"Most people are aware that outdoor air pollution can damage
their
health but may not know that indoor air pollution can also have
significant
effects. EPA studies of human exposure to air pollutants indicate that
indoor
air levels of many pollutants may be 2-5 times, and occasion more than
100
times, higher than outdoor levels. These levels of indoor air
pollutants are of
particular concern because it is estimated that most people spend as
much as
90% of their time indoors." Unlike outdoor air, indoor air is recycled
again
and again. This causes it to trap and build up pollutants. Common
pollutants
include dust, mold and spores, pollen, pet dander and smoke.
Learn About Allergies and
Asthma
The human body has developed an intricate system for getting rid of
harmful
foreign substances such as bacteria and viruses. When one of these
enters the
body, the immune system begins to manufacture antibodies to fight it
off.
Most people can breathe in pollen, dust, and dander with no problem.
But for
people who are allergic to these ordinary everyday things, these
substances
present more serious consequences. They set off a complicated chain
reaction in
which the body works hard to expel them. That's why your nose runs,
your eyes
water, you sneeze and cough.
- Identify Your Allergy
Causes and
Triggers
- Know Your Allergy
Triggers
- Allergy Trigger List
- Take Steps to Help
Prevent Your Allergy
Symptoms
- An Unwelcome Return! 10
tips to ease
your allergy symptoms
- What Can You do for
Year-Round
Allergies?
- What is Mold?
- How Does Mold Get Into
a House or
Building?
- Why is Mold Growing in
My Home?
- How Can I Prevent Mold
Growth?
- Can Mold Be Toxic?
- Can Mold Cause Health
Problems?
- What is Black Mold?
- Why Are we Concerned
About Mold?
- How do Molds Affect
People?
- 10 Things You Should
Know About Mold
- Who is Affected by
Exposure to Mold?
- What Should I do if I
See or Smell
Mold in my Home?
- How to Identify the
Cause of a Mold and Mildew Problem
- Should I Test my Home
for Mold?
- Tips or Techniques to
Avoid or Remove Mold
- Moisture and Mold
Prevention and Control Tips
- Researchers Develop
New Method for
Determining Moldiness of Home, from the
Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
- Age Healthier, Breathe
Easier:
Solutions You Can Use to Control or Reduce Environmental Triggers
- What is Asthma?
- What Makes Someone
Develop Asthma?
- How Can a Person Tell
If He or She
Suffers From Asthma?
- How Many People Suffer
From Asthma?
- What Can Be Done to
Prevent Asthma and
to Avoid Asthma Episodes?
- National Environment
Leadership Award
in Asthma Management
- Gaining Better Control
of Your Child’s
Asthma
- Indoor Air Quality and
Schools
- Suggestions for
Reducing Mold Growth in Schools
- Daycare Facilities an
Important Source for Common Indoor Allergens from
the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
- Classroom Triggers for
Asthma and
Allergies
- EPA’s Tools for
Schools
- NSC’s Teacher’s Guide
to Indoor Air
Pollutants
- Columbus Elementary
School Receives
Leadership Awards
- What is Sick School
Syndrome?
- What Causes It?
- Signs and Symptoms
- When to Call the
Doctor
- How Can I Help My
Child?
- Can Sick School
Syndrome Be Treated?
- How Does Outdoor Air
Enter a House?
- Weatherizing You Home
- Three Basic Statagies
for Weatherizing Your Home
- Pollutant Sources
- Biologicals
- Health Effects from
Bilogical Contaminants
- Reducing Exposure to
Biological Contaminants
- The World Health
Organization Says
Radon Causes up to 15% of Lung Cancers Worldwide
- Indoor Air Pollution
- Indoor Air Quality in
the Home
- History of Indoor Air
Quality
- Indoor Air- A Fact
Sheet for
Homeowners
- Contaminants of Indoor
Air
- What You Can Do
- What is Air Duct
Cleaning?
- Other Important
Considerations on Duct Cleaning
- Suggestions for
Choosing a Duct Cleaning Service Provider
- What to Expect from an
Air Duct Cleaning Service Provider
- How to Determine if
the Duct Cleaner Did a Thorough Job
- How to Prevent Duct
Contamination
- Unresolved Issues of
Duct Cleaning
- Should I Have My
Indoor Air Tested?
- What Are Some Common
Air Pollutants
that Cause Problems?
- How Can Indoor Air
Pollutants Affect
My Health?
- Where are indoor air
pollutants found?
- Biological
Contaminants
- How is This Possible?
- Amount of Ventilation
- Keeping You, Your
Family and Your
Employees Safe
- Stoves, Heaters,
Fireplaces and Chimneys
- Health Effects of
Combustion Products
- Reducing Exposure to
Combustion Products in Homes
- Household Products
- Health Effects of
Household Chemicals
- Reducing Exposure to
Household Chemicals
- Indoor Air Pollution
and Health
- What if You Live in an
Apartment?
- The Air You Breathe
Indoors
- What Causes Indoor Air
Problems?
- Safety and Health
Topics: Indoor Air
Quality
- Indoor Air Quality
Evaluation and
Control
- How Does Secondhand
Smoke Affect Asthma?
- Environmental Tobacco
Smoke
- Health Effects of
Environmental Tobacco Smoke
- Reducing Exposure to
Environmental Tobacco Smoke
- Use of the Building
- Ventilation Systems
- Replacement Grant to
Increase
Awareness of Adverse Effects of Environmental Tobacco Smoke/
Secondhand Smoke
on Children
- What is Sick Building
Syndrome?
- What Are the Symptoms
of SBS?
- What Causes SBS?
- What Are the Solutions
to Sick
Building Syndrome?
- Air Cleaning
- Should You Use An Air
Cleaner?
- Types of Air Cleaners
100. Assessing Potential
Performance
1. Identify Your Allergy
Causes &
Triggers
Any substance (allergen) that causes an allergic reaction when you are
exposed
to it is an allergy trigger. Knowing your allergy triggers is an
important part
of your treatment - if you know what you're allergic to, you can try to
avoid
it. One way to find out what allergens are bothering you is to write
down what
you were doing and where you were when your symptoms started getting
worse.
2. Know Your Allergy
Triggers
Any substance (allergen) that causes an allergic reaction when you are
exposed
to it is an allergy trigger. Knowing your allergy triggers is an
important part
of your treatment – if you know what you're allergic to, you can try to
avoid
it. One way to find out what allergens are bothering you is to write
down what
you were doing and where you were when your symptoms started getting
worse. Use
the Allergy Trigger List below to identify your allergy triggers...
3. Allergy Trigger List
Rate the severity of your symptoms on a scale of 1 to 5 for each
situation (1 =
no symptoms; 5 = worst symptoms). Write the numbers on the lines in
front of
each situation. There is space at the bottom of the page to write down
when,
and where, your symptoms were the worst. Bring this sheet with you to
your next
doctor's visit.
| If your symptoms
get worse: |
You might be allergic to: |
| ___In the spring |
Tree and grass pollens |
| ___In the summer |
Tree, grass, or weed pollens, and mold spores |
| ___In the fall |
Ragweed and other weed pollens, and mold spores |
| ___In the garden |
Pollen, ragweed, mold spores, dust mites |
| ___Indoors |
Dust mites, mold spores (from plants), cockroach droppings, pet
dander |
| ___In the bedroom |
Feathers, down, dust mites, mold spores |
| ___In the kitchen |
Dust mites, mold spores, cockroaches |
| ___Around animals |
Pet hairs, pet dander, saliva, or the urine of some small
animals (hamsters,
gerbils) |
| Where were you and what were you doing when your
symptoms got
worse? |
|
4. Take Steps to Help
Prevent Your Allergy
Symptoms
One way to feel your best during allergy season and all year round is
to get
your allergy symptoms under control and keep them under control, by
following
the treatment plan you and your doctor have decided upon. Once an
allergic
reaction starts, it triggers other chemicals in your body to keep the
allergic
reaction going.
5. An Unwelcome
Return!
10 tips to ease your allergy symptoms In addition to timing
medication, the
AAAAI offers the following tips to help allergy sufferers find some
relief this
spring:
-
Do a thorough spring cleaning - windows, book shelves and air
conditioning
vents collect dust and mold throughout the winter that can provoke
allergy
symptoms.
-
Minimize outdoor activity when pollen counts are high. Peak pollen
times are
usually between 10 am and 4 pm.
-
Take medications at least 30 minutes prior to outdoor activity.
Consult with an
allergist/immunologist to ensure medications are helping you and
notify an
allergist/immunologist when reactions to medications occur.
-
Shut windows in your house on days pollen counts are high. Avoid using
windows
or fans that may draw pollen inside. · Wash bedding weekly in hot
water.
-
Dry laundry indoors. Sheets hanging on an outside line are an easy
target for
blowing pollen.
-
Shower and wash your hair before bed - pollen can collect on your hair
and
skin.
-
Keep pets off of furniture and out of the bedroom. Pollen can cling to
the dog
or cat after being outside.
-
Keep car windows closed during peak season. Use air conditioning and
point
vents away from face.
-
When mowing lawn or doing gardening, wear a filter mask.
6. What can you do for
year-round allergies?
-
Fight Mites
Dust mites are too small to see, but lurk anywhere that dust
collects, like
bedding, upholstered furniture, and carpets- especially in warm,
humid homes.
Their waste products, which circulate in the air, can trigger an
allergic
reaction. To help limit your exposure to this common allergen, follow
these
simple suggestions:
-
Wash bedding in hot water every week
-
Wrap mattresses, pillows, and box springs in allergen-proof covers
-
Vacuum and dust frequently
-
Remove carpeting from bedroom floors if possible
-
Wash children’s stuffed animals frequently in hot water
-
Dodge the Dander
Having a pet can be wonderful. The problem is that many of us are
allergic to
the Dander, saliva, or urine of the cats, dogs, guinea pigs, rabbits,
or birds
that share our homes. There are, fortunately, certain things you can
do to
minimize allergens in the air:
-
Keep your pet out of the bedroom to reduce the amount of dander on
your bed,
carpeting, and clothing
-
Bathe your pet once a week to get rid of allergens that collect in
hair or fur
-
Wash your clothing after wearing it – do not put anything that’s
been exposed
to allergens back in your closet with clean clothes
-
If your pet is a bird, hamster, mouse, or other rodent, ask someone
who does
not have allergies to clean the cage when necessary
-
Get Rid of Roaches
Cockroaches can live and die completely out of sight, without you
ever noticing
them. Their eggs, waste products, and bodies can cause allergic
reactions. Here
are some easy ways to limit these allergens:
-
Keep food covered in airtight containers, and keep the kitchen
clean
-
Wash and dry dirty dishes right after you use them
-
Empty garbage cans every day
-
Don’t let newspapers, grocery bags or cardboard boxes pile up
-
If you see cockroaches, exterminate your home
The AAAAI is the largest professional medical specialty organization
in the
United States representing allergists, asthma specialists, clinical
immunologists, allied health professionals and others with a special
interest
in the research and treatment of allergic disease. Allergy/immunology
specialists are pediatric or internal medicine physicians who have
elected an
additional two years of training to become specialized in the
treatment of
asthma, allergy and immunologic disease. Established in 1943, the
AAAAI has
more than 6,000 members in the United States, Canada and 60 other
countries.
-
Minimize Molds
Molds grow in dark, damp places such as in basements, bathrooms,
closets,
mattresses and upholstered furniture, and on houseplants. Millions of
microscopic mold spores get into the air we breathe. Try to follow
these tips
to reduce your exposure to allergy-causing molds:
-
Use air conditioners or dehumidifiers to reduce dampness and
humidity in your
home
-
Change the filters on air conditioners and dehumidifiers
-
Keep your kitchen, bathroom, closets and laundry room well
ventilated
-
Dry off the walls in the shower and the bathroom floor after
bathing
-
Get rid of stale food, and empty and clean garbage pails directly
-
Don’t put damp clothes in a laundry hamper
-
Limit the number of plants you keep in your home
7. What is Mold?
Molds are forms of fungi that are found everywhere -- both indoors and
outdoors
all year round. Outdoors, molds live in the soil, on plants and on dead
or
decaying matter. Another common term for mold is mildew. Mold growth is
encouraged by warm and humid conditions, although it can grow during
cold
weather also. There are many thousands of species of mold and they can
be in
any color, including white, orange, green, brown, or black. Many times,
mold
can be detected by a musty odor. Most fungi, including molds, produce
microscopic cells called "spores" that spread easily through the air.
Live
spores act like seeds, forming new mold growths (colonies) when they
find the
right conditions. All of us are exposed to fungal spores daily in the
air we
breathe, both outside and inside.
8. How Does Mold Get Into a
House or
Building?
Most if not all of the mold found indoors comes from outdoor sources.
It seems
likely to grow and become a problem only where there is water damage,
high
humidity, or dampness. All molds need moisture to grow. Common sources
of
indoor moisture that can cause mold problems include flooding, roof and
plumbing leaks, damp basement or crawl spaces, or anywhere moist air
condenses
on cold surfaces. Bathroom showers and steam from cooking may also
create
problems if not well ventilated.
9. Why is Mold Growing in my
Home?
Molds are part of the natural environment. Outdoors, molds play a part
in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and
dead trees, but indoors, mold growth should be avoided. Molds reproduce by
means of tiny spores; the spores are invisible to the naked eye and float
through outdoor and indoor air. Mold may begin growing indoors when mold
spores land on surfaces that are wet. There are many types of mold, and
none of them will grow without water or moisture.
10. How Can I Prevent Mold
Growth?
Controlling excess moisture is the key to preventing and stopping
indoor mold
growth. Keeping susceptible areas in the home clean and dry is very
important.
Ventilate or use exhaust fans (to the outdoors) to remove moisture
where it
accumulates: bathrooms; kitchens; and laundry areas. Be sure the
clothes dryer
vents to outside the house. Repair water leaks promptly, and either dry
out and
clean or replace any water-damaged materials. Materials that stay wet
for
longer than 48 hours are likely to produce mold growth. Lowering the
humidity
in the home also helps prevent condensation problems. To lower humidity
during
humid weather, air conditioners and dehumidifiers may be used. Proper
exterior
wall insulation helps prevent condensation inside the home during cold
weather
that could cause mold growth.
11. Can Mold be Toxic?
Some molds can produce toxic substances called mycotoxins. Airborne
mycotoxins
have not been shown to cause health problems to occupants in
residential or
commercial buildings. The health effects of breathing mycotoxins are
not well
understood and are currently under study.
High or chronic airborne exposures,
typically associated with certain occupations like agricultural work,
have been
associated with illnesses, although these are rare. More is known about
eating
mycotoxins (from humans and animals consuming moldy foods or feed) and
the
resulting health effects than is known about breathing mycotoxins.
12. Can Mold Cause Health
Problems?
Molds are usually not a problem indoors, unless mold spores land on a
wet or damp spot and begin growing. Molds have the potential to cause
health problems. Molds produce allergens (substances that can cause
allergic reactions), irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic
substances (mycotoxins). Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause
allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Allergic responses include hay
fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash
(dermatitis). Allergic reactions to mold are common. They can be immediate
or delayed. Molds can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who
are allergic to mold. In addition, mold exposure can irritate the eyes,
skin, nose, throat, and lungs of both mold-allergic and non-allergic people.
Symptoms other than the allergic and irritant types are not commonly
reported as a result of inhaling mold. Research on mold and health effects
is ongoing. This brochure provides a brief overview; it does not describe
all potential health effects related to mold exposure. For more detailed
information consult a health professional. You may also wish to consult
your state or local health department.
13. What is Black Mold?
The news media often refer to "black mold" or "toxic black mold." It
has
usually been associated with the mold Stachybotrys chartarum, a type of
greenish-black mold commonly associated with heavy water damage. Known
health
effects are similar to other common molds. It has been inconclusively
associated with more severe health effects in some people. While there
are only
a few molds that are truly black, many can appear black. Not all mold
that
appears to be black is Stachybotrys.
14. Why Are We Concerned
About Mold?
Small amounts of mold growth in workplaces or homes (such as mildew on
a shower
curtain) or workplaces are not a major concern, but no mold should be
permitted
to grow and multiply indoors. When molds are present in large
quantities, they
may cause nuisance odors and health problems for some people. Mold can
damage
building materials, finishes and home furnishings. Some molds can cause
structural damage to wood.
15. How Do Molds Affect
People?
Most people will have no reaction at all when exposed to molds.
Allergic
reactions, similar to common pollen or animal allergies, are the most
common
health effects for individuals sensitive to molds. Flu-like symptoms
and skin
rash may occur. Molds may also aggravate asthma. Fungal infections from
building-associated molds may occur in people with serious immune
disease but
this is very rare. Most symptoms are temporary and eliminated by
correcting the
mold problem in the home.
16. 10 Things You Should
Know About Mold
Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposures
include allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory complaints.
There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the
indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control
moisture.
If mold is a problem in your home or school, you must clean up the mold
and eliminate sources of moisture.
Fix the source of the water problem or leak to prevent mold growth.
Reduce indoor humidity (to 30-60% ) to decrease mold growth by: venting
bathrooms, dryers, and other moisture-generating sources to the outside;
using air conditioners and de-humidifiers; increasing ventilation; and using
exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing, and cleaning.
Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings within
24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.
Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent, and dry
completely. Absorbent materials such as ceiling tiles, that are moldy, may
need to be replaced.
Prevent condensation: Reduce the potential for condensation on cold
surfaces (i.e., windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors) by adding
insulation.
In areas where there is a perpetual moisture problem, do not install
carpeting (i.e., by drinking fountains, by classroom sinks, or on concrete
floors with leaks or frequent condensation).
Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any
substance, providing moisture is present. There are molds that can grow on
wood, paper, carpet, and foods.
17. Who is Affected by
Exposure to Mold?
For those who are affected by mold exposure, there can be a wide
variation in
how they react. People who may be affected more severely and quickly
than
others include:
- infants and children
- elderly people
- pregnant women
- individuals with respiratory conditions or allergies and asthma
- persons with weakened immune systems (for example, people with HIV
infection, chemotherapy
patients, or organ or bone marrow transplant recipients, autoimmune
diseases.)
Those with special health concerns should consult their doctor if they
are
concerned about mold exposure. The symptoms that may seem to occur f
from mold
exposure can also be due to other causes such as bacterial or viral
infections,
or other allergies.
18. What Should I Do If I
See or Smell Mold
in My Home?
The most important step in solving a mold problem is to identify and
fix the
moisture sources that caused the mold growth. For small mold problems,
use
detergent and water to wash mold off hard surfaces and dry completely.
Porous
or absorbent materials (such as ceiling tiles, wallboard and carpeting)
that
become moldy should be replaced. If you do not see mold growth, but
notice a
musty odor, mold may be growing behind water-damaged materials, such as
walls,
carpeting or wallpaper. Persons cleaning mold should wear gloves, eye
protection and a dust mask or respirator to protect against breathing
airborne
spores (an N95 dust mask or respirator may be purchased in hardware
stores). If
you have health concerns, you should consult your doctor before doing
any mold
cleanup.
19. How to Identify the
Cause of a Mold and Mildew Problem
Mold and mildew are commonly found on the exterior wall surfaces of
corner rooms in heating climate locations. An exposed corner room is likely
to be significantly colder than adjoining rooms, so that it has a higher
relative humidity (RH) than other rooms at the same water vapor pressure.
If mold and mildew growth are found in a corner room, then relative humidity
next to the room surfaces is above 70%. However, is the RH above 70% at the
surfaces because the room is too cold or because there is too much moisture
present (high water vapor pressure)?
The amount of moisture in the room can be estimated by measuring both
temperature and RH at the same location and at the same time. Suppose there
are two cases. In the first case, assume that the RH is 30% and the
temperature is 70oF in the middle of the room. The low RH at that
temperature indicates that the water vapor pressure (or absolute humidity)
is low. The high surface RH is probably due to room surfaces that are "too
cold." Temperature is the dominating factor, and control strategies should
involve increasing the temperature at cold room surfaces.
In the second case, assume that the RH is 50% and the temperature is
70oF in the middle of the room. The higher RH at that temperature indicates
that the water vapor pressure is high and there is a relatively large amount
of moisture in the air. The high surface RH is probably due to air that is
"too moist." Humidity is the dominating factor, and control strategies
should involve decreasing the moisture content of the indoor air.
20. Should I Test My Home
for Mold?
Probably not. It should not be your first step. Your first step should
be to
inspect your home for any evidence of water damage and any visible mold
growth.
Testing for mold is expensive, and you should have a clear reason for
doing so.
In most cases, it is not economically practical or useful to test for
mold
growth on surfaces or for airborne spores in the home. Testing also
tells you
little about where mold is located and how to clean it up. In addition,
there
are no standards for "acceptable" levels of mold in buildings, so when
testing
is done, it is usually to compare the levels and types of mold spores
found
inside the home with those found outside the home. If you know you have
a mold
problem, it is more important to spend time and resources to get rid of
the
mold and solve the moisture problem causing the moldy conditions rather
than to
test for the mold problem.
21. Tips or Techniques to
Avoid or Remove Mold
Fix plumbing leaks and other water problems as soon as possible. Dry
all items completely.
Scrub mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water, and dry
completely.
Absorbent or porous materials, such as ceiling tiles and carpet, may
have to be thrown away if they become moldy. Mold can grow on or fill in
the empty spaces and crevices of porous materials, so the mold may be
difficult or impossible to remove completely.
Avoid exposing yourself or others to mold (see discussions: What to
Wear When Cleaning Moldy Areas and Hidden Mold).
Do not paint or caulk moldy surfaces. Clean up the mold and dry the
surfaces before painting. Paint applied over moldy surfaces is likely to
peel.
If you are unsure about how to clean an item, or if the item is
expensive or of sentimental value, you may wish to consult a specialist.
Specialists in furniture repair, restoration, painting, art restoration and
conservation, carpet and rug cleaning, water damage, and fire or water
restoration are commonly listed in phone books. Be sure to ask for and
check references. Look for specialists who are affiliated with professional
organizations.
22. Moisture and Mold
Prevention and Control Tips
Moisture control is the key to mold control, so when water leaks or
spills occur indoors - ACT QUICKLY. If wet or damp materials or areas are
dried 24-48 hours after a leak or spill happens, in most cases mold will not
grow.
Clean and repair roof gutters regularly.
Make sure the ground slopes away from the building foundation, so that
water does not enter or collect around the foundation.
Keep air conditioning drip pans clean and the drain lines unobstructed
and flowing properly.
Keep indoor humidity low. If possible, keep indoor humidity below 60
percent (ideally between 30 and 50 percent) relative humidity. Relative
humidity can be measured with a moisture or humidity meter, a small,
inexpensive ($10-$50) instrument available at many hardware stores.
If you see condensation or moisture collecting on windows, walls or
pipes ACT QUICKLY to dry the wet surface and reduce the moisture/water
source. Condensation can be a sign of high humidity.
Actions that will help to reduce humidity:
Vent appliances that produce moisture, such as clothes dryers, stoves,
and kerosene heaters to the outside where possible. (Combustion appliances
such as stoves and kerosene heaters produce water vapor and will increase
the humidity unless vented to the outside.)
Use air conditioners and/or de-humidifiers when needed.
Run the bathroom fan or open the window when showering. Use exhaust
fans or open windows whenever cooking, running the dishwasher or
dishwashing, etc.
Actions that will help prevent condensation:
Reduce the humidity (see above).
Increase ventilation or air movement by opening doors and/or windows,
when practical. Use fans as needed.
Cover cold surfaces, such as cold water pipes, with insulation.
Increase air temperature.
23. Researchers develop new
method for
determining moldiness of home, from the Journal of Allergy and
Clinical
Immunology:
MILWAUKEE – Comparing the levels of airborne fungi inside the house
with those
found outdoors may provide a method for determining the moldiness of a
home,
according to a study found in the September 2004 Journal of Allergy and
Clinical Immunology (JACI). The JACI is the peer-reviewed scientific
journal of
the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI).
As part of the Inner-City Asthma Study, George T. O'Connor, MD, MS,
Boston University School
of Medicine, and colleagues measured the concentrations of airborne
fungi
inside and outside the homes of 414 mold-sensitive children with
moderate to
severe asthma in seven low-income urban communities across the United
States .
Researchers analyzed the relation of the concentration of fungi in
indoor air
to home characteristics and to the outdoor concentration on the day of
the
measurement. The research was done as part of the Inner-City Asthma
Study.
Previous studies have shown that the most common types of airborne
fungi,
Alternaria, Cladosporium, Penicillium, and Aspergillus, are present in
outdoor
air and in many indoor environments. The current study found that the
levels of
these fungi found indoors actually matched those found outdoors across
all
seven cities, suggesting that the outdoor concentration is an important
determinant of the indoor concentration.
Researchers noted:
- Higher levels of fungi were significantly more likely to be found
in homes with reported water
damage, dampness, or leaks in the past 12 months. This supports the
belief that
fungi play a role in the association between home dampness and
respiratory
symptoms.
- Evidence of cockroach infestation in the child's bedroom was found
in homes with higher levels.
- Higher levels of fungi were also found in homes
containing cats. This may be the result of fungal growth in a damp
litter box
or the large amounts of organic material that cats add to house dust.
- Researchers noted that a higher concentration of fungi was less
likely in homes
with forced air heating and in homes with higher bedroom temperatures.
Exposure to airborne fungi may lead to allergic sensitization and
provoke allergy and
asthma symptoms. This is the first study to report on the exposure to
airborne
fungi in asthmatic children living in U.S. inner cities, a group with
high
morbidity and frequent sensitization to mold. The results of the JACI
study may
provide a valuable metric for future epidemiologic investigations of
the role
of fungal exposure as a risk factor for disease.
24. Age Healthier, Breathe
Easier: Solutions
You Can Use to Control or Reduce Environmental Triggers
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is the fourth leading
cause of
death in the United States , claiming approximately 119,000 lives each
year.
COPD includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Asthma is a chronic
lung
disease which can be life threatening for older adults. More than 2.5
million
Americans age 65 and older have asthma, and in 2002 more than 970,000
older
adults suffered an asthma episode. The highest mortality rate for
asthma occurs
in the older population.
Environmental hazards can pose a significant risk to
older adults, especially those with COPD and/or asthma. The following
charts
“Age Healthier, Breathe Easier: Solutions You Can Use” provides a list
of
useful solutions and some websites which may help you or your loved one
avoid
or control environmental triggers for COPD and asthma. While there are
other
non-environmental triggers, these suggestions are limited to
environmental
triggers.
- http://www.epa.gov/aging/solutions/45 National Institute on Heart,
Lung and Blood, NIH, U.S. DHHS, Mortality and Morbidity Chart book 2002
on
Cardiovascular, Lung and Blood Diseases.
- National Center for Health
Statistics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. DHHS,
Summary
Health Statistics for U.S. Adults, National Health Interview Surveys,
2001, and
2002 Data File
- American Academy of Asthma, Allergy and Immunology: Seniors
and Asthma
25. What Is Asthma?
According to the American Lung Association, asthma is the
seventh-ranked
chronic health condition in the United States and the leading chronic
illness
of children. It is a chronic inflammatory disease that makes airways
(bronchial
tubes) particularly sensitive to irritants.
During an asthma episode,
tightening of the smooth muscles around the bronchial tubes causes them
to
become inflamed, narrow inside, and produce excess mucus. This makes it
difficult for air to pass in and out of the lungs and decreases the
oxygen
levels in the blood. A person suffering from an asthma attack has a
sensation
similar to drowning.
26. What Makes Someone
Develop Asthma?
Some people are born with a predisposition toward developing asthma.
However,
what actually triggers the disease can vary from person to person.
Common
triggers include environmental tobacco smoke, air pollution, pollen,
allergens
from animals and insects, abrupt weather changes, biological
contaminants such
as mold, and viral infections.
Studies show that children whose parents smoke
are twice as likely to develop asthma as children of nonsmoking
parents. Also,
children whose mothers smoked during pregnancy tend to be born with
smaller
airways, which greatly increase their chances of developing the
disease.
27. How Can a Person Tell If
He or She
Suffers from Asthma?
Diagnosis is the first step in keeping the condition under control.
Early
warning signs include fatigue; coughing, even when the person does not
have a
cold; wheezing; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; runny
nose; itchy
throat; and a change in the thickness, amount, or color of the mucus.
Anyone regularly exhibiting any of the symptoms should see a doctor or
allergist as
soon as possible. The earlier it is diagnosed the earlier the condition
can be
controlled.
28. How Many People Suffer
from Asthma?
An estimated 23.2 million Americans suffer from asthma, almost 9
million of
whom are under the age of 18 - that's 12 percent of children. Asthma is
the
leading chronic illness of children in the United States and the
leading cause
of school absenteeism due to chronic illness.
Asthma causes almost 500,000
hospitalizations and about 5,000 deaths annually. Health care costs
associated
with asthma are estimated at $14.5 billion a year. The number of deaths
due to
asthma, the number of Americans diagnosed with asthma, and the health
care
costs of asthma continue to increase each year.
29. What Can Be Done to
Prevent Asthma and
to Avoid Asthma Episodes?
- Do not allow smoking indoors unless there is a room reserved for
smokers and
which has a separate ventilation system to exhaust smoke outside. Never
allow
smoking around anyone with asthma.
- Try to keep humidity levels in the home
between 30 and 50 percent. High humidity can promote growth of
biological
agents that may trigger asthma episodes. Use exhaust fans or open
windows in
the kitchen or bathroom areas when cooking, using the dishwasher, or
taking
showers. Make sure clothes dryers are vented to the outdoors, and use a
dehumidifier in the basement if necessary.
- Avoid using humidifiers. If it
cannot be avoided, clean it according to the manufacturer’s
instructions.
Refill it daily with fresh water to prevent the growth of harmful
microbes.
- Minimize exposure to combustion particles and gases that can cause
breathing
difficulties for people with asthma. Have combustion-powered furnaces,
stoves,
or heaters checked yearly to make sure they are operating properly.
Change
furnace filters according to the manufacturer’s instructions, or every
month or
two during periods of use. Consider installing higher efficiency
filters to
reduce the number of particles in the air. Never use a gas stove to
heat the
home, and always use the exhaust fan when cooking on a gas stove.
- Sprays like
deodorants, perfumes, or air fresheners, odors from paint, and strong
smelling
cleaners may start a child's asthma attack.
- Keep the house clean to reduce
allergens like microscopic dust mites, pollen, and animal dander. Use
an
allergen-proof comforter and encase mattresses and box springs in vinyl
covers.
Wash bedding frequently in hot (130°F) water. Avoid furnishings that
collect
dust. Try to eliminate cockroaches. Try to keep pets out of the
bedrooms of
family members with asthma. Consider using a high-efficiency vacuum
filter or a
vacuum system that is vented to the outside to clean the house. If
possible
remove the carpeting, drapes, and all upholstered furniture from the
bedrooms
of those suffering from asthma.
30. National Environmental
Leadership Award
in Asthma Management
This awards program recognizes health plans and health care providers
for
leadership in addressing management of environmental triggers as part
of a
comprehensive asthma management program. This year's winners were
recognized at
a national event May 3rd, 2005.
31. Gaining better control
of your child's
asthma
MILWAUKEE - In conjunction with National Asthma and Allergy Awareness
Month in
May, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI)
is urging
parents to ensure that their child's asthma is properly controlled. Of
the more
than 20 million people in the United States suffering from asthma, 9
million
are under the age of 18, according to the AAAAI.
The AAAAI urges parents to use
the following checklist on the next visit to their child's
allergist/immunologist:
- Ask about steps you can take to make your home a
better living environment for your child. Most children with asthma
also have
allergies that make their symptoms worse. It's important to know what
your
child is allergic to and how you can provide an allergen free
environment.
- Work with your child's allergist/immunologist to create a daily
management
plan, which describes the regular medications and measures to keep your
child's
asthma under control.
- Ask the doctor for a peak flow meter – an instrument
that measures the airflow of your child when he/she blows into it
quickly and
forcefully. Experts recommend asthmatic children use them at home to
guide
decisions about when medications need to be increased or decreased, and
to
determine when to call a physician or seek urgent care.
- Ask for a
demonstration on how to properly use an inhaler.
- Ask about creating an asthma
action plan, which describes actions to take when your child's asthma
worsens,
including what medications to take and when to contact a
physician.
32. Indoor Air Quality and
Schools
An issue of growing importance these days is the air quality in our
nation's
schools. A study published by the Government Accounting Office and the
Department of Health and Human Services estimates that 8.4 million
students
attend schools with poor indoor air quality. Poor air quality can
affect
children's desire and ability to learn and can cause them to miss
valuable days
of school.
33. Suggestions for Reducing
Mold Growth in Schools
Reduce Indoor Humidity:
Vent showers and other moisture-generating sources to the outside.
Control humidity levels and dampness by using air conditioners and
de-humidifiers.
Provide adequate ventilation to maintain indoor humidity levels between
30-60%.
Use exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing, and cleaning in food
service areas.
Inspect the building for signs of mold, moisture, leaks, or spills:
Check for moldy odors.
Look for water stains or discoloration on the ceiling, walls, floors,
and window sills.
Look around and under sinks for standing water, water stains, or mold.
Inspect bathrooms for standing water, water stains, or mold.
Do not let water stand in air conditioning or refrigerator drip pans.
Respond promptly when you see signs of moisture and/or mold, or when
leaks or spills occur:
Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings within
24-48 hours of occurrence to prevent mold growth.
Fix the source of the water problem or leak to prevent mold growth.
Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent, and dry
completely.
Absorbent materials such as ceiling tiles, that are moldy, may need to
be replaced.
Check the mechanical room and roof for unsanitary conditions, leaks, or
spills.
Prevent moisture condensation:
Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces (i.e., windows,
piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors) by adding insulation.
Floor and carpet cleaning:
Remove spots and stains immediately, using the flooring manufacturer’s
recommended techniques.
Use care to prevent excess moisture or cleaning residue accumulation
and ensure that cleaned areas are dried quickly.
In areas where there is a perpetual moisture problem, do not install
carpeting (i.e., by drinking fountains, by classroom sinks, or on concrete
floors with leaks or frequent condensation).
An issue of growing importance these days is the air quality in our
nation's
schools. A study published by the Government Accounting Office and the
Department of Health and Human Services estimates that 8.4 million
students
attend schools with poor indoor air quality. Poor air quality can
affect
children's desire and ability to learn and can cause them to miss
valuable days
of school.
34. Day care facilities an
important source
for common indoor allergens from the Journal of Allergy &
Clinical
Immunology
MILWAUKEE - Day care facilities were shown to be an important source
for
allergen exposure, according to a study featured on the online version
of the
Journal of Allergy & Clinical Immunology (JACI). The JACI is the
peer-reviewed journal of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma &
Immunology (AAAAI).
Indoor allergies have been associated with an increased
risk of allergy and asthma development in children. Many studies have
examined
this relationship using levels found in the child's home since this is
where
they typically spend most of their time.
Many children also spend a significant
amount of time in day care. In 1997, 63% of the country's 19.6 million
children
under the age of five were in some form of regular child care during a
typical
week. However, little information is known on allergy levels in day
care
facilities in the United States.
Samuel J. Arbes, DDS, MPH, PhD, and
colleagues from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
examined the levels of seven indoor allergens (dog, cat, mouse,
American and
European dust mite, fungus, and cockroach) in 89 day care facilities
located in
two North Carolina counties. At each facility, researchers administered
questionnaires and collected dust samples from the room where children
spent
the most time. They collected either a carpet sample, hard surfaces
sample, or
one of each if both were present.
Researchers discovered:
- Detectable levels
of each allergen were found in a majority of the day care facilities
examined.
- Dog and cat allergen were detected in 97% and 100% of the
facilities, even
though dogs and cats were not present in the majority of the
facilities.
- The
highest concentrations were for fungus, American dust mite allergen,
and dog
and cat allergen.
- The lowest concentrations were for cockroach allergen,
European dust mite allergen and mouse allergen.
- Carpeted surfaces had
significantly higher levels of dog, cat and dust allergens, indicating
that
carpets provide a reservoir for these allergens.
This study provides evidence
that day care settings are an important source of exposure to indoor
allergens.
Further research should be conducted to examine relationships between
allergen
exposure in day-care faculties and the effect on the health of children
and
day-care workers.
35. Classroom triggers for
asthma and
allergies
Challenges facing students range from discomfort that makes it hard to
concentrate on school work, to symptoms that reduce their ability to
participate in recess or physical education class, to life-threatening
reactions to food or insect stings.
The most common allergens at school that
may cause an allergic or asthmatic reaction include:
- Dust mites
- Chalk dust
- Animal dander from class pets of pet hair on student's clothing
- Pollen and molds
- Exercise
36. EPA's Tools for Schools
In response to this threat, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),
in
conjunction with the National PTA, National Education Association,
Council for
American Private Education, Association of School Business Officials,
American
Federation of Teachers, and the American Lung Association, has
developed a
packet of materials called Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Tools for Schools.
This kit
is designed for use by teachers, school administrators, maintenance
staff,
school nurses, community leaders, and school boards to help them
improve the
air quality in their schools with little or no cost, using practical
actions
and in-house staff.
The kit includes an "Indoor Air Quality Problem Solving
Wheel"; checklists for school employees; a step-by-step guide to using
the
checklists; fact sheet on pollution sources, symptoms, and solutions;
and
sample memos and forms to aid staff in reporting and responding to
incidences
and notifying students, staff, and parents of new policies.
37. NSC's Teacher's Guide to
Indoor Air
Pollutants
The National Safety Council's Environmental Health Center has developed
the
Teacher's Guide to Indoor Air Quality. This guide contains all the
information
that teachers will need to teach an educational unit on indoor air
quality. The
guide is designed for use in fourth through sixth grade classrooms and
can
easily be incorporated into the general science or health sections of
the
curriculum. The activities draw on a variety of students' skills
including
science, vocabulary, reasoning, math, and basic biology.
If your school is
currently using IAQ Tools for Schools — this guide is an excellent
companion
tool.
38. Columbus Elementary
School ( Medford,
MA) Receives Leadership Awards
On June 3rd, the Columbus Elementary School staff in Medford, MA
received EPA’s
Environmental Leadership in Indoor Air Awards for their efforts to help
students understand and minimize the health risks of exposure to
environmental
tobacco smoke. The nurses worked with the fourth and fifth grade
teachers to
incorporate ETS education in their classroom activities. The art
teacher guided
the children in creating posters that illustrated the dangers of ETS.
The
posters were used for student-to-student teaching between the fifth and
third
graders and were displayed at the local mall along with an educational
booth
display.
39. What Is Sick School
Syndrome?
When a building has indoor air problems, it is known as a sick
building. Sick
building syndrome (SBS) has gotten a lot of attention in the past
decade or so,
and it's no surprise that "sick schools" have also been put in the
spotlight.
When a school is deemed sick, it means that the people inside
experience health
problems that have no other obvious cause and that these symptoms or
problems
disappear or improve when they leave the building.
There are no strict criteria
for diagnosing sick school syndrome; health experts make a diagnosis by
examining the child and assessing whether her symptoms seem related to
entering
or leaving the school building. Sick school syndrome is often wrongly
blamed
for several illnesses and disorders ranging from winter flu outbreaks
to
attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Therefore, it is important
for health
experts to look for other explanations for a child's symptoms before
attributing them to the school environment.
Sick school syndrome is different
from building-related illness (BRI),
which is any illness that is associated
with a building but that can be specifically diagnosed as caused by an
identifiable biological or chemical agent. People who have BRI develop
an
illness related to something specific in the building, and they usually
require
time to recover from (or sometimes to develop symptoms of) the illness.
Examples of building-related illnesses include carbon monoxide
poisoning;
asbestos, lead, or mercury poisoning; or Legionnaires ‘disease.
Another similar
illness is known as multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS). People with
MCS get
sick when they come into close contact with certain substances,
including
tobacco smoke, formaldehyde, pesticides, and other pollutants that
don't
significantly affect most other people. MCS is considered a chemical
hypersensitivity or allergy. With sick school syndrome, usually many
people
become ill, not just one. And the illness is not caused by a
specifically
identifiable factor; for example, if several kids get sick after a
spill in
chemistry class, it is not considered to be due to sick school
syndrome.
40. What Causes Sick School
Syndrome?
Sick school syndrome can be hard to nail down because there is usually
no
easily identifiable cause for the variety of problems and symptoms that
people
are experiencing. The most frequent contributing factor, though, is
poor indoor
air quality.
"The most common problem is that buildings don't have enough
ventilation," said Kristy Miller, spokeswoman for the indoor
environments
division of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
"Without
ventilation, too much moisture leads to mold and bacteria," she says.
"Also,
using chemicals or paints and not ventilating properly can make people
sick.
Ventilating is fundamental."
Buildings are more tightly sealed today than they
were 50 years ago, mainly because of energy concerns, and this can
result in
poorer air quality indoors. In addition, synthetic building materials
and
furnishings and pesticides add to indoor chemical pollution.
Both new and old
buildings can be affected. With new buildings, the combination of the
tight
seal and the presence of chemical materials are often at fault. With
older
buildings, according to Miller, ventilation systems may have been
turned off or
allowed to fall into disrepair.
Moisture can also contribute to the development
of a sick building, Miller notes. If a roof leaks and carpets are damp,
they
can become a breeding ground for bacteria, mold, and fungi that can
make people
sick. In addition, housekeeping supplies, copy machine chemicals, and
pesticides can add to the problem.
The problem may also result from a simple
miscalculation, like allowing school buses to idle outside an air vent
that
brings fresh air into the building.
41. Signs and Symptoms of
Sick School
Syndrome
The most common symptoms of sick school syndrome are headache, fatigue,
and
shortness of breath. Sinus congestion, sneezing, coughing, and nausea
have also
been reported, as well as eye, nose, throat, and skin irritation and
dizziness.
Because the symptoms of sick school syndrome are similar to those of
many other
illnesses, it can be difficult to pinpoint indoor air pollutants as the
cause.
Children with asthma are particularly susceptible to indoor pollutants.
The
federal government estimates that one in 13 schoolchildren has asthma,
and that
the number of children with the condition is increasing. A parent may
want to
consider whether a child's asthma symptoms seem to flare when she is in
school
compared with when she is at home or outdoors.
42. When to Call the Doctor
for Sick School
Syndrome
If your child has possible symptoms of sick school syndrome - such as
otherwise
unexplained headache, fatigue, nausea, dizziness, shortness of breath,
sinus
congestion, or coughing - or if other children at the school are
exhibiting
symptoms, contact your child's doctor. Even if it turns out that
they're not
related to school, the symptoms could mean your child has another
problem that
needs medical attention.
43. How Can I Help My Child
if I Think They
Have Sick School Syndrome?
If you think your child might be suffering from symptoms related to
poor indoor
air quality at school, you should contact the school. Check to see if
the
school is participating in the "Tools for Schools" program or if they
need
information. Ask whether other parents have concerns and attend parent
group
meetings to find out if there are other children with symptoms.
Because sick
school syndrome can be the result of many factors, it can be difficult
to fix.
If your child has asthma, make sure her medicine is available so that
she'll be
prepared if symptoms flare up at school.
44. Can Sick School Syndrome
Be Treated?
There is no specific test for sick school syndrome. The most important
way to
diagnose the illness is to keep a written record of when your child
experiences
the symptoms in question - and whether they flare up when your child is
at
school.
The best way to treat the illnesses triggered by indoor air pollutants
is to fix the environmental problem. The EPA has launched an "Indoor
Air
Quality Tools for Schools" program as a preventive measure that all
schools
should consider using to ensure good indoor air quality.
The six basic methods
for getting rid of indoor air pollution are removal or relocation of
the source
of pollution; providing exhaust systems in rooms where there are
pollutants,
such as science labs, industrial arts classrooms, and copy machine
rooms;
improving ventilation throughout the school; planning use of chemicals
for
times when children aren't in school, such as waxing floors on the
weekends;
using clean air filters in ventilation systems; and making sure the
school
staff is familiar with the importance of clean indoor air.
45. How Does Outdoor Air
Enter a House?
Outdoor air enters and leaves a house by: infiltration, natural
ventilation,
and mechanical ventilation. In a process known as infiltration, outdoor
air
flows into the house through openings, joints, and cracks in walls,
floors, and
ceilings, and around windows and doors. In natural ventilation, air
moves
through opened windows and doors. Air movement associated with
infiltration and
natural ventilation is caused by air temperature differences between
indoors
and outdoors and by wind. Finally, there are a number of mechanical
ventilation
devices, from outdoor-vented fans that intermittently remove air from a
single
room, such as bathrooms and kitchen, to air handling systems that use
fans and
duct work to continuously remove indoor air and distribute filtered and
conditioned outdoor air to strategic points throughout the house. The
rate at
which outdoor air replaces indoor air is described as the air exchange
rate.
When there is little infiltration, natural ventilation, or mechanical
ventilation, the air exchange rate is low and pollutant levels can
increase.
46. Weatherizing Your Home
The federal government recommends that homes be weatherized in order to
reduce the amount of energy needed for heating and cooling. While
weatherization is underway, however, steps should also be taken to minimize
pollution from sources inside the home. (See "Improving the Air Quality in
Your Home" for recommended actions.) In addition, residents should be alert
to the emergence of signs of inadequate ventilation, such as stuffy air,
moisture condensation on cold surfaces, or mold and mildew growth.
Additional weatherization measures should not be undertaken until these
problems have been corrected.
Weatherization generally does not cause indoor air problems by adding
new pollutants to the air. (There are a few exceptions, such as caulking,
that can sometimes emit pollutants.) However, measures such as installing
storm windows, weather stripping, caulking, and blown-in wall insulation can
reduce the amount of outdoor air infiltrating into a home. Consequently,
after weatherization, concentrations of indoor air pollutants from sources
inside the home can increase.
47. Three Basic Staratagies
for Weatherizing Your Home
Source Control
Usually the most effective way to improve indoor air quality is to
eliminate individual sources of pollution or to reduce their emissions. Some
sources, like those that contain asbestos, can be sealed or enclosed;
others, like gas stoves, can be adjusted to decrease the amount of
emissions. In many cases, source control is also a more cost-efficient
approach to protecting indoor air quality than increasing ventilation
because increasing ventilation can increase energy costs. Specific sources
of indoor air pollution in your home are listed later in this section.
Ventilation Improvements
Another approach to lowering the concentrations of indoor air
pollutants in your home is to increase the amount of outdoor air coming
indoors. Most home heating and cooling systems, including forced air heating
systems, do not mechanically bring fresh air into the house. Opening windows
and doors, operating window or attic fans, when the weather permits, or
running a window air conditioner with the vent control open increases the
outdoor ventilation rate. Local bathroom or kitchen fans that exhaust
outdoors remove contaminants directly from the room where the fan is located
and also increase the outdoor air ventilation rate.
It is particularly important to take as many of these steps as possible
while you are involved in short-term activities that can generate high
levels of pollutants--for example, painting, paint stripping, heating with
kerosene heaters, cooking, or engaging in maintenance and hobby activities
such as welding, soldering, or sanding. You might also choose to do some of
these activities outdoors, if you can and if weather permits.
Advanced designs of new homes are starting to feature mechanical
systems that bring outdoor air into the home. Some of these designs include
energy-efficient heat recovery ventilators (also known as air-to-air heat
exchangers). For more information about air-to-air heat exchangers, contact
the Conservation and Renewable Energy Inquiry and Referral Service
(CAREIRS), PO Box 3048, Merrifield, VA 22116.
Air Cleaners
There are many types and sizes of air cleaners on the market, ranging
from relatively inexpensive table-top models to sophisticated and expensive
whole-house systems. Some air cleaners are highly effective at particle
removal, while others, including most table-top models, are much less so.
Air cleaners are generally not designed to remove gaseous pollutants.
The effectiveness of an air cleaner depends on how well it collects
pollutants from indoor air (expressed as a percentage efficiency rate) and
how much air it draws through the cleaning or filtering element (expressed
in cubic feet per minute). A very efficient collector with a low
air-circulation rate will not be effective, nor will a cleaner with a high
air-circulation rate but a less efficient collector. The long-term
performance of any air cleaner depends on maintaining it according to the
manufacturer's directions.
Another important factor in determining the effectiveness of an air
cleaner is the strength of the pollutant source. Table-top air cleaners, in
particular, may not remove satisfactory amounts of pollutants from strong
nearby sources. People with a sensitivity to particular sources may find
that air cleaners are helpful only in conjunction with concerted efforts to
remove the source.
Over the past few years, there has been some publicity suggesting that
houseplants have been shown to reduce levels of some chemicals in laboratory
experiments. There is currently no evidence, however, that a reasonable
number of houseplants remove significant quantities of pollutants in homes
and offices. Indoor houseplants should not be over-watered because overly
damp soil may promote the growth of microorganisms which can affect allergic
individuals.
At present, EPA does not recommend using air cleaners to reduce levels
of radon and its decay products. The effectiveness of these devices is
uncertain because they only partially remove the radon decay products and do
not diminish the amount of radon entering the home. EPA plans to do
additional research on whether air cleaners are, or could become, a reliable
means of reducing the health risk from radon. EPA's booklet, Residential
Air-Cleaning Devices, provides further information on air-cleaning devices
to reduce indoor air pollutants.
For most indoor air quality problems in the home, source control is the
most effective solution. This section takes a source-by-source look at the
most common indoor air pollutants, their potential health effects, and ways
to reduce levels in the home. (For a summary of the points made in this
section, see the section entitled "Reference Guide to Major Indoor Air
Pollutants in the Home.") EPA has recently released, Ozone Generators That
Are Sold As Air Cleaners. The purpose of this document (which is only
available via this web site) is to provide accurate information regarding
the use of ozone-generating devices in indoor occupied spaces. This
information is based on the most credible scientific evidence currently
available.
EPA has recently published, "Should You Have the Air Ducts in Your Home
Cleaned?" EPA-402-K-97-002, October 1997. This document is intended to help
consumers answer this often confusing question. The document explains what
air duct cleaning is, provides guidance to help consumers decide whether to
have the service performed in their home, and provides helpful information
for choosing a duct cleaner, determining if duct cleaning was done properly,
and how to prevent contamination of air ducts.
48. Pollutant Sources
There are many sources of indoor air pollution in any home. These
include
combustion sources such as oil, gas, kerosene, coal, wood, and tobacco
products; building materials and furnishings as diverse as
deteriorated,
asbestos-containing insulation, wet or damp carpet, and cabinetry or
furniture
made of certain pressed wood products; products for household cleaning
and
maintenance, personal care, or hobbies; central heating and cooling
systems and
humidification devices; and outdoor sources such as radon, pesticides,
and
outdoor air pollution.
The relative importance of any single source depends on
how much of a given pollutant it emits and how hazardous those
emissions are.
In some cases, factors such as how old the source is and whether it is
properly
maintained are significant. For example, an improperly adjusted gas
stove can
emit significantly more carbon monoxide than one that is properly
adjusted.
Some sources, such as building materials, furnishings, and household
products
like air fresheners, release pollutants more or less continuously.
Other
sources, related to activities carried out in the home, release
pollutants
intermittently. These include smoking, the use of unvented or
malfunctioning
stoves, furnaces, or space heaters, the use of solvents in cleaning and
hobby
activities, the use of paint strippers in redecorating activities, and
the use
of cleaning products and pesticides in housekeeping. High pollutant
concentrations can remain in the air for long periods after some of
these
activities.
49. Biologicals
Sources: Wet or moist walls, ceilings,
carpets, and furniture; poorly
maintained humidifiers, dehumidifiers, and air conditioners; bedding;
household
pets.
Health Effects: Eye, nose, and throat
irritation; shortness of breath;
dizziness; lethargy; fever; digestive problems. Can cause asthma;
humidifier
fever; influenza and other infectious diseases.
Levels in Homes: Indoor levels
of pollen and fungi are lower than outdoor levels (except where indoor
sources
of fungi are present). Indoor levels of dust mites are higher than
outdoor
levels.
Steps to Reduce Exposure:
- Install and use fans vented to outdoors in
kitchens and bathrooms.
- Vent clothes dryers to outdoors.
- Clean cool mist
and ultrasonic humidifiers in accordance with manufacturer's
instructions and
refill with clean water daily.
- Empty water trays in air conditioners,
dehumidifiers, and refrigerators frequently.
- Clean and dry or remove
water-damaged carpets.
- Use basements as living areas only if they are
leak-proof and have adequate ventilation. Use dehumidifiers, if
necessary, to
maintain humidity between 30-50 perce.
Sources: Fireplaces, woodstoves, and
kerosene heaters. Environmental tobacco smoke.
Health Effects: Eye, nose, and
throat irritation; respiratory infections and bronchitis; lung cancer.
(Effects
attributable to environmental tobacco smoke are listed elsewhere.)
Levels in Homes: Particle levels in
homes without smoking or other strong particle
sources are the same as, or lower than, outdoor levels.
Steps to Reduce
Exposure:
- Vent all furnaces to outdoors; keep doors to rest of house open
when using unvented space heaters.
- Choose properly sized woodstoves,
certified to meet EPA emission standards; make certain that doors on
all
woodstoves fit tightly.
- Have a trained professional inspect, clean, and
tune-up central heating system (furnace, flues, and chimneys) annually.
Repair
any leaks promptly.
- Change filters on central heating and cooling systems and
air cleaners according to manufacturer's directions.
50. Health Effects of
Biological Contaminants
Some biological contaminants trigger allergic reactions, including
hypersensitivity pneumonitis, allergic rhinitis, and some types of asthma.
Infectious illnesses, such as influenza, measles, and chicken pox are
transmitted through the air. Molds and mildews release disease-causing
toxins. Symptoms of health problems caused by biological pollutants include
sneezing, watery eyes, coughing, shortness of breath, dizziness, lethargy,
fever, and digestive problems.
Allergic reactions occur only after repeated exposure to a specific
biological allergen. However, that reaction may occur immediately upon
re-exposure or after multiple exposures over time. As a result, people who
have noticed only mild allergic reactions, or no reactions at all, may
suddenly find themselves very sensitive to particular allergens.
Some diseases, like humidifier fever, are associated with exposure to
toxins from microorganisms that can grow in large building ventilation
systems. However, these diseases can also be traced to microorganisms that
grow in home heating and cooling systems and humidifiers. Children, elderly
people, and people with breathing problems, allergies, and lung diseases are
particularly susceptible to disease-causing biological agents in the indoor
air.
51. Reducing Exposure to
Biological Contaminants
Install and use exhaust fans that are vented to the outdoors in
kitchens and bathrooms and vent clothes dryers outdoors.
These actions can eliminate much of the moisture that builds up from
everyday activities. There are exhaust fans on the market that produce
little noise, an important consideration for some people. Another benefit to
using kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans is that they can reduce levels of
organic pollutants that vaporize from hot water used in showers and
dishwashers.
Ventilate the attic and crawl spaces to prevent moisture build-up.
Keeping humidity levels in these areas below 50 percent can prevent
water condensation on building materials.
If using cool mist or ultrasonic humidifiers, clean appliances
according to manufacturer's instructions and refill with fresh water daily.
Because these humidifiers can become breeding grounds for biological
contaminants, they have the potential for causing diseases such as
hypersensitivity pneumonitis and humidifier fever. Evaporation trays in air
conditioners, dehumidifiers, and refrigerators should also be cleaned
frequently.
Thoroughly clean and dry water-damaged carpets and building materials
(within 24 hours if possible) or consider removal and replacement.
Water-damaged carpets and building materials can harbor mold and
bacteria. It is very difficult to completely rid such materials of
biological contaminants.
Keep the house clean. House dust mites, pollens, animal dander, and
other allergy-causing agents can be reduced, although not eliminated,
through regular cleaning.
People who are allergic to these pollutants should use allergen-proof
mattress encasements, wash bedding in hot (130o F) water, and avoid room
furnishings that accumulate dust, especially if they cannot be washed in hot
water. Allergic individuals should also leave the house while it is being
vacuumed because vacuuming can actually increase airborne levels of mite
allergens and other biological contaminants. Using central vacuum systems
that are vented to the outdoors or vacuums with high efficiency filters may
also be of help.
52.
The World Health Organization (WHO) says
radon causes up to 15% of lung cancers worldwide.
In an effort to reduce the rate of lung cancer around the world, the
World
Health Organization (WHO) is launching a new international radon
project to
help countries increase awareness, collect data and encourage action to
reduce
radon-related risks. The U.S. EPA is one of several countries
supporting this
initiative and is encouraged by WHO’s attention to this important
public health
issue. "Radon poses an easily reducible health risk to populations all
over the
world, but has not up to now received widespread attention," said Dr.
Michael
Repacholi, coordinator of WHO’s Radiation and Environmental Health
Unit. He
went on to say that "radon in our homes is the main source of exposure
to
ionizing radiation, and accounts for 50% of the public’s exposure to
naturally-occurring sources of radiation in many countries."
53. Indoor Air Pollution
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control,
Bureau of
Air Quality recognizes Indoor Air Quality as a growing public concern.
Currently there is no state or federal regulations addressing indoor
air
quality in South Carolina (except the control of asbestos). Therefore,
the
Bureau does not perform any testing or inspections. Please consult the
yellow
pages of the telephone book under “Environmental Consultants” and/or
“Mold and
Mildew Services” for professional advice and further assistance with
indoor air
and mold matters.
Air pollution can be a problem where you least expect it, in
the places you may have thought the safest - your home, school or
workplace.
Studies have shown that the air in our homes and buildings can be even
more
polluted than the outdoor air.
Many Americans spend up to 90% of their time
indoors. Therefore, breathing clean indoor air is important to our
health.
People who are inside a lot may be at greater risk of developing health
problems or have health problems made worse by indoor air pollutants.
These
people include infants, young children, the elderly, and those who are
chronically ill.
54. Indoor Air Quality in
the Home
Indoor air affects everyone, and it often contains higher
concentrations of
hazardous pollutants than outdoor air. However, the good news is that
everyone
can reduce indoor air pollution.
How can the air inside our homes be so bad for
us? Over the years, buildings have been made more airtight to conserve
energy.
A variety of methods have been employed to keep the hot or cool air
from
escaping from our homes: installing storm windows and insulation;
applying
caulk and weather-stripping to seal cracks and other openings; and
heating our
homes with kerosene, wood, coal, and natural gas. Unfortunately, when
we trap
in hot or cool air, we also trap in pollutants and sometimes generate
more.
On average, people spend about 90 percent of their time indoors.
Sixty-five
percent of that is spent at home. To make matters worse, those who are
most
susceptible to indoor air pollution are the ones who are home the most:
children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with chronic
illnesses.
Children breathe in 50 percent more air per pound of body weight than
adults.
EPA studies have found that pollutant levels inside can be two to five
times
higher than outdoors. After some activities, indoor air pollution
levels can be
100 times higher than outdoors.
There are many sources of pollutants in the
home, including chemicals, cleaning products, and pesticides. Less
obvious
pollutants are caused by simple tasks such as cooking, bathing, or
heating the
home. Fortunately, there are easy steps that everyone can take to
reduce the
potential for indoor air pollution and to improve the quality of the
air they
breathe.
How do you know if the air inside your home is dangerous to your
health? Often, it is difficult to determine which pollutant or
pollutants are
the sources of a person’s ill health, or even if indoor air pollution
is the
problem. Many indoor air pollutants cannot be detected by our senses
(e.g.,
smell) and the symptoms they produce can be vague and sometimes
similar, making
it hard to attribute them to a specific cause. Some symptoms may not
show up
until years later, making it even harder to discover the cause. Common
symptoms
of exposure to indoor air pollutants include: headaches, tiredness,
dizziness,
nausea, itchy nose, and scratchy throat. More serious effects are Asthma and
other breathing disorders and cancer.
Children may be more susceptible to
environmental exposures than adults, and, due to their developing
systems,
particularly vulnerable to their effects. Asthma is a case in point. About 8.9
million children in the United States , and more than 12.4 million
people
total, are affected by asthma each year. A recent study, published in
the
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine concluded
that 65
percent of asthma cases among elementary school-age children could be
prevented
by controlling exposure to indoor allergens and environmental tobacco smoke
(ETS). By controlling biological
contaminants (e.g., dust mites and cat
allergens), asthma cases could be reduced by 55 to 60 percent
55. History of Indoor Air
Quality
Indoor air issues have plagued mankind since there have been dwellings.
Prehistoric records show that openings in caves were made to let out
the smoke
from fires. Changes in construction methods and materials, and a better
understanding of the effects of indoor air contaminants, have increased
awareness of indoor air quality issues in the past 50 years.
In the mid-1940s,
after World War II, the population was on the rise and people wanted a
better
standard of living. The construction industry responded by developing
new
building materials – plywood, particleboard, foam insulation, and floor
tile.
Plywood, particleboard, and foam insulation are made with adhesives and
solutions that were not commonly found inside the home previously --
such as
formaldehyde, a chemical suspected of causing cancer in some
individuals. Some
floor tiles and their adhesives were made with asbestos, a material
which can
cause cancer.
The development of new materials was not restricted to the
building trade. Foam padding began to appear in furniture. Permanent
press and
stain-resistant finishes were applied to fabrics to protect them and
make their
care easier. At the same time, products to make housework easier began
appearing on store shelves. Soon homes were filled with cleaners,
insecticides,
and other products constructed of manmade materials.
The effects of these
materials and the contaminants they can release into the indoor air
were
compounded when the energy crisis hit in the mid-1970s. To conserve
energy,
homes were more tightly constructed and better insulated.
Energy-efficient
homes do not let much fresh air in or contaminated air out, unless they
have an
air exchanger. And most homes do not have such air exchange devices.
Tightly-built homes also keep moisture in, which promotes the growth of
fungi
and other microorganisms.
56. Indoor Air—A Fact Sheet
for Homeowners
People spend about 90% of their time indoors and most of that time is
spent in
their homes. It is important to keep the air inside your home as
healthy and
fresh as possible. Your home’s building materials, furnishings, and
products,
in addition to the activities that are carried on in your home, can
have an
effect on the quality of the air inside. While office buildings,
schools,
hospitals, and other buildings can have indoor air quality problems
that can
give rise to health effects or discomfort for occupants, this fact
sheet
focuses on some simple steps you can take to improve your home indoor
environment.
57. Contaminants of Indoor
Air
There are many things in homes that can contaminate the air you
breathe. Gases
and particles may be released from the materials used to construct your
home,
as well as the furniture, cleaning products, and other items in your
home.
Radon gas can seep in from the soil. Products you burn in your home,
like
tobacco, candles, and fuels for furnaces and stoves, give off gases and
particles.
To conserve energy, many newer and remodeled homes are
well-insulated and tightly built. Less fresh air can get in and the
stale,
contaminated air can not escape. The levels of contaminants inside a
home can
build-up until they are many times greater than the levels in outdoor
air.
58. What You Can Do to
Reduce the
Contaminants n Your Home
There are things you can do to reduce the levels of air contaminants in
your
home. Most of these things are simple and involve you making decisions
about
the furnishings, products, and activities that you allow in your home.
Have your home tested for radon and take remedial action if necessary.
Improve the
filtration of your heating, ventilating, and air conditioning system.
The
common furnace filters used in most homes do little to remove
contaminants from
the air. However, not all homes HVAC systems can use high-efficiency
filters.
Check with an HVAC professional or the manufacturer before installing
high-efficiency filters. Consider using air cleaning devices known as
electrostatic precipitators, or ESP, in your HVAC system. Such air
cleaners can
be effective in removing small particles from the air but they must be
maintained and cleaned regularly to function properly.
Restrict indoor smoking.
Provide ample ventilation when using products containing VOCs, or when
new
furnishings are first brought into the home.
When purchasing composite wood
products, such as particleboard or plywood, look for products that are
labeled
or stamped as conforming to American National Standard Institute (ANSI)
standards that specify lower formaldehyde levels. These Standards are
“ANSI
A208.1-1993” for particleboard; ANSI grade “PBU”, “D2”, and “D3” for
particleboard flooring; “ANSI A208.2-1994” for fiberboard; and
“ANSI/HPVA
HP-1-1994” for plywood.
When shopping for upholstered furniture, such as a
couch or chair, read the label to find what materials are used for the
padding.
Some manufacturers stuff their furniture with cotton or feathers, which
do not
emit the VOCs that foam might.
If you have a gas stove, make sure your exhaust
fan is functioning properly and that you use it every time you use your
stove.
Use a pressure cooker or microwave when possible. The pressure cooker
cooks
food faster than an oven and the microwave uses electricity, which
doesn’t
contribute directly to the level of indoor air contaminants. Choose
sheets,
blankets, window treatments, and other fabrics that are made of cotton
and not
treated with finishes to resist stains or wrinkles. If you do purchase
treated
fabrics, wash them thoroughly before storage or use to reduce the
amount of
VOCs. Use a potpourri of dried flowers, herbs, or citrus peels instead
of
chemicals if you wish to add fragrance to the air. Open windows and use
kitchen
and bathroom exhaust fans when you use products such as paint, varnish,
glues,
cleaning compounds, and other materials that give off VOCs.
NEVER MIX AMMONIA
WITH BLEACH. The chlorine in the bleach reacts with the ammonia to
produce a
very hazardous chlorine gas.
Replace any porous materials that have been
damaged by water, such as sheetrock, carpeting, and upholstered
furniture. A
water-damaged wall should be opened to allow for drying of the interior
surfaces ideally drying the wall cavity interior surface within 72
hours.
Patching and repainting or wallpapering water-damaged drywall without
proper
drying can promote growth of biological materials in the damp, interior
space
in the wall cavity.
The most important action you can take when using household
cleaning products is READ THE LABEL AND FOLLOW THE MANUFACTURERS’
DIRECTIONS.
Misuse and overuse of household products can lead to overexposure to
potentially harmful materials. Common household products can be used
safely by
most individuals. However, here are some alternatives that you may want
to
consider:
All-Purpose Cleaner: 1 gallon hot water, 2/3 cup baking soda, 1/4 cup
ammonia, 1/4 cup vinegar. You can make the solution stronger by
doubling all
the ingredients except the water.
Window Cleaner: Mix 1/4 cup ammonia with 1
quart water.
Furniture Polish: Mix 1 teaspoon lemon oil and 1 pint mineral oil.
Oven Cleaner: Wash the oven frequently with a mixture of warm water and
baking
soda. Soften burned-on spills by placing a small pan of ammonia in the
oven
overnight. Sprinkle salt onto fresh grease spills and then wipe clean.
Toilet
Cleaner: Use baking soda, a mild detergent, and a toilet brush. Floor
Polish:
Polish floors with club soda.
Silver Cleaner: To a small pan of warm water add
1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon salt and a 2” x 2” piece of aluminum
foil.
Soak silverware overnight.
Rug Cleaner: Sprinkle cornstarch on carpets and
vacuum.
Drain Opener: To loosen clogs, spoon 1 tablespoon baking soda into
drain and then slowly add 1/3 cup white vinegar. Use a plunger to get
rid of
the loosened clog. Prevent clogs by pouring boiling water down drains
once a
week, using drain strainers, and not pouring grease down drains.
Moth Balls:
Place cedar chips or blocks in closets and drawers.
Insecticides: Wipe
houseplant leaves with soapy water.
59. What is Air Duct
Cleaning?
Most people are now aware that indoor air pollution is an issue of
growing concern and increased visibility. Many companies are marketing
products and services intended to improve the quality of your indoor air.
You have probably seen an advertisement, received a coupon in the mail, or
been approached directly by a company offering to clean your air ducts as a
means of improving your home's indoor air quality. These services typically
-- but not always -- range in cost from $450 to $1,000 per heating and
cooling system, depending on the services offered, the size of the system to
be cleaned, system accessibility, climatic region, and level of
contamination.
Duct cleaning generally refers to the cleaning of various heating and
cooling system components of forced air systems, including the supply and
return air ducts and registers, grilles and diffusers, heat exchangers
heating and cooling coils, condensate drain pans (drip pans), fan motor and
fan housing, and the air handling unit housing (See diagram).
If not properly installed, maintained, and operated, these components
may become contaminated with particles of dust, pollen or other debris. If
moisture is present, the potential for microbiological growth (e.g., mold)
is increased and spores from such growth may be released into the home's
living space. Some of these contaminants may cause allergic reactions or
other symptoms in people if they are exposed to them. If you decide to have
your heating and cooling system cleaned, it is important to make sure the
service provider agrees to clean all components of the system and is
qualified to do so. Failure to clean a component of a contaminated system
can result in re-contamination of the entire system, thus negating any
potential benefits. Methods of duct cleaning vary, although standards have
been established by industry associations concerned with air duct cleaning.
Typically, a service provider will use specialized tools to dislodge dirt
and other debris in ducts, then vacuum them out with a high-powered vacuum
cleaner.
In addition, the service provider may propose applying chemical
biocides, designed to kill microbiological contaminants, to the inside of
the duct work and to other system components. Some service providers may
also suggest applying chemical treatments (sealants or other encapsulants)
to encapsulate or cover the inside surfaces of the air ducts and equipment
housings because they believe it will control mold growth or prevent the
release of dirt particles or fibers from ducts. These practices have yet to
be fully researched and you should be fully informed before deciding to
permit the use of biocides or chemical treatments in your air ducts. They
should only be applied, if at all, after the system has been properly
cleaned of all visible dust or debris.
60. Other Important
Considerations on Duct Cleaning
Duct cleaning has never been shown to actually prevent health problems.
Neither do studies conclusively demonstrate that particle (e.g., dust)
levels in homes increase because of dirty air ducts or go down after
cleaning. This is because much of the dirt that may accumulate inside air
ducts adheres to duct surfaces and does not necessarily enter the living
space. It is important to keep in mind that dirty air ducts are only one of
many possible sources of particles that are present in homes. Pollutants
that enter the home both from outdoors and indoor activities such as
cooking, cleaning, smoking, or just moving around can cause greater exposure
to contaminants than dirty air ducts. Moreover, there is no evidence that a
light amount of household dust or other particulate matter in air ducts
poses any risk to health.
EPA does not recommend that air ducts be cleaned except on an as-needed
basis because of the continuing uncertainty about the benefits of duct
cleaning under most circumstances. If a service provider or advertiser
asserts that EPA recommends routine duct cleaning or makes claims about its
health benefits, you should notify EPA by writing to the address listed at
the end of this guidance. EPA does, however, recommend that if you have a
fuel burning furnace, stove, or fireplace, they be inspected for proper
functioning and serviced before each heating season to protect against
carbon monoxide poisoning. Some research also suggests that cleaning dirty
cooling coils, fans and heat exchangers can improve the efficiency of
heating and cooling systems. However, little evidence exists to indicate
that simply cleaning the duct system will increase your system's efficiency.
If you think duct cleaning might be a good idea for your home, but you
are not sure, talk to a professional. The company that services your heating
and cooling system may be a good source of advice. You may also want to
contact professional duct cleaning service providers and ask them about the
services they provide. Remember, they are trying to sell you a service, so
ask questions and insist on complete and knowledgeable answers.
61. Suggestions for Choosing
a Duct Cleaning Service Provider
To find companies that provide duct cleaning services, check your
Yellow Pages under "duct cleaning" or contact the National Air Duct Cleaners
Association (NADCA) at the address and phone number in the information
section located at the end of this guidance. Do not assume that all duct
cleaning service providers are equally knowledgeable and responsible. Talk
to at least three different service providers and get written estimates
before deciding whether to have your ducts cleaned. When the service
providers come to your home, ask them to show you the contamination that
would justify having your ducts cleaned.
Do not hire duct cleaners who make sweeping claims about the health
benefits of duct cleaning -- such claims are unsubstantiated. Do not hire
duct cleaners who recommend duct cleaning as a routine part of your heating
and cooling system maintenance. You should also be wary of duct cleaners who
claim to be certified by EPA. EPA neither establishes duct cleaning
standards nor certifies, endorses, or approves duct cleaning companies.
Do not allow the use of chemical biocides or chemical treatments unless
you fully understand the pros and the cons (See "Unresolved Issues of Duct
Cleaning).
Check references to be sure other customers were satisfied and did not
experience any problems with their heating and cooling system after
cleaning.
Contact your county or city office of consumer affairs or local Better
Business Bureau to determine if complaints have been lodged against any of
the companies you are considering.
Interview potential service providers to ensure:
they are experienced in duct cleaning and have worked on systems like yours;
they will use procedures to protect you, your pets, and your home from
contamination; and
they comply with NADCA's air duct cleaning standards and, if your ducts are
constructed of fiber glass duct board or insulated internally with fiber
glass duct liner, with the North American Insulation Manufacturers
Association's (NAIMA) recommendations.
Ask the service provider whether they hold any relevant state licenses.
As of 1996, the following states require air duct cleaners to hold special
licenses: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Michigan and
Texas. Other states may require them as well.
If the service provider charges by the hour, request an estimate of the
number of hours or days the job will take, and find out whether there will
be interruptions in the work. Make sure the duct cleaner you choose will
provide a written agreement outlining the total cost and scope of the job
before work begins.
62. What to Expect from an
Air Duct Cleaning Service Provider
If you choose to have your ducts cleaned, the service provider should:
Open access ports or doors to allow the entire system to be cleaned and
inspected.
Inspect the system before cleaning to be sure that there are no
asbestos-containing materials (e.g., insulation, register boots, etc.) in
the heating and cooling system. Asbestos-containing materials require
specialized procedures and should not be disturbed or removed except by
specially trained and equipped contractors.
Use vacuum equipment that exhausts particles outside of the home or use
only high-efficiency particle air (HEPA) vacuuming equipment if the vacuum
exhausts inside the home.
Protect carpet and household furnishings during cleaning.
Use well-controlled brushing of duct surfaces in conjunction with
contact vacuum cleaning to dislodge dust and other particles.
Use only soft-bristled brushes for fiberglass duct board and sheet
metal ducts internally lined with fiberglass. (Although flex duct can also
be cleaned using soft-bristled brushes, it can be more economical to simply
replace accessible flex duct.)
Take care to protect the duct work, including sealing and re-insulating
any access holes the service provider may have made or used so they are
airtight.
Follow NADCA's standards for air duct cleaning and NAIMA's recommended
practice for ducts containing fiber glass lining or constructed of fiber
glass duct board.
63. How to Determine if the
Duct Cleaner Did a Thorough Job
A thorough visual inspection is the best way to verify the cleanliness
of your heating and cooling system. Some service providers use remote
photography to document conditions inside ducts. All portions of the system
should be visibly clean; you should not be able to detect any debris with
the naked eye. Show the Post-Cleaning Consumer Checklist to the service
provider before the work begins. After completing the job, ask the service
provider to show you each component of your system to verify that the job
was performed satisfactorily.
If you answer "No" to any of the questions on the checklist, this may
indicate a problem with the job. Ask your service provider to correct any
deficiencies until you can answer "yes" to all the questions on the
checklist.
Post-Cleaning Consumer Checklist Yes No
General Did the service provider obtain access to and clean the entire
heating and cooling system, including ductwork and all components (drain
pans, humidifiers, coils, and fans)?
Has the service provider adequately demonstrated that duct work and
plenums are clean? (Plenum is a space in which supply or return air is mixed
or moves; can be duct, joist space, attic and crawl spaces, or wall cavity.)
Heating Is the heat exchanger surface visibly clean?
Cooling
Components Are both sides of the cooling coil visibly clean?
If you point a flashlight into the cooling coil, does light shine
through the other side? It should if the coil is clean.
Are the coil fins straight and evenly spaced (as opposed to being bent
over and smashed together)?
Is the coil drain pan completely clean and draining properly?
Blower Are the blower blades clean and free of oil and debris?
Is the blower compartment free of visible dust or debris?
Plenums
Is the return air plenum free of visible dust or debris?
Do filters fit properly and are they the proper efficiency as
recommended by HVAC system manufacturer?
Is the supply air plenum (directly downstream of the air handling unit)
free of moisture stains and contaminants?
Metal Ducts Are interior ductwork surfaces free of visible debris?
(Select several sites at random in both the return and supply sides of the
system.)
Fiber Glass Is all fiber glass material in good condition (i.e., free
of tears and abrasions; well adhered to underlying materials)?
Access
Doors Are newly installed access doors in sheet metal ducts attached
with more than just duct tape (e.g., screws, rivets, mastic, etc.)?
With the system running, is air leakage through access doors or
covers very slight or non-existent?
Air Vents Have all registers, grilles, and diffusers been firmly
reattached to the walls, floors, and/or ceilings?
Are the registers, grilles, and diffusers visibly clean?
System
Operation Does the system function properly in both the heating and
cooling modes after cleaning?
64. How to Prevent Duct
Contamination
Whether or not you decide to have the air ducts in your home cleaned,
committing to a good preventive maintenance program is essential to minimize
duct contamination.
To prevent dirt from entering the system:
Use the highest efficiency air filter recommended by the manufacturer
of your heating and cooling system.
Change filters regularly.
If your filters become clogged, change them more frequently.
Be sure you do not have any missing filters and that air cannot bypass
filters through gaps around the filter holder.
When having your heating and cooling system maintained or checked for
other reasons, be sure to ask the service provider to clean cooling coils
and drain pans.
During construction or renovation work that produces dust in your home,
seal off supply and return registers and do not operate the heating and
cooling system until after cleaning up the dust.
Remove dust and vacuum your home regularly. (Use a high efficiency
vacuum (HEPA) cleaner or the highest efficiency filter bags your vacuum
cleaner can take. Vacuuming can increase the amount of dust in the air
during and after vacuuming as well as in your ducts).
If your heating system includes in-duct humidification equipment, be
sure to operate and maintain the humidifier strictly as recommended by the
manufacturer.
65. Unresolved Issues of
Duct Cleaning
Does duct cleaning prevent health problems?
The bottom line is: no one knows. There are examples of ducts that have
become badly contaminated with a variety of materials that may pose risks to
your health. The duct system can serve as a means to distribute these
contaminants throughout a home. In these cases, duct cleaning may make
sense. However, a light amount of household dust in your air ducts is
normal. Duct cleaning is not considered to be a necessary part of yearly
maintenance of your heating and cooling system, which consists of regular
cleaning of drain pans and heating and cooling coils, regular filter changes
and yearly inspections of heating equipment. Research continues in an effort
to evaluate the potential benefits of air duct cleaning.
66. Should I have my indoor
air tested?
If you can see mold, or if there is an earthy or musty odor, you can
assume you
have a mold problem. Reliable sampling for mold can be expensive and
will have
to be done by a private contractor. Also, there are few available
standards for
judging what an acceptable quantity of mold is. The simplest approach
is - if
you can see or smell mold, you have a problem. Unless the source of
moisture is
removed and the contaminated area and/or materials are cleaned and
disinfected,
mold growth is likely to recur.
67. What are some common
indoor air
pollutants that cause problems?
Indoor air pollutants are also called biological pollutants. They
promote poor
indoor air quality. Some of these pollutants can damage surfaces inside
and
outside your house. They can travel through the air and may not be
seen. Some
common biological indoor pollutants are:
- Animal dander
- Dust mite and
cockroach parts
- Indoor Molds
- Infectious agents (bacteria or viruses)
- Pollen
Other sources of indoor air pollution are:
- Household cleaning and
maintenance products
- Perfumes
- Tobacco Smoke
- Wood Smoke
Some of these are in every home and it's impossible to get rid of them
all.
68. How can indoor air
pollutants affect my
health?
All of us are exposed to indoor air pollutants. However, the effects on
our
health depend on the type and amount of pollution and the person. Some
people
do not have any health problems from the pollutants, while others do.
Allergic
reactions are the most common health problem from poor indoor air
quality. Some
common signs and symptoms of poor indoor air quality are:
- Watery eyes
- Runny nose and sneezing
- Nasal congestion
- Itching
- Coughing
- Wheezing and difficulty breathing
- Headaches
- Fatigue
69. Where are indoor air
pollutants found?
- Dirty Heating, Ventilation/Air Conditioning (HVAC) system
- Dirty humidifiers and/or dehumidifiers
- Bathroom and/or kitchen without vents or windows
- Refrigerator drip pans
- Laundry room with unvented dryer
- Unventilated attic
- Bedding
- Dogs or cats
- Anyplace that has water damage
70. Biological Contaminants
Fungi and bacteria can breed in humidifiers and heating, ventilating,
and air
conditioning (HVAC) systems if this equipment is not properly cleaned
and
maintained. These systems can also bring biological contaminants
indoors and
circulate them throughout your home. Contaminants such as pollen,
fungi, animal
dander; bacteria, viruses, dust mites, and the chemicals or by-products
released by these contaminants can cause allergic reactions, colds,
influenza
and other health effects.
71. How is This Possible?
Improved construction methods have created new air-tight homes, in
which air
quality has become a serious concern. While outdoor air continually
circulates
and is refreshed, air in a closed home continually re-circulates the
same
exhaled cold and flu viruses, pet dander, mold spores, and other
potential
disease and allergy-causing agents.
People who get sick during the winter often
attribute their illness to cold weather outside. In fact, the
microorganisms
being circulated through home and office ventilation systems are most
often the
cause of these illnesses.
Those who are indoors for the longest periods are the
most vulnerable. A simple cold or flu virus can become deadly for
people who
are elderly, very young or chronically ill and for those with weak or
compromised immune systems. People who fall into these categories are
highly
susceptible to the effects of indoor air pollution and must be
particularly
careful.
72. Amount of Ventilation
If too little outdoor air enters a home, pollutants can accumulate to
levels
that can pose health and comfort problems. Unless they are built with
special
mechanical means of ventilation, homes that are designed and
constructed to
minimize the amount of outdoor air that can "leak" into and out of the
home may
have higher pollutant levels than other homes. However, because some
weather
conditions can drastically reduce the amount of outdoor air that enters
a home,
pollutants can build up even in homes that are normally considered
"leaky."
73. Keeping You, Your Family
and Your
Employees Safe
Ultraviolet light is the safest, most reliable and most affordable
method
available for eliminating airborne pathogens.
Breathe CLEAN uses concentrated
ultraviolet light to destroy up to 99.9% of the dangerous microbes you
breathe,
from cold and flu viruses, to mold and mildew, to anthrax and the
smallpox
virus (particularly important in these uncertain times!)
ISIAQ is an international,
independent, multidisciplinary, scientific, non-profit
organization whose purpose is to support the creation of healthy,
comfortable
and productive indoor environments by:
Advancing the science and technology of
indoor air quality and climate as it relates to indoor environment
design,
construction, operation and maintenance, air quality measurement and
health
sciences;
Facilitating international and interdisciplinary communication and
information exchange by publishing and fostering publication on indoor
air
quality and climate; organizing, sponsoring and supporting initiatives
such as
meetings, conferences, and seminars on indoor air quality and climate;
developing, adapting and maintaining codes, standards, and guidelines
for the
improvement of indoor air quality and climate;
74. Stoves, Heaters,
Fireplaces and Chimneys
In addition to environmental tobacco smoke, other sources of combustion
products are unvented kerosene and gas space heaters, woodstoves,
fireplaces, and gas stoves. The major pollutants released are carbon
monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and particles. Unvented kerosene heaters may
also generate acid aerosols.
Combustion gases and particles also come from chimneys and flues that
are improperly installed or maintained and cracked furnace heat exchangers.
Pollutants from fireplaces and woodstoves with no dedicated outdoor air
supply can be "back-drafted" from the chimney into the living space,
particularly in weatherized homes.
75. Health Effects of
Combustion Products
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that interferes with
the delivery of oxygen throughout the body. At high concentrations it can
cause unconsciousness and death. Lower concentrations can cause a range of
symptoms from headaches, dizziness, weakness, nausea, confusion, and
disorientation, to fatigue in healthy people and episodes of increased chest
pain in people with chronic heart disease. The symptoms of carbon monoxide
poisoning are sometimes confused with the flu or food poisoning. Fetuses,
infants, elderly people, and people with anemia or with a history of heart
or respiratory disease can be especially sensitive to carbon monoxide
exposures.
Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is a colorless, odorless gas that irritates the
mucous membranes in the eye, nose, and throat and causes shortness of breath
after exposure to high concentrations. There is evidence that high
concentrations or continued exposure to low levels of nitrogen dioxide
increases the risk of respiratory infection; there is also evidence from
animal studies that repeated exposures to elevated nitrogen dioxide levels
may lead, or contribute, to the development of lung disease such as
emphysema. People at particular risk from exposure to nitrogen dioxide
include children and individuals with asthma and other respiratory diseases.
Particles, released when fuels are incompletely burned, can lodge in
the lungs and irritate or damage lung tissue. A number of pollutants,
including radon and benzo(a)pyrene, both of which can cause cancer, attach
to small particles that are inhaled and then carried deep into the lung.
76. Reducing Exposure to
Combustion Products in Homes
Take special precautions when operating fuel-burning unvented space
heaters.
Consider potential effects of indoor air pollution if you use an
unvented kerosene or gas space heater. Follow the manufacturer's directions,
especially instructions on the proper fuel and keeping the heater properly
adjusted. A persistent yellow-tipped flame is generally an indicator of
maladjustment and increased pollutant emissions. While a space heater is in
use, open a door from the room where the heater is located to the rest of
the house and open a window slightly.
Install and use exhaust fans over gas cooking stoves and ranges and
keep the burners properly adjusted.
Using a stove hood with a fan vented to the outdoors greatly reduces
exposure to pollutants during cooking. Improper adjustment, often indicated
by a persistent yellow-tipped flame, causes increased pollutant emissions.
Ask your gas company to adjust the burner so that the flame tip is blue. If
you purchase a new gas stove or range, consider buying one with pilotless
ignition because it does not have a pilot light that burns continuously.
Never use a gas stove to heat your home. Always make certain the flue in
your gas fireplace is open when the fireplace is in use.
Keep woodstove emissions to a minimum. Choose properly sized new stoves
that are certified as meeting EPA emission standards.
Make certain that doors in old woodstoves are tight-fitting. Use aged
or cured (dried) wood only and follow the manufacturer's directions for
starting, stoking, and putting out the fire in woodstoves. Chemicals are
used to pressure-treat wood; such wood should never be burned indoors.
(Because some old gaskets in woodstove doors contain asbestos, when
replacing gaskets refer to the instructions in the CPSC, ALA, and EPA
booklet, Asbestos in Your Home, to avoid creating an asbestos problem. New
gaskets are made of fiberglass.)
Have central air handling systems, including furnaces, flues, and
chimneys, inspected annually and promptly repair cracks or damaged parts.
Blocked, leaking, or damaged chimneys or flues release harmful
combustion gases and particles and even fatal concentrations of carbon
monoxide. Strictly follow all service and maintenance procedures recommended
by the manufacturer, including those that tell you how frequently to change
the filter. If manufacturer's instructions are not readily available, change
filters once every month or two during periods of use. Proper maintenance is
important even for new furnaces because they can also corrode and leak
combustion gases, including carbon monoxide.
77. Household Products
Organic chemicals are widely used as ingredients in household products.
Paints, varnishes, and wax all contain organic solvents, as do many
cleaning, disinfecting, cosmetic, degreasing, and hobby products. Fuels are
made up of organic chemicals. All of these products can release organic
compounds while you are using them, and, to some degree, when they are
stored.
EPA's Total Exposure Assessment Methodology (TEAM) studies found levels
of about a dozen common organic pollutants to be 2 to 5 times higher inside
homes than outside, regardless of whether the homes were located in rural or
highly industrial areas. Additional TEAM studies indicate that while people
are using products containing organic chemicals, they can expose themselves
and others to very high pollutant levels, and elevated concentrations can
persist in the air long after the activity is completed.
78. Health Effects of
Household Chemicals
The ability of organic chemicals to cause health effects varies
greatly, from those that are highly toxic, to those with no known health
effect. As with other pollutants, the extent and nature of the health effect
will depend on many factors including level of exposure and length of time
exposed. Eye and respiratory tract irritation, headaches, dizziness, visual
disorders, and memory impairment are among the immediate symptoms that some
people have experienced soon after exposure to some organics. At present,
not much is known about what health effects occur from the levels of
organics usually found in homes. Many organic compounds are known to cause
cancer in animals; some are suspected of causing, or are known to cause,
cancer in humans.
79. Reducing Exposure to
Household Chemicals
Follow label instructions carefully.
Potentially hazardous products often have warnings aimed at reducing
exposure of the user. For example, if a label says to use the product in a
well-ventilated area, go outdoors or in areas equipped with an exhaust fan
to use it. Otherwise, open up windows to provide the maximum amount of
outdoor air possible.
Throw away partially full containers of old or unneeded chemicals
safely.
Because gases can leak even from closed containers, this single step
could help lower concentrations of organic chemicals in your home. (Be sure
that materials you decide to keep are stored not only in a well-ventilated
area but are also safely out of reach of children.) Do not simply toss these
unwanted products in the garbage can. Find out if your local government or
any organization in your community sponsors special days for the collection
of toxic household wastes. If such days are available, use them to dispose
of the unwanted containers safely. If no such collection days are available,
think about organizing one.
Buy limited quantities.
If you use products only occasionally or seasonally, such as paints,
paint strippers, and kerosene for space heaters or gasoline for lawn mowers,
buy only as much as you will use right away.
Keep exposure to emissions from products containing methylene chloride
to a minimum.
Consumer products that contain methylene chloride include paint
strippers, adhesive removers, and aerosol spray paints. Methylene chloride
is known to cause cancer in animals. Also, methylene chloride is converted
to carbon monoxide in the body and can cause symptoms associated with
exposure to carbon monoxide. Carefully read the labels containing health
hazard information and cautions on the proper use of these products. Use
products that contain methylene chloride outdoors when possible; use indoors
only if the area is well ventilated.
Keep exposure to benzene to a minimum.
Benzene is a known human carcinogen. The main indoor sources of this
chemical are environmental tobacco smoke, stored fuels and paint supplies,
and automobile emissions in attached garages. Actions that will reduce
benzene exposure include eliminating smoking within the home, providing for
maximum ventilation during painting, and discarding paint supplies and
special fuels that will not be used immediately.
Keep exposure to perchloroethylene emissions from newly dry-cleaned
materials to a minimum.
Perchloroethylene is the chemical most widely used in dry cleaning. In
laboratory studies, it has been shown to cause cancer in animals. Recent
studies indicate that people breathe low levels of this chemical both in
homes where dry-cleaned goods are stored and as they wear dry-cleaned
clothing. Dry cleaners recapture the perchloroethylene during the
dry-cleaning process so they can save money by re-using it, and they remove
more of the chemical during the pressing and finishing processes. Some dry
cleaners, however, do not remove as much perchloroethylene as possible all
of the time. Taking steps to minimize your exposure to this chemical is
prudent. If dry-cleaned goods have a strong chemical odor when you pick them
up, do not accept them until they have been properly dried. If goods with a
chemical odor are returned to you on subsequent visits, try a different dry
cleaner.
80. Indoor Air Pollution and
Health
Immediate effects
Immediate effects may show up after a single exposure or repeated
exposures. These include irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat,
headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. Such immediate effects are usually
short-term and treatable. Sometimes the treatment is simply eliminating the
person's exposure to the source of the pollution, if it can be identified.
Symptoms of some diseases, including asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis,
and humidifier fever, may also show up soon after exposure to some indoor
air pollutants.
The likelihood of immediate reactions to indoor air pollutants depends
on several factors. Age and preexisting medical conditions are two important
influences. In other cases, whether a person reacts to a pollutant depends
on individual sensitivity, which varies tremendously from person to person.
Some people can become sensitized to biological pollutants after repeated
exposures, and it appears that some people can become sensitized to chemical
pollutants as well.
Certain immediate effects are similar to those from colds or other
viral diseases, so it is often difficult to determine if the symptoms are a
result of exposure to indoor air pollution. For this reason, it is important
to pay attention to the time and place symptoms occur. If the symptoms fade
or go away when a person is away from home, for example, an effort should be
made to identify indoor air sources that may be possible causes. Some
effects may be made worse by an inadequate supply of outdoor air or from the
heating, cooling, or humidity conditions prevalent in the home.
Long-term effects
Other health effects may show up either years after exposure has
occurred or only after long or repeated periods of exposure. These effects,
which include some respiratory diseases, heart disease, and cancer, can be
severely debilitating or fatal. It is prudent to try to improve the indoor
air quality in your home even if symptoms are not noticeable.
While pollutants commonly found in indoor air are responsible for many
harmful effects, there is considerable uncertainty about what concentrations
or periods of exposure are necessary to produce specific health problems.
People also react very differently to exposure to indoor air pollutants.
Further research is needed to better understand which health effects occur
after exposure to the average pollutant concentrations found in homes and
which occurs from the higher concentrations that occur for short periods of
time.
81. What If You Live in an
Apartment?
Apartments can have the same indoor air problems as single-family homes
because
many of the pollution sources, such as the interior building materials,
furnishings, and household products, are similar. Indoor air problems
similar
to those in offices are caused by such sources as contaminated
ventilation
systems improperly placed outdoor air intakes, or maintenance
activities.
Solutions to air quality problems in apartments, as in homes and
offices,
involve such actions as: eliminating or controlling the sources of
pollution,
increasing ventilation, and installing air cleaning devices. Often a
resident
can take the appropriate action to improve the indoor air quality by
removing a
source, altering an activity, unblocking an air supply vent, or opening
a
window to temporarily increase the ventilation; in other cases,
however, only
the building owner or manager is in a position to remedy the problem.
Some days, it seems as if your child spends almost as much time at
school as she
does at home. As a parent, you worry about whether she does her
homework,
understands her lessons, and gets along with her classmates.
But should you be
concerned about whether her school building is making her sick? The
federal
government, in a 1995 study, found that half of the nation's schools
have poor
ventilation and significant sources of pollution inside the buildings.
For
children with asthma, particularly, indoor pollutants can be a problem.
82. The air you breathe
indoors
While you work, play, sleep and relax with your family - may be five
times more
polluted than the air outside. Americans spend over 85% of every day
sealed
within increasingly airtight homes and offices, breathing bad air for
hours at
a stretch. Each breath brings with it a host of germs and allergens:
mold
spores, bacteria, pollen, dust mites and viruses. The American College of
Allergy, Asthma and Immunology estimates that half of all common
illnesses are
caused or aggravated by poor indoor air quality. And it gets worse... Consider
the fumes from cleaning products, paints, solvents, adhesives, and
industrial
chemicals and emissions; imagine the exhaust from tens of thousands of
automobiles in constant motion around you. Your home, far from a haven
of
safety, can trap and magnify these airborne dangers exponentially.
83. What Causes Indoor Air
Problems?
Indoor pollution sources that release gases or particles into the air
are the
primary cause of indoor air quality problems in homes. Inadequate
ventilation
can increase indoor pollutant levels by not bringing in enough outdoor
air to
dilute emissions from indoor sources and by not carrying indoor air
pollutants
out of the home. High temperature and humidity levels can also increase
concentrations of some pollutants.
84. Safety and Health
Topics: Indoor Air
Quality
Concerns with Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) have increased since energy
conservation
measures were instituted in office buildings during the 1970’s,
minimizing the
infiltration of outside air and contributing to the buildup of indoor
air
contaminants. IAQ generally refers to the quality of the air in an
office
environment. Other terms related to IAQ include Indoor Environment
Quality
(IEQ) and “Sick Building Syndrome.”
Complaints about IAQ range from simple
complaints such as the air smelling odd to more complexes, where the
air
quality causes illness and lost work time. It may not be easy to
identify a
single reason for IAQ complaints because of the number and variety of
possible
sources, causes, and varying individual sensitivities.
85. Indoor Air Quality:
Evaluation and
Control
Methods used in an Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) investigation may include:
identification of pollutant sources; evaluation of the heating,
ventilating,
and air conditioning (HVAC) system performance; observation of
production
processes and work practices; measurement of contamination levels and
employee
exposure; medical testing or physical examinations; employee
interviews; and
review of records of medical tests, job histories and injuries and
illnesses.
86. How Does Secondhand
Smoke Affect Asthma?
Secondhand smoke can trigger asthma episodes and increase the severity
of attacks. Secondhand smoke is also a risk factor for new cases of asthma
in preschool aged children who have not already exhibited asthma symptoms.
Scientists believe that secondhand smoke irritates the chronically inflamed
bronchial passages of people with asthma. Secondhand smoke is linked to
other health problems, including lung cancer, ear infections and other
chronic respiratory illnesses, such as bronchitis and pneumonia.
Many of the health effects of secondhand smoke, including asthma, are
most clearly seen in children because children are most vulnerable to its
effects. Most likely, children's developing bodies make them more
susceptible to secondhand smoke's effects and, due to their small size, they
breathe more rapidly than adults thereby taking in more secondhand smoke.
Children receiving high doses of secondhand smoke, such as those with
smoking mothers, run the greatest relative risk of experiencing damaging
health effects.
87. Environmental Tobacco
Smoke
Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) is the mixture of smoke that comes
from the burning end of a cigarette, pipe, or cigar, and smoke exhaled by
the smoker. It is a complex mixture of over 4,000 compounds, more than 40 of
which are known to cause cancer in humans or animals and many of which are
strong irritants. ETS is often referred to as "secondhand smoke" and
exposure to ETS is often called "passive smoking."
88. Health Effects of
Environmental Tobacco Smoke
In 1992, EPA completed a major assessment of the respiratory health
risks of ETS (Respiratory Health Effects of Passive Smoking: Lung Cancer and
Other Disorders EPA/600/6-90/006F). The report concludes that exposure to
ETS is responsible for approximately 3,000 lung cancer deaths each year in
nonsmoking adults and impairs the respiratory health of hundreds of
thousands of children.
Infants and young children whose parents smoke in their presence are at
increased risk of lower respiratory tract infections (pneumonia and
bronchitis) and are more likely to have symptoms of respiratory irritation
like cough, excess phlegm, and wheeze. EPA estimates that passive smoking
annually causes between 150,000 and 300,000 lower respiratory tract
infections in infants and children under 18 months of age, resulting in
between 7,500 and 15,000 hospitalizations each year. These children may also
have a build-up of fluid in the middle ear, which can lead to ear
infections. Older children who have been exposed to secondhand smoke may
have slightly reduced lung function.
Asthmatic children are especially at risk. EPA estimates that exposure
to secondhand smoke increases the number of episodes and severity of
symptoms in hundreds of thousands of asthmatic children, and may cause
thousands of non-asthmatic children to develop the disease each year. EPA
estimates that between 200,000 and 1,000,000 asthmatic children have their
condition made worse by exposure to secondhand smoke each year. Exposure to
secondhand smoke causes eye, nose, and throat irritation. It may affect the
cardiovascular system and some studies have linked exposure to secondhand
smoke with the onset of chest pain. For publications about ETS, go to Smoke
Free Homes web site, the IAQ Publications page, or contact EPA's Indoor Air
Quality Information Clearinghouse (IAQ INFO), 800-438-4318 or (703)
356-4020.
89. Reducing Exposure to
Environmental Tobacco Smoke
Don't smoke at home or permit others to do so. Ask smokers to smoke
outdoors.
The 1986 Surgeon General's report concluded that physical separation of
smokers and nonsmokers in a common air space, such as different rooms within
the same house, may reduce - but will not eliminate - non-smokers' exposure
to environmental tobacco smoke.
If smoking indoors cannot be avoided, increase ventilation in the area
where smoking takes place.
Open windows or use exhaust fans. Ventilation, a common method of
reducing exposure to indoor air pollutants, also will reduce but not
eliminate exposure to environmental tobacco smoke. Because smoking produces
such large amounts of pollutants, natural or mechanical ventilation
techniques do not remove them from the air in your home as quickly as they
build up. In addition, the large increases in ventilation it takes to
significantly reduce exposure to environmental tobacco smoke can also
increase energy costs substantially. Consequently, the most effective way to
reduce exposure to environmental tobacco smoke in the home is to eliminate
smoking there.
Do not smoke if children are present, particularly infants and
toddlers.
Children are particularly susceptible to the effects of passive
smoking. Do not allow baby-sitters or others who work in your home to smoke
indoors. Discourage others from smoking around children. Find out about the
smoking policies of the day care center providers, schools, and other care
givers for your children. The policy should protect children from exposure
to ETS.
90. Use of the Building
Indoor air pollutants can be circulated from portions of the building
used for
specialized purposes, such as restaurants, print shops, and
dry-cleaning
stores, into offices in the same building. Carbon monoxide and other
components
of automobile exhaust can be drawn from underground parking garages
through
stairwells and elevator shafts into office spaces.
In addition, buildings originally designed for one purpose may end up
being converted to use as office
space. If not properly modified during building renovations, the room
partitions and ventilation system can contribute to indoor air quality
problems
by restricting air recirculation or by providing an inadequate supply
of
outdoor air.
91. Ventilation Systems
Mechanical ventilation systems in large buildings are designed and
operated not
only to heat and cool the air, but also to draw in and circulate
outdoor air.
If they are poorly designed, operated, or maintained, however,
ventilation
systems can contribute to indoor air problems in several ways.
For example, problems arise when, in an effort to save energy,
ventilation systems are not
used to bring in adequate amounts of outdoor air. Inadequate
ventilation also
occurs if the air supply and return vents within each room are blocked
or
placed in such a way that outdoor air does not actually reach the
breathing
zone of building occupants. Improperly located outdoor air intake vents
can
also bring in air contaminated with automobile and truck exhaust,
boiler
emissions, fumes from dumpsters, or air vented from restrooms. Finally,
ventilation systems can be a source of in door pollution themselves by
spreading biological contaminants that have multiplied in cooling
towers,
humidifiers, dehumidifiers, air conditioners, or the inside surfaces of
ventilation duct work.
92. Replacement Grant to
Increase Awareness
of Adverse Effects of Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS)/Secondhand
Smoke on
Children
This notice announces the availability of funds and solicits applicants
from
eligible entities to undertake national education, training, and
outreach
projects that: promote awareness and understanding of the environmental
health
benefits of smoke-free environments from children, strengthen the
capacity of
families and communities to create and sustain a smoke-free environment
for
children, reduce children's exposure to ETS, and assess the
effectiveness and
sustainability of education and outreach strategies that reduce and/or
prevent
children's exposure to ETS.
93. What Is Sick Building
Syndrome?
Sick building syndrome (SBS) is a situation in which occupants of a
building
experience acute health effects that seem to be linked to time spent in
a
building, but no specific illness or cause can be identified. The
complaints
may be localized in a particular room or zone, or may be widespread
throughout
the building.
Frequently, problems result when a building is operated or
maintained in a manner that is inconsistent with its original design or
prescribed operating procedures. Sometimes indoor air problems are a
result of
poor building design or occupant activities.
94. What Are the Symptoms of
Sick Building
Syndrome?
Building occupants complain of symptoms associated with acute
discomfort. These
symptoms include headaches; eye, nose, and throat irritation; a dry
cough; dry
or itchy skin; dizziness and nausea; difficulty in concentrating;
fatigue; and
sensitivity to odors. With SBS, no clinically defined disease or
specific
chemical or biological contaminant can be determined as the cause of
the
symptoms. Most of the complainants feel relief soon after leaving the
building.
SBS reduces worker productivity and may also increase absenteeism.
95. What Causes Sick
Building Syndrome?
While specific causes of SBS remain unknown, the following have been
cited as
contributing factors to sick building syndrome. These elements may act
in
combination or may supplement other complaints such as inadequate
temperature,
humidity, or lighting.
- Chemical contaminants from outdoor sources: Outdoor
air that enters a building can also be a source of indoor pollution.
Pollutants
from motor vehicle exhausts, plumbing vents, and building exhausts
(bathrooms
and kitchens) can enter the building through poorly located air intake
vents,
windows, and other openings. Combustion byproducts can also enter a
building
from a nearby garage.
- Chemical contaminants from indoor sources: Most indoor
air pollution comes from sources inside the building. For example,
adhesives,
upholstery, carpeting, copy machines, manufactured wood products,
cleaning
agents and pesticides may emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
including
formaldehyde. Research shows that some
VOCs can cause chronic and acute health
effects at high concentrations, and some are known carcinogens. Low to
moderate
levels of multiple VOCs may also produce acute reactions in some
individuals.
Environmental tobacco smoke and combustion products from stoves, fireplaces,
and unvented space heaters all can put chemical contaminants into the
air. It
can also come from synthetic fragrances in personal care products or in
cleaning and maintenance products
- Biological contaminants:
Biological
contaminants include pollen, bacteria, viruses, and molds. These
contaminants
can breed in stagnant water that has accumulated in humidifiers, drain
pans,
and ducts, or where water has collected on ceiling tiles, insulation,
or
carpet. Biological contaminants can cause fever, chills, cough, chest
tightness, muscle aches, and allergic reactions. One indoor air
bacterium,
Legionella, has caused both Pontiac Fever and Legionnaire’s Disease.
- Inadequate ventilation: In the 1970s the oil embargo led building
designers to
make buildings more airtight, with less outdoor air ventilation, in
order to
improve energy efficiency. These reduced ventilation rates have been
found to
be, in many cases, inadequate to maintain the health and comfort of
building
occupants.
96. What Are the Solutions
to Sick Building
Syndrome?
Solutions to SBS problems usually include combinations of the following
measures:
- Increasing the ventilation rates and air distribution is often a
cost-effective means of reducing indoor pollutant levels. At a minimum,
heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems should be
designed to
meet ventilation standards in local building codes. Make sure that the
system
is operated and maintained to ensure that the design ventilation rates
are
attained. If possible, the HVAC system should be operated to the
American
Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers
(ASHRAE)
Standard 62-1989. If there are strong pollutant sources, air may need
to be
vented directly to the outside. This method is especially recommended
to remove
pollutants that accumulate in specific areas such as restrooms, copy
rooms, and
printing facilities.
- Removal or modification of the pollutant source is the
most effective approach to solving a known source of an indoor air
quality
problem when this solution is practicable. Ways to do this include
routine
maintenance of HVAC systems; replacing water-stained ceiling tiles and
carpets;
banning smoking or providing a separately ventilated room; venting
contaminant
source emissions to the outdoors; using and storing paints, solvents,
pesticides, and adhesives in closed containers in well-ventilated
areas; using
those pollutant sources in periods of low or no occupancy; and allowing
time
for building materials in new or remodeled areas to off-gas pollutants
before
occupancy.
- Air cleaning has some limitations, but it can be a useful addition
to source control and ventilation. Air filters are only effective at
removing
some, not all, of the pollution.
- Education and communication are important
parts of any air quality management program. When everyone associated
with the
building, from occupants to maintenance, fully understands the issues
and
communicates with each other they can work more effectively together to
prevent
and solve problems.
97. Air Cleaning
Air cleaning is one of three methods of reducing pollutants in indoor
air. In
order of effectiveness, the three methods are:
- removal of the source or
control of its emissions,
- ventilation,
- air cleaning.
Air cleaning can be
used as an adjunct to source control and ventilation. However, air
cleaning
alone cannot adequately remove all of the pollutants typically found in
indoor
air.
98. Should You Use An Air
Cleaner?
Many factors need to be considered in determining whether use of an air
cleaner
is appropriate in a particular setting. Therefore, the decision whether
or not
to use an air cleaner is left to the individual. EPA has not taken a
position
either for or against the use of these devices in the home.
99. Types of Air Cleaners
Some air cleaners may be installed in the ducts which are part of
central
heating or air-conditioning systems in homes. Portable air cleaners
stand alone
in a room. Types of air cleaners include:
- Mechanical filters, similar to, and
including, the typical furnace filter.
- Electronic air cleaners (for example,
electrostatic precipitators) which trap charged particles using an
electrical
field.
- Ion generators which act by charging the particles in a room. The
charged particles are then attracted to walls, floors, draperies, etc.
or a
charged collector.
- "Hybrid" devices, which contain two or more of the
particle removal devices discussed above.
100. Assessing Potential
Performance of Your
Air Cleaner
At a minimum, you should consider the following major factors affecting
the
performance of the air cleaner:
- The percentage of the particles removed as
they go through the device (that is, the efficiency).
- The amount of air
handled by the device. For example, an air cleaner may have a high
efficiency
filter, but it may process only 10 cubic feet of air each minute.
Suppose that
the air cleaner is put in a room of typical size, containing 1000 cubic
feet of
air. In this room, it will take a long time for all the air to be
processed. In
some cases, pollutants may be generated more quickly than they are
removed.
- The effective volume of the air to be cleaned. A single portable
unit used in a
room within a large building in which the air flows between several
apartments
or offices would be of little or no value.
- The decrease in performance which
may occur between maintenance periods and if periodic maintenance is
not
performed on schedule.