Promoting a Healthy Environment at Home
Written by Keppy Arnoldsen, Environmental Educator
It is well known that our environment can directly affect our health. It is critical that the environment in our home is healthy, since we spend so much time there. The confined nature of homes restricts toxins to the very spaces we use most and can make the air indoors more toxic than the air outside. Indoor air pollution, known as “sick building syndrome”, has received a lot of attention over the last few decades. Originally the research and regulations focused on the workplace, but people soon realized that it could be related to health problems in their own homes.
When we think of toxins in the home, many examples come to mind, including second-hand smoke, mold spores and allergens that aggravate breathing, and major concerns like asbestos,lead-based paints, carbon monoxide, or radon gas. Some potential sources of toxins may be quite obvious (a chemical spill or smoke from a fireplace), but most are invisible (chemical toxins in furnishings and building materials or harmful gases in the air we breathe). So how can one sort through it all and make home a healthier place? While teaching this subject in environmental science at Penn State Altoona for many years, I became absorbed in this very challenge. Here I present information and tips for making our homes healthier living spaces.
Indoor air pollutants:
Some air pollutants can be odorless and sometimes fatal, like naturally occurringradon gas and carbon monoxide. Radon comes from uranium breakdown in the earth and carbon monoxide comes from inefficient venting of furnaces, space heaters, hot water heaters, or stoves that burn fuels like natural gas, propane, fuel oil, or wood. These can be easily checked through testing. Solutions include basement venting and correcting
Less serious air toxins can originate from materials used in the construction and furnishing of our homes. They can emit irritating vapors like While the amount of emission is usually small, there can be noticeable amounts present and some people may experience irritation of the skin, eyes, nose, and throat, or more severe respiratory symptoms. Formaldehyde comes from resins in plywood, particleboard, and other pressed-wood products. Federal standards require formaldehyde emission testing and labeling, so check the label on wood products. Formaldehyde can also originate from insulation and was commonly used in urea-formaldehyde foam insulation in the 1970s. Both this type and fiberglass insulation can break down over time and get inside air ducts, releasing irritating fibers. Replace old and wet insulation (which can harbor molds and mildew) and use fiberglass insulation with a plastic outer lining.
New carpeting, adhesives, and furnishings can also release air pollutants, so when possible, air carpeting before installation, vent the space following installation, use nails instead of glue to secure carpets, and vacuum new furnishings well.
Organic Irritants include molds, mildew, and dust, and pollen. Use a good air-cleaning device that removes small particles and has a high-quality filtration system. Check up on ozone air cleaners, as there are new concerns about potential risks from high ozone generation on some models.
Old carpets and some fabrics can harbor molds, dust mites, allergenic animal hairs, and lead-containing dust. Use a central vacuum system that discharges the filtered air outside the building or try using a portable vacuum cleaner equipped with high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters.
Molds and mildews are prevalent when humidity in the home is high. Be sure to check for standing water in collection trays of refrigerators, air conditioners, and dehumidifiers. Thoroughly disinfect or remove surfaces where mold or mildews are present. Seek professional help for cleaning following flood damage.
Toxic building substances, such as asbestos in insulation and lead in paints, are major issues. Hire a licensed contractor to remove both. Do not disturb asbestos-containing materials.
Hazardous Chemical Concerns
Avoid pesticides whenever possible or reduce unnecessary use through organic methods. Store pesticides away from your living space.
Don’t use cleaning chemicals designed for use in the workplace in your home. Open your windows and/or use fans when using products that give off vapors. Clean things outside if
Do not remove paint or varnish indoors with strong solvents or heat guns without adequate ventilation; never sand or use a heat gun on lead-based paint indoors.
Use proper safety gear and caution with chemical products, such as petroleum-based paints that release solvent vapors and paint strippers that may contain the suspected cancer-causing chemical methylene chloride.
Store toxic chemicals away from occupied areas, check containers on occasion and vent the space; take chemicals to proper disposal collection sites when unwanted.
Be cautious with certain chemically-treated products. For example, dry-cleaned clothing may give off solvent vapors so air them out. Treated lumber contains arsenic-based chemicals and should be cut outdoors, using a dust mask.
Never store gasoline in the home or carry it in an enclosed vehicle. It is highly flammable and may release benzene (which may cause cancer) and other hydrocarbon vapors. It can also contaminate water supplies, cause lung problems, and irritate your skin.
Other petroleum products, including motor oil, can also be harmful. Used oil from maintenance on vehicles should be kept in a plastic container with a lid Recycling centers still take recycled oil (many for free), but most will not accept “contaminated” oil (containing water or other liquids).
Despite these numerous concerns, there are many positive steps we can take to improve our indoor living spaces. As with many things in life, there is a proactive approach or a reactive approach. It is better to prevent problems than react to them . Try to set aside some time this spring to analyze your risks and clean up your indoor environment. It may be your healthiest spring-cleaning yet!