' EPA 4D2-K-9S-DD2
, January 1998
Healthy Indoor Air
"America's Homes
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f you're like most Americans, you spend much of your time.,ki-
doors. Have you ever stopped to think about whether the air you're
breathing at home is healthy? When you're at home do you frequently
have headaches or feel nauseous or tired ? Do you feel better when you
leave the house? If you have these symptoms, or others listed in this
booklet, your home's air quality may be the problem.
Research has found that in homes across America, the quality of in-
door air can be worse than outdoor air. That's because many homes are
being built and remodeled tighter some with improved ventilation
systems to provide fresh air exchange. We are using more products and
furnishings containing compounds sensitive to some occupants.
You don't have to be a building scientist to deal with the quality of air
in your home. However, you should understand a few basics to get you
started. The "Healthy Indoor Air for America's Homes" project was de-
veloped to provide basic but comprehensive information to consumers
to get a handle on indoor air quality.
A major hazard is MISINFORMATION. Be informed. Request more
information by contacting the resources listed on the back of this booklet.
Contents
Signs of Possible Home Indoor Air Quality Problems.. ..................... 2
Molds, Excessive Moisture and Other Biological Pollutants..... .... 2
Unhealthy Remodeling By-Products. . 3
Combustion Pollutants... 5
Carbon Monoxide . . . . 6
Lead Dust 7
Environmental Tobacco Smoke[[[ 9
Radon .. ... .... 10
Excessive Formaldehyde ..................... 11
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Moisture and biological* (like molds, mildew and dust miles)
Sources include excessive humidity levels, poorly-maintained humidi-
fiers and air-conditioners, inadequate ventilation and animal dander.
Combustion products including carbon monoxide
Sources include unvented fossil-fuel space heaters, unvented gas stoves
and ovens, and "backdrafting" from furnaces and water heaters.
Formaldehyde
Sources include durable press drapes and other textiles, particle-board
products such as cabinets and furniture framing, and adhesives.
This is a radioactive gas from soil and rock beneath and around the
foundation, ground water wells and some building materials.
| Household products and furnishings
These include volatile organic compounds from paints1, solvents, air
fresheners, hobby supplies, dry cleaned clothing, aerosol sprays, ad-
hesives and fabric additives used in carpeting and furniture.
Asbestos
Most homes more than 20 years old are likely to have asbestos. Sources
include deteriorating, damaged or disturbed pipe insulation, fireproof-
ing or acoustical material and floor tiles.
Lead
Sources include lead-based paint dust from removing paint by sand-
ing, scraping and burning.
Particubtes
Sources include particles from fireplaces, woodstoves, kerosene heat-
ers, unvented gas space heaters, tobacco smoke, dust and pollen.
Environmental tobacco smoke
Produces particulates, combustion products and formaldehyde.
Remodeling activities
Remodeling can provide the disturbance that releases such materials
as asbestos, lead, formaldehyde and other hazardous materials.
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Signs of possible home indoor .air qudiify problems:
' Vvt't ~
. .<;>
unusual and noticeable odors, stale or stuffy air
noticeable lack of air movement
dirty or faulty central heating or air conditioning equipment \
damaged flue pipes or chimneys
unvented combustion air sources for fossil fuel appliances
excessive humidity
tightly constructed or remodeled home
presence of molds and mildew
health reaction after remodeling, weatherizing, using new furniture,
use of household or hobby products, or moving into a new home
feeling noticeably healthier outside the home
Molds, Excessive Moisture and
Other Bioloqical Pollutants
axxraseeeee/se.
Molds, excessive moisture and other biological organisms can cause many undesirable
health effects. To protect yourself and your family, read on.
Q: What biological problems should I be concerned about?
A: Molds, mildew, fungi, bacteria and dust mites are some of the main biologi-
cal pollutants inside the house. Some, such as pollen, are generated outside the
home. Mold and mildew are generated in the home and release spores into the air.
Mold, mildew, fungi and bacteria are often found in areas of the home that have
high humidity levels, such as bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms or basements.
Dust mites and animal dander are problematic when they become airborne during
vacuuming, making beds or when textiles are disturbed.
Q: What are some of the health effects?
A: Allergic reactions are the most common health problems associated with
biological pollutants. Symptoms often include watery eyes, runny nose and
sneezing, nasal congestion, itching, coughing, wheezing and difficulty breath-
ing, headache, dizziness and fatigue. Dust mites have been identified as the
single most important trigger for asthma attacks.
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Q: How are biological contaminants transported through the house?
A: Molds and dust mites thrive in areas of high humidity. Mold grows on or-
ganic materials such as paper, textiles, grease, dirt and soap scum; Mold spores
float throughout the house; forming new colonies where they land. Dust mites
thrive on dead human skin cells and in textiles such as bedding, carpeting and
upholstery. When these textiles are disturbed during vacuuming, making beds or
walking on carpet, the dust particles become airborne. Pollen, plant material that
enters through windows or on pets, and animal dander also become airborne when
disturbed. Infectious diseases caused by bacteria and viruses are generally passed
from person to person through physical contact, but some circulate through indoor
ventilation systems.
Q: If I'm concerned about the biological contaminants in my
home, what can I do to deal with the problem?
A: There are no practical tests for biological contaminants for use by non-
professionals. However there are signs to watch for. You can sometimes see and
smell mold colonies growing on surfaces. Mold growth should be suspected wher-
ever there are water stains, standing water or moist surfaces. Prevent mold growth
by keeping basements, bathrooms and other rooms clean and dry. Use a disin-
fectant to clean surfaces that have mold on them. If carpeting or furnishings
become wet, they must be quickly and thoroughly dried or discarded.
Humidifiers, dehumidifiers and air conditioning condensing units should
be regularly cleaned with a disinfectant such as chlorine bleach. Keep humid-
ity at acceptable levels (less than 50 percent) and make sure there's plenty of
ventilation, especially in areas where moisture tends to build up. People who are
sensitive to dust mites may need to replace carpeting in their homes with hard
surfaced flooring and use area rugs that can be removed and cleaned.
Vacuums with high efficiency filters or central vacuum systems can help
reduce the airborne dust generated by vacuuming.
You may not have realized that your remodeling project
may be creating unhealthy household air.
Q: What remodeling hazards should I be concerned about?
A: Asbestos, formaldehyde and other organic solvents, and leaded paint
dust are the main ones. These hazardous materials can be released into the air
when you remove paint, hang cabinets or disturb other existing products that
contain these materials. Paints, stripping and finishing products, and adhe-
sives can also create indoor air pollution.
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Q: By remodeling with products that don't include these hazard-
ous materials/ won't that minimize my exposure?
A: Not necessarily. Lead and asbestos were commonly used in home build-
ing until the late 1970s. Remodeling or attempting to remove these materials
from a building can actually increase your risk of exposure. Often it's better to
leave the lead- or asbestos-containing materials in place, but cover or seal them
to reduce exposure. If you suspect these materials are in your home, seek pro-
fessional help before remodeling. If you remodel, remember that careful clean-
up is important to'control exposure.
Q: What is asbestos and why should I be concerned about it?
A: Major sources of asbestos are deteriorating, damaged or disturbed insu-
lation, fireproofing or acoustical materials, and floor tiles. You won't feel any
immediate symptoms from excessive asbestos exposure, but there is the long-
term risk of chest and abdominal cancers and lung disease. Smokers are at
higher risk of developing asbestos-induced lung cancer.
Q: Why should I be concerned about lead?
A: Young children (up to about six years old) are especially at risk of un-
knowingly ingesting lead contaminated dust or paint chips. Small amounts of
lead dust, ingested regularly, can cause delayed development, reading and learn-
ing problems, lowered IQ, hyperactivity and discipline problems. Larger doses
can cause high blood pressure, anemia, and kidney and reproductive disorders
in kids and adults. Lead accumulates in the body and its effects are irreversible.
Q: What is formaldehyde and why should I be concerned?
A: Formaldehyde is often used as a preservative or as an adhesive in pressed
wood products, such as paneling and particle-board, and furniture.
Formaldehyde causes eye, nose and throat irritations; wheezing and cough-
ing; fatigue; skin rashes; headaches; loss of coordination; nausea; damage to
liver, kidneys and the central nervous system; and severe allergic reactions. It
has been linked to cancer.
Q: What about other chemicals used in remodeling, such as paints,
wood strippers and finishes/ adhesives/ waxes and cleaners?
A: The products to watch for are those containing volatile organic compounds,
which are organic solvents that easily evaporate into the air. Some may be flam-
mable. Following are some of the compounds listed on product labels: petro-
leum distillates, mineral spirits, chlorinated solvents, carbon tetrachloride, me-
thylene chloride, trichloroethane, toluene and formaldehyde. Other remodeling
products can be a hazard if they are used improperly.
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Pollutants
To protect yourself and your family from combustion pollutants, you need to know whether
you're at risk. Here are some common questions and answers.
0: What are combustion pollutants?
A: They include gases or particles that come from smoking and the burning
of fuels natural gas, propane, wood, oil, kerosene and coal. The resulting
harmful gases include carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, par-
ticulates and excess water vapor.
Q: Why should I be concerned about them?
A: Carbon monoxide, an odorless gas, can be fatal. Nitrogen dioxide can
damage the respiratory tract and sulfur dioxide can irritate the eyes, nose and
respiratory tract. Smoke and other particulates irritate the eyes, nose and throat,
and can cause lung cancer. Too much water vapor can lead to moisture prob-
lems in the home, including the growth of mold.
Q: How do combustion pollutants get into the home?
A: Combustion pollutants enter the home from a variety of sources. Any
heating appliances that burn fuels furnaces, boilers, water heaters, fireplaces,
stoves, space heaters, ranges and clothes dryers introduce combustion gases.
These pollutants also are caused by tobacco smoking, automobile exhaust en-
tering from a garage, and activities involving the use of internal combustion
engines or burning, welding or soldering.
*
Q: What causes these gases to build to dangerous levels?
A: Harmful build-ups of these gases can occur when exhaust from combus-
tion equipment is not properly vented to the outside of the home, combustion
equipment is not in good working order and is not regularly inspected for safe
operation, and a negative pressure balance exists between the inside and out-
side of the home. Tobacco smoking inside the home also contributes.
Q: What signs can help me determine if combustion gases are
affecting my health?
A: They may be the culprit if you feel bad only when you're inside the
home and the symptoms disappear when you leave, or if more than one person
in the home has similar symptoms. A noticeable increase in moisture problems
can also be a sign of combustion pollutants in the home.
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Q: How can I reduce the risk from combustion gases? c-% *>&'
A: The most important practice is to keep all combustion equipment well-
maintained and inspected for safety. Experts recommend having your com-
bustion heating systems inspected by a trained professional every year. Such
inspections should look for blocked openings to flues and chimneys, cracked
or disconnected flue pipe, dirty filter, rust or cracks in the heat exchanger,
soot or creosote build-up, and exhaust or gas odors. Also, always operate com-
bustion equipment for its intended purpose and make sure it has been installed
correctly. You might consider installing a carbon monoxide detector, which
will alert you to dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. However, such a de-
tector will not detect other combustion by-products that can still make you ill.
Q: What is carbon monoxide and why should I be concerned about it?
A: Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can be fatal when
breathed. It's sometimes difficult to determine if carbon monoxide is the cul-
prit, because its symptoms are similar to flu and allergies. Low levels can cause
nausea, dizziness, weakness and muscle ache. Higher doses can impair judge-
ment, cause paralysis or coma, and death.
Q: How does carbon monoxide get into the home?
A: Carbon monoxide buildup can occur several ways: when flues or chim-
neys become blocked so exhaust cannot be vented to the outside; when a fuel
burning furnace has a cracked or rusted heat exchanger, allowing combustion
gases into the living spaces; when fuel-burning space heaters, ovens, ranges or
grills are operated in the home without adequate ventilation; when car exhaust
from an attached garage enters the home; when combustion equipment is not
working properly and causes incomplete combustion; and when there's a nega-
tive pressure balance between the inside and outside of the home, preventing
adequate venting of combustion gases.
Q: What causes carbon monoxide to build to dangerous levels?
A: Harmful build-ups of these gases can occur when: exhaust from combus-
tion equipment is not vented to the outside of the home, and when combustion
equipment is not in good working order and is not regularly inspected for safe
operation.
Some homes may have a problem with "backdrafting." That's when the air
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pressure inside the home is less than the air pressure outside, causing combus-
tion by-products from furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces and similar equip-
ment to spill back into the room rather man being vented outside. Backdrafting
can also occur when natural draft appliance exhaust is pulled back into the
house by mechanical ventilation like a down-draft kitchen power vent.
Q: is there a way to detect if my home has carbon monoxide build-
up?
A: There are carbon monoxide detectors you can install, which will alert
you to dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. It is important to choose and
place a detector wisely and maintain it to assure accurate sensing of carbon
monoxide.
Q: What signs can help me determine if carbon monoxide is
affecting my health?
A: Carbon monoxide may be the problem if you feel bad only when you're
inside the home and the symptoms gradually disappear after you have left, or if
more than one person in the home has similar symptoms. Remember carbon
monoxide related symptoms are similar to those of the flu.
Q: How can I reduce the risk from carbon monoxide?
A: The most important practice is to keep all.combustion equipment well-
maintained and inspected for safety. Experts recommend having your combus-
tion heating systems inspected by a trained professional every year. Such in-
spections should look for blocked openings to flues and chimneys; cracked or
disconnected flue pipe; signs of soot around openings in your furnace or boiler;
rust or cracks in the heat exchanger; soot or creosote build-up; and exhaust or
gas odors. Always operate combustion equipment for its intended purpose and
make sure it has been installed correctly. Never use unvented combustion ap-
pliances indoors.
Q: What is lead? What are the sources of lead?
A: It's a metallic element that is widely dispersed in the environment. It was
used in house paint until 1978, when it was banned. It was also widely used in
gasoline, but has since been removed. Near major traffic corridors, soils may
be contaminated from the long-term use of leaded gas. Also, water is a poten-
tial source of lead.This is usually from lead in solder, fixtures and piping in the
home. There is no lead in a "lead" pencil!
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Q: Why should I be concerned about lead?
A: Young children (up to about six years old) are especially at risk of in-
gesting lead contaminated dust or paint chips. Small amounts of lead dust,
consumed regularly, can cause delayed development, reading and learning prob-
lems, lowered IQ, hyperactivity and discipline problems. Larger doses can
cause high blood pressure, anemia, and kidney and reproductive disorders in
both kids and adults. Lead accumulates in the body and its effects are irreversible.
Q: How do [ know if my children have been exposed to lead?
A: If you live in an older home, your children may be at high risk. All children
up to age six should be tested for lead in their blood. Ask your public health depart-
ment about lead testing programs for children.
Q: How do I know if my home has significant concentrations of
lead?
A: An estimated 57 million U.S. homes have at least some lead paint. Older
homes are at greater risk. Prior to 1950, paint contained as much as 50 percent
lead. Paint in good condition poses little risk. Paint that is peeling or on deteriorat-
ing surfaces is especially risky. Dust created from remodeling an older home can
also be a source of lead.
Do-it-yourself test kits are available at home centers, paint stores and ce-
ramic supply stores. Their sensitivity is limited though. Also, it may be diffi-
cult to get accurate readings on surfaces with multiple levels of paint. For
more accurate information, have a professional detection service conduct a
lead-based paint risk assessment.
Qj Should I be concerned if my home has lead?
A: Yes, especially if you have young children in your home. But, it's impor-
tant to distinguish between the presence of lead paint and a lead paint hazard. Lead
paint in good condition may not pose a hazard until sometime in the futuresay, if
you plan to scrape the paint or remodel. Then paint dust will pose a hazard.
Q: If lead is detected in my home, what should I do?
A: The simplest way to control exposure to lead is through frequent damp
mopping to control dust. (Vacuuming can disperse dust particles back into the
room.) Pick up loose paint chips with duct tape. Frequent washing of your
child's hands and toys will also reduce exposure. It's important not to sand or
scrape leaded paint or do any other activities that generate dust.
Eliminating lead dust hazards is complex and should only be done by pro-
fessionals. Measures include replacing windows and moldings, paint removal
and covering surfaces with materials such as wallboard. Children should re-
moved until the site "clears" inspection.
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Q: Where;'««nJ,get more information about lead?
A: Contact the National Lead Information Center (1-800-424-5323) for an-
swers to specific questions, or its hotline (1-800-532-3394) for print materials,
including an Environmental Protection Agency booklet titled "Protect Your
Family from Lead in Your Home."
Here are some common questions and answers about secondhand smoke also known as
environmental tobacco smoke (ETS).
Q: What is secondhand smoke?
A: Secondhand smoke is a mixture of the smoke given off by the burning
end of a cigarette, pipe or cigar, and the smoke exhaled from the lungs of
smokers. This mixture contains more than 4,000 substances, more than 40 of
which are known to cause cancer in humans or animals and many of which are
strong irritants. Exposure to secondhand smoke is called involuntary
smoking, or passive smoking.
Q: How does secondhand smoke affect my health?
A: Secondhand smoke has been classified by the U.S. Environmental Pro-
tection Agency (EPA) as a known cause of lung cancer in humans (Group A
carcinogen). EPA estimates that ETS causes approximately 3,000 lung cancer
deaths in nonsmokers each year.
Q: What about the risks to children?
A: Secondhand smoke is a serious health risk to children. EPA estimates
that passive smoking is responsible for between 150,000 and 300,000 lower
respiratory tract infections in infants and children under 18 months of age
annually, resulting in between 7,500 and 15,000 hospitalizations each year.
Children exposed to secondhand smoke are also more likely to have reduced
lung function and symptoms of respiratory irritation like cough, excess phlegm,
and wheeze.
Passive smoking can lead to buildup of fluid in the middle ear, the most
common cause of hospitalization of children for an operation. Asthmatic chil-
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dren are especiaUy_at risR;EPA estimates that exposure to secondhand smoke
increases the number of episodes- and severity of symptoms in hundreds of
thousands of asthmatic children. EPA estimates that between 200,000 and
1,000,000 asthmatic children have their condition made worse by exposure to
secondhand smoke. Passive smoking may also cause thousands of non-asth-
matic children to develop the condition each year.
Q: What can I do to reduce my family's risk from ETS?
A: Do not smoke in your home or permit others to do so. If a family mem-
ber insists on sm'oking indoors, increase ventilation in the area where smoking
takes place. Open windows or use exhaust fans. Do not smoke if children are
present, especially infants and toddlers. They are particularly susceptible to
the effects of passive smoking.
Q: Where can I get more information?
A: Contact your local Extension Office, your state department of health, or
the National Indoor Air Quality Information Clearinghouse (1-800-438-4318).
Other agencies with information are:
Office on Smoking and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Preven-
tion: 404-488-5705
National Cancer Institute: 800-4-CANCER
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: 301-951-3260
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health: 1-800-35-NIOSH
Q: Why should I be concerned about radon?
A: Exposure to radon can increase your chances of getting lung cancer.
Scientists are more certain about radon risks than risks from most other can-
cer-causing substances. Smoking combined with radon exposure is an espe-
cially dangerous health risk.
Q: How does radon affect my health?
A: Radon gas decays into radioactive particles that can get trapped in your
lungs when you breathe. These particles release bursts of energy that can dam-
age lung tissue and lead to lung cancer.
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Q: What is radon? Where does if come from? ;,, i % : /v
A: Radon is an odorless radioactive gas that results from the Breakdown 6f:
uranium. Uranium is present in most of the soil and rock around the world It
is typically concentrated in areas with lots of granite, shale, phosphate and
pitchblende. ' '
Q: How does radon enter your home?
A: Because radon is a gas, it can leak into your house through the basement
or crawl space via adjacent or exposed soil and rock or through well
water. Some building materials such as natural stone or rock can contain and
emit radon. Radon can also be carried into your house through natural gas.
Q: How do I know if my home has significant concentrations of
radon?
A: The only way to know is to have your home tested. You may be able to
hire a radon monitoring service check your yellow pages under "radon" or
"labs." You can also monitor radon levels yourself by using an alpha track
detector, which takes at least a month up to a year for more accurate read-
ings to determine average radon concentration. Such detectors cost about
$20-$25 per kit which usually include postage and reporting on test results.
Because these long-term tests are exposed to radon for a longer period, they
are generally considered more valid than the short-term carbon detector tests.
These can be conducted in two to seven days and cost $10-$20 per kit.
Q: What is formaldehyde?
A: It is a chemical that is released into the air as a pungent gas. It has a
number of useful properties: It's a good preservative and makes an excellent
adhesive. Therefore, it is used widely in the building and furnishings indus-
tries. It is also found in small amounts in some textiles as an anti-wrinkle agent.
Q: Why should I be concerned about formaldehyde?
A: It is a strong irritant that causes watery eyes and in low doses, causes
burning sensations in the eyes, nose and throat. Wheezing and coughing, fa-
tigue, skin rashes, headaches, loss of coordination and nausea are other symp-
toms. Larger doses can cause asthma attacks as well as damage to the liver,
kidneys and the central nervous system. Some people are highly sensitive and
react to formaldehyde concentrations that don't bother most people.
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Formaldehyde has been shown to cause cancer in laboratory animals, but
there is limited evidence that it causes cancer in humans.
Q: What are the major sources of formaldehyde?
A: Particleboard is the major contributor of formaldehyde to the home en-
vironment. The culprit is the adhesive, urea formaldehyde, which can break
down, releasing the formaldehyde. Phenol formaldehyde (used in exterior pan-
els) does not present problems. Some particleboard is now manufactured with
reduced formaldehyde.
Other sources include interior plywood, veneered or laminated furniture
and cabinets, some professionally applied furniture and floor finishes, panel-
ing, permanent press fabrics (some drapes), combustion products and cosmetics.
Q: How can I detect whether my home has significant concentrations
of formaldehyde?
A: You may be able to detect it by its odor. Also, environmental testing
firms, listed in the yellow pages of the phone directory, should be able to test
for formaldehyde levels. Since such tests are costly, you should learn whether
your home has possible, sources of formaldehyde. Also, do-it-yourself test kits
are available, but there is some question about their accuracy.
Q: What can I do to reduce formaldehyde problems?
A: Formaldehyde cannot penetrate plastic laminate and is at least partly
blocked by coatings. Varnishes and special formaldehyde sealants are also
available. Apply these coatings to all exposed edges and surfaces, such as
the undersides of countertops, cabinet interiors and drawers.
High humidity and elevated temperatures cause formaldehyde release, so
you might want to control humidity through air conditioning and dehumidifi-
ers. Also, increase ventilation, particularly after bringing new sources of form-
aldehyde into the home. When remodeling and in new construction, select low
formaldehyde materials.
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The unsafe use of many common household products can cause many undesirable health
effects. To protect yourself and your family, read on.
Q: What are some of the products I should be aware of?
A: Solvents, paints, paint strippers, wood preservatives, aerosol sprays, moth
repellents,, air fresheners, stored fuels, automotive products, hobby supplies,
pesticides and some cleaners and disinfectants.
Q: What are the particular ingredients that 1 should be concerned about?
A: The products to watch for are those containing volatile organic com-
pounds, which are organic solvents that easily evaporate into the air. Some may
be flammable. Following are some of the compounds listed on product labels:
petroleum distillates, mineral spirits, chlorinated solvents, carbon tetrachloride,
methylene chloride, trichloroemane, toluene and formaldehyde. Other house-
hold product ingredients can also be a hazard if they are used improperly.
Q: What are some of the health effects?
A: Short-term effects include eye, nose and throat irritation, and headaches.
Long-term exposure can cause loss of coordination; nausea; and damage to
liver, kidneys and the central nervous system. Some organics can cause cancer
in animals and are suspected of causing cancer in humans.
Q: What are some ways I can minimize potential health problems?
A: First, read the labels of products you are considering buying. Note the
product's ingredients and beware of any warnings of its use. Always use house-
hold products only for their intended purpose and according to the
manufacturer's instructions. Use the product in a well-ventilated area. Choose
products that are packaged to reduce the chance of spills, leaks and child tam-
pering. Also, keep household products in their original containers so that safety
information and directions for use are always with the product.
Q: Are there ways I can reduce my need for these products?
A: Yes, by practicing preventative maintenance. Quickly attend to spills
and stains. Remove food wastes promptly. Also, control excess moisture (such
as standing water from air conditioner drains or refrigerator drip pans) and fix
leaks, drips and seepage problems.
You might consider using "natural" or "alternative" products, but these prod-
ucts also have pollution potential if not used correctly. Products may be la-
beled "environmentally safe," but any product that evaporates into the air has
the potential to be an indoor air pollutant, depending on the quantity used, the
method of use, the product's toxicity and the sensitivity of the user.
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*'., .'....
Haalthy Indoor Air
"America's Homes
Healthy Indoor Air for America's Homes is a national
consumer education program concerned with improving the quality of
indoor air in homes. Designed for the community educator, the
program offers a manual including ten comprehensive training
modules on residential indoor air quality issues, marketing and media
helps, consumer video presentations, evaluation tools and
implementation ideas. A program manager is available in most states
who can assist you with the program.
For more information, contact the Montana State University Extension
Service Housing Program at 406-994-3451, Fax: 406-994-5417,
or visit our web site at www.montana.edu/wwwcxair
To order an additional free copy of this booklet, contact:
The National Center for Environmental Publications and Information
(NCEPI) at 1-800-490-9198 OR write to:
The Public Document Distribution Center, 31451 United Avenue,
Pueblo, CO 81001. Request item #636-E.
Additional sources of information and publications
on home indoor air quality:
County Extension Office: check your county government telephone listing
EPA Indoor Air Quality Information Clearinghouse: 1-800-438-4318
National Lead Information Center: 1-800-424-5323
Consumer Product Safety Commission: l-800-638*-CPSC
A partnership program of
vvEPA
United Stoles Environmental Praiecjion Agency
Indoor Environments Division
USDA
United Stoles Deportment of Agriculture
Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Sereice
Healthy Indoor Air for America's Homes website;
wvsrw.rnontana.edu/wwwcxair
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