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Biological Contaminants
Description:
Common biological contaminants include mold, dust mites, pet
dander (skin flakes), droppings and body parts from cockroaches,
rodents and other pests or insects, viruses, and bacteria. Many
of these biological contaminants are small enough to be inhaled.
Source: There are many
sources of these pollutants. Pollens originate from plants;
viruses are transmitted by people and animals; bacteria are
carried by people, animals, and soil and plant debris; and
household pets are sources of saliva and animal dander. The
protein in urine from rats and mice is a potent allergen. When
it dries, it can become airborne. Contaminated central air
handling systems can become breeding grounds for mold, mildew,
and other sources of biological contaminants and can then
distribute these contaminants through the home.
Health Risks: 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. 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.
Hostile Environment
for Biological Contaminants:
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Maintenance of heating and air
conditioning equipment, |
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Adequate ventilation and good air
distribution |
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The key to mold control is moisture
control. |
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Maintaining the relative humidity
between 30% - 60% will help control mold, dust mites,
and cockroaches. |
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Install and use exhaust fans that are
vented to the outdoors in kitchens and bathrooms and
vent clothes dryers outdoors. |
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Keep crawlspace and attic humidity
levels below 50 percent to prevent water condensation on
building materials. |
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If using cool mist or ultrasonic
humidifiers, clean appliances according to
manufacturer's instructions and refill with fresh water
daily. |
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Thoroughly clean and dry
water-damaged carpets and building materials (within 24
hours if possible) or consider removal and replacement.
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Keep the house clean. House dust
mites, pollens, animal dander, and other allergy-causing
agents can be reduced, although not eliminated, through
regular cleaning. |
Carbon Monoxide
Description:
Colorless gas or liquid; practically odorless; tasteless. Burns
with a violet flame. Slightly soluble in water; soluble in
alcohol and benzene. It results from incomplete oxidation of
carbon in combustion.
Source: Incomplete oxidation
during combustion in gas ranges and unvented gas or kerosene
heaters may cause high concentrations of CO in indoor air.
Leaking chimneys and furnaces; back-drafting from furnaces, gas
water heaters, wood stoves, and fireplaces; gas stoves;
generators and other gasoline powered equipment; automobile
exhaust from attached garages; and tobacco smoke.
Health Risks: 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. Can cause flu-like symptoms that clear up after leaving
home. Fatal at very high concentrations. Acute effects are due
to the formation of carboxyhemoglobin in the blood, which
inhibits oxygen intake.
Hostile Environment
for Carbon Monoxide:
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Adequate ventilation and good air
distribution |
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Have a trained professional inspect,
clean, and tune-up heating and air conditioning
equipment |
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Have a trained professional inspect
chimneys annually |
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Create a positive pressure in the
home to avoid back-drafting |
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Keep gas appliances properly
adjusted. |
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Consider purchasing a vented space
heater when replacing an unvented one.
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Use proper fuel in kerosene space
heaters. |
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Install and use an exhaust fan vented
to outdoors over gas stoves.
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Open flues when fireplaces are in
use. |
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Make certain that doors on all wood
stoves fit tightly. |
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Do not idle the car or gas powered
equipment inside garage. |
Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS)
aka Second Hand Smoke
Description:
A mixture of smoke given off by the burning end of a cigarette,
pipe, or cigar, and the smoke exhaled from the lungs of smokers.
Source: 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.
Health Risks: Secondhand
smoke has been classified by the U.S. Environmental Protection
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. 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.
Hostile Environment for Radon:
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Do not smoke in your home or permit
others to do so. |
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If a family member insists on smoking
indoors, increase ventilation in the area where smoking
takes place. |
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Do not smoke if children are present,
particularly infants and toddlers. They are particularly
susceptible to the effects of passive smoking. |
Formaldehyde
Description:
Formaldehyde, a colorless, pungent-smelling gas, is an important
chemical used widely by industry to manufacture building
materials and numerous household products. It is also a
by-product of combustion and certain other natural processes.
Thus, it may be present in substantial concentrations both
indoors and outdoors.
Source: In homes, the most
significant sources of formaldehyde are likely to be pressed
wood products (hardwood plywood wall paneling, particleboard,
fiberboard) and furniture made with these pressed wood products.
Urea-formaldehyde foam insulation (UFFI). Combustion sources and
environmental tobacco smoke. Durable press drapes, other
textiles, and glues.
Health Risks: Exposure to
formaldehyde vapors can cause eye, nose and throat irritation;
coughing; skin rashes; headaches; fatigue; dizziness; nausea;
vomiting and nosebleeds. High concentrations may trigger attacks
in people with asthma. There is evidence that some people can
develop a sensitivity to formaldehyde. Formaldehyde has also
been shown to cause cancer in laboratory animals, and the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ranks formaldehyde as a
probable human carcinogen.
Hostile Environment for Formaldehyde:
Quote EPA
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Formaldehyde levels in the indoor air
depend mainly on what is releasing the formaldehyde (the
source), the temperature, the humidity, and the air
exchange rate (the amount of outdoor air entering or
leaving the indoor area). Increasing the flow of outdoor
air to the inside decreases the formaldehyde levels.
Decreasing this flow of outdoor air by sealing the
residence or office increases the formaldehyde level in
the in door air. |
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Purchasing furniture or cabinets that
contain a high percentage of panel surfaces and edges
that are laminated or coated. Unlaminated or uncoated
(raw) panels of pressed wood products will generally
emit more formaldehyde than those that are laminated or
coated. |
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Using alternative products such as
wood panel products not made with urea-formaldehyde
glues, lumber or metal. |
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Avoiding the use of foamed-in-place
insulation containing formaldehyde, especially
urea-formaldehyde foam insulation. |
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Washing durable-press fabrics before
use. |
Lead
Description:
Lead is a highly toxic metal. Lead has long been recognized as a
harmful environmental pollutant. There are many ways in which
humans are exposed to lead: through air, drinking water, food,
contaminated soil, deteriorating paint, and dust. Airborne lead
enters the body when an individual breathes or swallows lead
particles or dust once it has settled.
Source: Before it was known
how harmful lead could be, it was used in paint, gasoline, water
pipes, and many other products. The use of lead has contaminated
soil, dust, and drinking water.
Health Risks: Lead can cause
serious damage to the brain kidneys, nervous system, and red
blood cells. Children are particularly vulnerable. Lead exposure
in children can result in delays in physical development, lower
IQ levels, shorten attention spans, and increase behavioral
problems. The effects of lead exposure on fetuses and young
children can be severe.
Hostile Environment for Lead:
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A child who gets enough iron and
calcium will absorb less lead. |
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Preventive measures to reduce lead
exposure include: cleaning play areas; mopping floors
and wiping window ledges and other smooth flat areas
with damp cloths frequently. |
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Keep children away from areas where
paint is chipped, peeling, or chalking |
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Prevent children from chewing on
window sills and other painted areas |
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Ensure that toys are cleaned
frequently and hands are washed before meals. |
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Do not store food or liquid in lead
crystal glassware or imported or old pottery. |
Mold
Description: Fungi are
plant-like organisms that lack chlorophyll. Fungi are one of the
five kingdoms of life. Many fungi are good and useful (edible
mushrooms would be an example of these) while some cause
problems (some fungi can injure plants and people). There are
over 100,000 species of fungi. Mycologists are the scientists
who study fungus. Medical mycologists study drugs to cure fungal
infections, while agricultural and research mycologists study
the industrial uses of fungi.
Source: 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.
Health Risks: 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.
Hostile Environment for Biological
Contaminants:
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The key to mold
control is moisture control.
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Maintaining the
relative humidity between 30% - 60% will help control
mold, dust mites, and cockroaches.
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Install and use
exhaust fans that are vented to the outdoors in kitchens
and bathrooms and vent clothes dryers outdoors.
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Keep crawlspace
and attic humidity levels below 50 percent to prevent
water condensation on building materials.
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Thoroughly clean
and dry water-damaged carpets and building materials
(within 24 hours if possible) or consider removal and
replacement. |
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Maintenance of
heating and air conditioning equipment,
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Adequate
ventilation and good air distribution.
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Pesticides
Description:
Pesticides are classed as semi-volatile organic compounds and
include a variety of chemicals in various forms. Pesticides are
chemicals that are used to kill or control pests. Pesticides are
inherently toxic.
Source: According to
research done in the early 1990's, some 75 percent of U.S.
households use at least one pesticide product indoors. Another
study suggested that 80 percent of most people's exposure to
pesticides occurs indoors and that measurable levels of up to a
dozen pesticides have been found in the air inside homes. The
amount of pesticides found in homes appears to be greater than
can be explained by recent pesticide use in those households;
other possible sources include contaminated soil or dust that
floats or is tracked in from outside, stored pesticide
containers, and household surfaces that collect and then release
the pesticides.
Health Risks: Exposure to
high levels of cyclodiene pesticides, commonly associated with
misapplication, has produced various symptoms, including
headaches, dizziness, muscle twitching, weakness, tingling
sensations, and nausea. In addition, EPA is concerned that
cyclodienes might cause long-term damage to the liver and the
central nervous system, as well as an increased risk of cancer.
Hostile Environment for Lead:
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Use strictly
according to manufacturer's directions. |
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Mix or
dilute outdoors. |
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Apply only
in recommended quantities. |
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Increase
ventilation when using indoors. Take plants or pets outdoors
when applying pesticides/flea and tick treatments. |
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Use
non-chemical methods of pest control where possible. |
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If you use a
pest control company, select it carefully. |
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Do not store
unneeded pesticides inside home; dispose of unwanted
containers safely. |
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Store
clothes with moth repellents in separately ventilated areas,
if possible. |
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Keep indoor
spaces clean, dry, and well ventilated to avoid pest and
odor problems. |
Radon
Description:
Radon is a naturally occurring, colorless, odorless, tasteless,
radioactive gas produced by the breakdown of uranium in rocks
and soil.
Source: Radon comes from the
soil surrounding and beneath the house, especially soil or rock
that contains uranium, shale, phosphate, granite, and
pitchblende. It typically moves up through the soil into the air
above and then into your home through cracks in foundations and
walls, openings around sump pumps and drains, and construction
joints. The highest concentrations of radon can be found in the
lowest levels of the home.
Health Risks: No immediate
symptoms. Estimated to contribute to between 7,000 and 30,000
lung cancer deaths each year
Hostile Environment for Radon:
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Test your
home for radon. Although there is no level at which radon is
considered to be safe, EPA recommends reducing radon if
indoor levels are at or above 4.0 pCi/L |
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Call your
state radon office for a list of qualified contractors |
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Adequate
ventilation and good air distribution |
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Create a
positive pressure in the home to reduce infiltration sealing
cracks in floors and walls |
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"Subslab
depressurization" systems. |
VOC -
Volatile Organic
Compound
Description:
"Volatile" is any substance (chemical) that can evaporate
quickly. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted as gases
from certain solids or liquids. VOCs include a variety of
chemicals, some of which may have short- and long-term adverse
health effects. Concentrations of many VOCs are consistently
higher indoors (up to ten times higher) than outdoors.
Source: VOCs are emitted by
a wide array of products numbering in the thousands. Off-gassing
from synthetic furnishings and building materials such as
carpeting and particleboard products, paints, cleaning supplies,
and tobacco smoke can produce gaseous pollutants known as VOCs.
Scientists have now discovered that molds and fungi also produce
VOCs and related odors.
Health Risks: 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. Key signs or symptoms associated with exposure to
VOCs include eye and respiratory tract irritation, headaches,
dizziness, visual disorders, and memory impairment. Many organic
compounds are known to cause cancer in animals; some are
suspected of causing, or are known to cause, cancer in humans.
Hostile Environment for VOCs:
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Increase ventilation when using
products that emit VOCs |
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Maintain humidity levels
between 30% and 50% to inhibit the release of VOCs from
fabrics and building materials.
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Use
a sealant on all exposed surfaces of paneling and other
furnishings. |
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Use
household products according to manufacturer's directions.
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Throw away unused or little-used containers safely
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Use
integrated pest management techniques to reduce the need for
pesticides. |
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Never mix household care products unless directed on the
label |
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