How Healthy
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C6NSUMER FEDERATION OF AMERICA
To live more safely and stay healihy, we often
take simple steps to protect ourselves and our
families. Smoke detectors alert us about the
potential for fire. Parents childproof their homes to
protect their inquisitive toddlers. Yet, few of us
recognize that the air we breathe inside our homes
can make us feel tired or dizzy, make our eyes itch or
our throats feel scratchy, bring on an asthma attack,
spread an infectious disease, or even, over a long
period of time, contribute to our risk of cancer.
You may be surprised to learn that the air inside
your home may be more seriously polluted than the
outdoor air, even if you live in a large industrial city.
This, coupled with the fact that you spend a large
amount of time inside your home, makes indoor air
quality a health concern. Some people, such as the
young, the elderly, and the chronically ill, are even
more seriously affected. Fortunately, there are simple
steps you can take to reduce your exposure to indoor
pollutants.
How To Use This Checklist
Use the following room-by-room guide to check
for indoor pollutants. In each room, we have listed
different household products, the indoor air problems
associated with them, and remedies intended to help
decrease your family's exposure to indoor pollutants.
A summary of adverse health effects or symptoms
associated with different pollutants is also included.
This information is not intended to replace the
services, advice, or consultation of a physician.
KITCHEN
Household Cleaners. Remedy:
Open window. Use according to
manufacturer's directions. See \o\
Moisture from Cooking 6 Dishwasher Use.
Remedy: Install and use exhaust fan. See \B\
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Pressed-Wood Cabinets. Remedy: See Living
Room: Paneling, Pressed-Wood, Cabinetry. See (^
Unvented Gas Stove & Range. Remedy: Keep
burners properly adjusted (blue flame tip, not yellow).
Install and use exhaust fan. Never use a gas stove to
heat your home. See [col [CB|
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directions. See
BATHROOM
Air Freshener. Remedy: Open
window or use exhaustfan instead.
If using air fresheners, follow
Moisture, Mold & Mildew. Remedy: Install and use
exhaustfan. Fixplumbing leaks promptly. See |TJ
Personal Care Products (e.g. hair spray, nail polish).
Remedy: Open window or use exhaust fan.
Follow directions for use. See [ol
BEDROOM
Dry Cleaned Goods.Remedy: Do
not accept dry cleaned goods with
chemical odor until they have been
properly dried. Try a different dry cleaner. See [oj
Humidifier. Remedy: Clean according to
manufacturer's directions. Refill with clean water
daily. See [ij
Moth Repellents (with paradichlorobenzene).
Remedy: Avoid breathing vapors. Place moth repel-
lents in trunks or other containers and store separately
(attic, storage closet), away from living areas. See [H
LIVING ROOM
Paneling, Pressed-Wood
Furniture & Cabinetry. Remedy:
When purchasing new paneling,
pressed-wood furniture or cabinetry, ask about
formaldehyde content and release. Some types of
pressed-wood products, such as those with phenol resin,
emit less formaldehyde. Also, pressed-wood products
coated with polyurethane or laminates may reduce form-
aldehyde emissions. After installation, open windows.
Maintain moderate temperature and humidity. See \^
ALL ROOMS
Animals (dander; hair, feather, or skin).
Remedy: Clean house regularly.
See iBl
Health Effects of Coj
l£j ASBESTOS: No immediate symptoms, but long term
risk of chest and abdominal cancers and lung diseases.
Smokers are at higher risk of developing asbestos-induced
lung cancer.
LsJ BIOLOGICALS: Includes allergens (mold, mildew,
pollen) and infectious disease agents (viruses, bacteria). Eye,
nose, and throat irritation; shortness of breath; dizziness; drowsi-
ness; fever; digestive problems; asthma; humidifier fever
(a respiratory illness); influenza and other infectious diseases.
p| CARBON MONOXIDE: At low concentrations, fatigue
in healthy people and chest pain in people with heart disease.
At higher concentrations, impaired vision and coordination;
headaches; dizziness; confusion; nausea; flu-like symptoms
that clear up after leaving home; and death. Hundreds of people
die each year in their homes from CO poisonings.
t3 COMBUSTION BYPRODUCTS: Eye, nose, and throat
irritation. Nitrogen dioxide may cause decreased lung function
and increased respiratory infections in young children. Respi-
rable particles may cause respiratory infections, bronchitis, and
lung cancer (See Environmental Tobacco Smoke).
(T) ENVIRONMENTAL TOBACCO SMOKE: Eye, nose,
and throat irritation; headaches; lung cancer; may contribute to
heart disease. Specifically for children, increased risk of lower
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Carpets. Remedy: Clean and dry or remove water-
damaged carpets promptly. If installing new carpet, ask
your retailer to air out the carpet before installation.
Ask for low-emitting adhesives, if adhesives are
needed. Leave the premises during and after installa-
tion. Open doors and windows; use window fans or
room air conditioners. Vacuum regularly. See [1J
resulting from water damage;^ from new carpet.
Draperies. Remedy: New draperies may be treated
with a formaldehyde-based finish and may emit form-
aldehyde for a short time. Open doors and windows.
Maintain moderate temperature and humidity. See 1"^)
mmon Indoor Pollutants
respiratory tract infections (bronchitis, pneumonia) and ear infec-
tions; increased severity and frequency of asthma episodes; de-
creased lung function.
^ FORMALDEHYDE: A widely used chemical in house-
hold products. Eye, nose, and throat irritation; wheezing and cough-
ing; fatigue; skin rash; severe allergic reactions. May cause can-
cer. May also cause other effects listed under Organic Gases.
[£] LEAD: Lead affects practically all systems within the body.
Lower levels of lead can adversely affect the central nervous
system, kidney, and blood cells and can impair mental and physi-
cal development. Lead at high levels can cause convulsions,
coma, and even death.
(°J ORGANIC GASES: Gases released from chemicals used
in household products. Eye, nose, and throat irritation; headaches;
loss of coordination; nausea; damage to liver, kidney, and central
nervous system. Some organic chemicals may cause cancer in
humans.
[^ PESTICIDES: Eye, nose, and throat irritation; damage to
central nervous system and kidney; increased risk of cancer.
I**! RADON: An invisible, radioactive gas. It is the second lead-
ing cause of lung cancer. No immediate symptoms. Smokers are
at higher risk.
Environmental Tobacco Smoke (from cigarette, pipe,
and cigar smoking). Remedy: Do not smoke in your
home or permit others to do so (especially near
children). If smoking cannot be avoided, open
windows or use exhaust fans. See [^ jcoj |ci|
Floor Tiles Containing Asbestos. Remedy:
Periodically inspect for damage or deterioration. Do
not cut, rip, sand, or remove any asbestos-containing
materials. If you plan to make changes that might
disturb the asbestos, or if materials are more than
slightly damaged, repair or removal by a professional is
needed. Call EPA at 202-554-1404 for more
information. See FA"!
House Dust Mites. Remedy: Clean house and
vacuum regularly. Wash bedding in hot water. See [B]
Lead-Based Paint (if manufactured before 1978).
Remedy: Leave lead-based paint undisturbed if it is in
good condition. Do not sand, burn off, or remove lead
paint yourself; to remove, hire a person with special
training for correcting lead paint problems. For more
information call 1-800-LEAD-FYI. See PL}
Moisture. Remedy: Use exhaust fans. Use dehumidi-
fier if necessary (See Basement: Dehumidifler).
Seels}
GARAGE
Car Exhaust. Remedy: Do not
idle car in garage. To keep exhaust
out of house, use weather stripping
on door from garage to house. See |co| |cij
Paint Supplies. Remedy: Open windows when using.
Follow manufacturer's directions. Buy limited quanti-
ties. Ifproducts contain methylene chloride (e.g. paint
strippers), use outdoors. Reseal containers well. Clean
brushes and other materials outside. See RD
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Pesticides (products that kill household pests).
Remedy: Use nonchemical methods of pest control
where possible. Follow manufacturer's directions. Mix
or dilute outdoors. Open windows when using indoors.
Take plants or pets outside when applying pesticides.
Do not store pesticides inside home. Clean shoes and
hands to avoid tracking pesticides indoors. Call EPA
at 1-800-858-PEST for more information. See |Tj
Stored Fuels (e.g, gasoline, kerosene). Remedy: Buy
limited quantities. Use well-sealed containers. Do not
store inside home. See [ol
BASEMENT OR
GROUND FLOOR
Asbestos Pipe Wrap &
Furnace Insulation. Remedy: See
All Rooms: Floor Tiles Containing Asbestos. See |JT|
Dehumidifier. Remedy: Empty and clean water tray
often. See (JBJ
Ground Moisture. Remedy: Clean and disinfect
basement floor drain regularly. Keep basement dry
and free of moisture and mildew. See ^
Radon. Remedy: Test your home for radon—do it
yourself kits are easy and inexpensive. Fix your home
if your radon level is 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) or
higher. For more information, contact your state radon
office or call l-800=SOS-RADON.See [Rj
Stored Hobby Products (e.g. paint, glue, epoxy).
Remedy: Follow manufacturer's directions. Use
outdoors, if possible. Indoors, open window or use
exhaust fan. Reseal containers well. Clean brushes
and other materials outside. See (^
Unvented Clothes Dryer. Remedy: Vent to
outdoors. See fifl; |ci|, if gas-fired dryer.
HEATING & COOLING
SYSTEMS
Air Conditioner. Remedy: Empty
and clean water tray often. Follow
all service and maintenance procedures, including
changing filter. See Hf]
Furnace. Remedy: Have your heating system in-
spected and serviced every year. Repair fuel or gas
leaks promptly. Follow service and maintenance guid-
ance, including changing filter. See |coj |CB|
Fireplace. Remedy: Open flue when fireplace is in
use. Have flue and chimney inspected annually for
blocks, leaks, or other damage. See |co| |cij
Gas Space Heater. Remedy: In room where heater
is located: open a door to the rest of the house; turn
on exhaust fan; and open a window slightly. See |co| |cij
Kerosene Heater. Remedy: Vent to outside. Only
use fuel recommended by manufacturer. Refill out-
side. If using unvented, open a door to the rest of the
house and open a window slightly. See |co| Ell
Woodstove. Remedy: Vent to outside. Choose a
properly sized woodstove that is certified to meet EPA
emission standards. Make certain all woodstove doors
fit tightly. Use aged or cured (dried) wood only; never
use pressure-treated wood. Follow manufacturer's
directions. See Icol [cij
For more information on reducing indoor air
problems in the home, contact: Indoor Air Quality
Information Clearinghouse at 1-800-438-4318. Ask
for a free copy of The Inside Story: A Guide to
Indoor Air Quality. Operators are also able to answer
questions and supply more information about specific
indoor pollutants found in your home.
Funding for this document was provided through a cooperative
agreement with the U.S. Environmental ProtectionAgency.
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