INDOOR AIR Concerned over the indoor air? You have good reason to be. -
The levels of some pollutants are higher indoors thatn outdoors, in some cases exceeding the national standards set for exposure outdoors -
Urban populations typically spend more than 90% of their time indoors, the single most important indoor location is the home, where individuals spend about 70% of their time. -
It is the most susceptible groups - the young, the elderly and the infirm that spend the most time indoors. During the heating season, modern homes in the U.S. have air chnages of about 0.5 per hour. Modern office buildings generally recirculate about 80% of all indoor air.
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Environmental Tobacco Smoke(ETS) The burning of tobacco products is a ubiquitous source of a large number of indoor contaminants. Tobacco burning produces a complex mixture of gases, vapors, and particulate matter. More than 4,500 compounds have been identified from burning tobacco, about 50 being known or suspected carcinogens. The concentrations of ETS constituents vary among indoor locations and over time. The number of smokers and the pattern of smoking determine the source strength for generation of ETS. The concentration of ETS components to which nonsmokers are exposed depend further on the degree of dilution of the smoke. In smoky bars, waiting areas, restaurants, automobiles, or even in the home, short term concentrations of ETS can be high. Nonsmokers are exposed to ETS, the mixture of smoke from the smoldering cigarette and exhaled smoke. This complex mixture contains many of the injurious agents inhaled by active smokers, although the concentrations are diluted. Nonsmokers exposed involuntarily to ETS often have detectable levels of nicotineand of cotinine, a metabolite of nicotine, in body fluids, demonstrating that nonsmokers absorb and metabolize ETS components. Increased risk of lung cancer for exposed nonsmokers("passive" smokers) studies have shown that nonsmokers married to smokers have a 25% greater risk of lung cancer than those married to "never smokers." Several studies have suggested that ETS exposure reduces lung function in nonsmokers and increases the risk for ischemic heart disease. -
Volatile Organic Compounds - Modern furnishings, construction materials, and consumer products contaminate indoor air with numerous volatile organ compounds. Home-care and building maintenance materials, which include disinfectants, room deodorizers, carpet shampoos, cleaning solutions, furniture polishe and floor waxes are additional sources of indoor air pollution. Formaldehyde, used in hundreds of products, is one of the most ubiquitious indoor organic vapors. A variety of furnishings, particularly those containing synthetic materials, can contribute to indoor air pollution. -
Microbiologic Contaminants - Pollen from trees, grasses, and other plants are well known for their association with allergens. Microbiologic contaminants of indoor air also include microbial cells such as viruses and bacteria in addition to fungal spores, protoza, algae, animal dander. Bathroom walls and window casements as well as damp basements are sites where water condenses. -
Problem Buildings - Building related health problems of known etiology are known as building-related illnesses, whereas health problems without physical or laboratory findings and unknown etiology are identified as sick building syndrome. -
Building Related Illnesses - Symptoms have toxic, allergic, or infectious manifestations that can be identified by a physician and confirmed by clinical laboratory. Resolution of the problem typically involves removal of the source of the problem rather than increasing the ventilation. -
Sick Building Syndrome - Generally identified when a substantial number of individuals in a building or portion of building. The symptoms begin slowly and progress generally. Most individuals report relief of symptoms on leaving the the building and a recurrence on reentry. Often the only common denominator of Sick Building Syndrome is insufficient ventilation air to remove the contamination. Sometimes the source of the problem is microbial growth inside wet ductwork or other air-handling equipment. The solution here is to clean the ductwork and equipment with a strong disninfectant and adjust the system to better control humidity. In some new buildings the problem can be the use of synthetic materials (such as insulation or carpeting) which release hydrocarbons or other vapors into the air at a very low rate. The solution in this case may be to remove the offending material and replace it with an acceptabley innocuous alternative. Components that can improve the problem include HEPA filters (for dust and bioaerosals), carbon adsorbers (for gases) and electrostatic precipitators(for dust and bioaerosols). Boosting outside airflow can be an effective solution, but can be costly in summer and winter. -
Many documented cases of sick building syndrome have been reported in newly constructed or newly remodeled energy efficient buildings.Such structures are almost always sealed air conditioned buildings that do not permit the windows to be open. Under these circumstances, a wide variety of pollutants may contaminate the indoor air. -
Nitrogen Dioxide - Is an oxidant gas that at high concentrations causes lung injury. Increase in respiratory tract symptoms, and reduced lung function from direct inflammation, and deterioration of the health status of persons with chronic respiratory diseases -
Fungi and Bacteria in Ventilation systems - Fungi growth in ventilation systems may contaminate indoor environments and cause a variety of problems. Some fungi can cause lung infection. Low levels of airborne fungi can be primary or contributing cause of Sick Building Syndrome and poor Indoor Air Quality.Fungi are normally harmless and non-parasitic. Fungal infections inevitably result from fungi being in the wrong place, often as the result of poor cleanliness or improper design of ventilation system components. Fungi are actually plants that contain no chlorophyll. Only certain fungi can produce infections, and only a few of these have been noted to travel via the airborne route, or become entrained in the airflow of intake ducts. Fungi are ubiquitous in the outdoors, but occur in high concentrations only in hot Southern climates, especially during dry spells.Florida, Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico and southern California often experience high seasonal mold spore levels. Generally, when the ground dries after a period of moisture, the winds can overturn the top layer of soil and disperse large quantities of mold spores. Dealing with Fungi in Ventilation Systems -Filtration provides the primary defense against fungal spores entering a building ventilation system. Pre-filters can be effective against most fungi, even when in teh spore form. If a higher degree of proteciton is required, HEPA filters can be very effective, provided they are tightly installed and well maintained. Fungus can grow on HEPA filters as well as other ventilation components and, if unchecked, can actually contribute to the problem. If the fungus is already growing inside the building or ventilation system, the problem becomes somewhat more difficult. Fungi require moisture for growth. The source of the moisture must be identified and then controlled. Cooling coils, drains pans, and water pans for humidifiers are likley locations for fungal growth, especially when there is standing water. These must be treated as necessary with proper disinfectants. -
Negative Air Ionization - Negative air ionization has the potential to reduce the concentration of airboren microorganisms. The effect appears to result from the ionization of bioaerosols and dust particles that may carry microorganisms, causing them to settle out more rapidly. -
Outdoor Purge Air Systems - Airborne pathogens can be removed by pumping with outside air which is naturally sterilized. Airborne bacteria and viruses pathogenic for humans rarely occur in the outdoor air, and cannot survive long if they do. The only condition in which purging with outside air is not a solution to an indoor microbial contamination problem is when microbial growth has occurred inside the air handling unit, because this may increase respiratory distress throughout the building.
Mold Allergies If you have been diagnosed with a mold allergy, the following information is important: -
Never clean carpeting with steam. Moisture trapped in the carpet pad will create a haven for mold growth. It is best to remove any carpeting from the bedroom. -
Reduce the humidity level in your home to 40%- 45% by using an air conditioner with an electrostatic air filter and/or an electric dehumidifier. This lower humidity prevents mold spores (and dust mites) from reproducing. -
Clean surfaces where mold grows and use an inhibitor to prevent future mold growth. Keep potted plants that require moist soil outdoors. -
Get HEPA ( High Efficiency Particulate Arresting) Air purifiers to reduce airborne mold spores. These are particularly effective if they run continuously in the bedroom. -
Have someone else mow and rake the lawn. If you must work in the yard, wear a high quality mask. -
Do not hang clothing outdoors. This makes an attractive landing surface for airborne mold spores.
MOLD SURVIVOR http://www.mold-survivor.com/ This web site offers numerous articles and information about mold in your home and workplace and everywhere in between. Great site to learn from .
OUTDOOR AIR http://lungaction.org/reports/stateoftheair2005.html Breathing dirty air? You can find out with the American Lung Association State of the Air: 2003 Report. A map is provided so you can learn about the air in your neighborhood.
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