within – in the form of products and substances that release toxic gases or particles into the air. The problem is magnified by inadequate ventilation because there isn't enough outdoor air to dilute the pollution coming from inside sources, which stays trapped in the home. Knowing the major sources of indoor air pollutants and how to eliminate them will help you protect your health and environment. Here are a few of the major culprits:

Volatile Organic Compounds

Many household products release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), briefly defined as chemicals that easily evaporate at room temperature, including formaldehyde, chloride, xylene, benzene, and toluene.

Common products containing VOCs:

• Air fresheners (and all aerosol sprays)
• Cleaning solvents and disinfectants
• Dry-cleaned clothes and some perfumes
• Furniture polish
• Hobby and craft glues
• Paint and paint strippers
• Plastics (such as new shower curtains)
• New construction materials (such as plywood, fiberboard, and particle board)

How to reduce your exposure to VOCs:

• Don't buy products containing VOCs or use them sparingly and according to label directions.
• Use and store products that contain organic solvents outside or in a shed or garage that isn't attached to your house.
  
• Properly dispose of unused containers of products containing organic solvents.
  

Toxic gases

Toxic gases that find their way into our homes include carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide, radon, and others. (Read more here)

The major sources of these toxins indoors include:

• Oil lamps and wood stoves
• Unvented kerosene or gas space heaters
• Leaking chimneys and furnaces
• Tobacco smoke
• Wood- and gas-burning fireplaces

How to reduce your exposure to toxic gases:

• Don't use gas stoves or kerosene space heaters without proper ventilation.
• Install and use exhaust fans vented to the outside.
• Regularly clean and change filters on your heating/cooling systems and air cleaners.
• Make sure your gas appliances and furnaces, and water heaters are inspected on a regular basis.
• In garages attaches to homes, don't idle or "warm up" your car engine.
• Eliminate tobacco smoking inside your home (and near open doors and windows).
• Have your chimney inspected regularly for soot buildup and other obstructions.

An excellent source for more information on detoxifying your home and eliminating indoor air pollution is the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

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