All of us are aware of the problems of air pollution, but we tend to think of it as an outdoors problem. Gases from automobile exhausts, industrial effluents, smoke from fires. Even methane gas from herds of cows has become a prominent issue. Few of us think however of the myriad of polluting substances which we have in our households which affect our lives on a daily basis. Unless we live in an industrial area, where there are serious quantities of pollutants in the air, it is probable that the air in our homes is more polluted than it is outdoors. Here are some of the things we need to look out for and to eliminate from our homes wherever possible.
1. Rugs, Carpets and Upholstery. Most carpets and upholstery fabrics nowadays are made from artificial materials derived from petroleum products.These products, especially when new, emit toxic fumes, which are very unhealthy. Adhesives used to install them also frequently contain volatile compounds such as
formaldehyde which are toxic. If you are having new carpet installed do it in summer months when you can leave windows and doors open for several days to remove toxic pollutants. Also ask the installer to use low VOC formaldehyde free adhesives. Use an electric fan in the room for several days to blow air out the open windows. Do not allow small children to lie on the rug.
2. Furnaces,Stoves,Heaters. Gas stoves must be well ventilated with a ventilation hood to draw toxic CO2 and CO gases out of the kitchen. Gas and oil furnaces must be properly installed and maintained so that no toxic gases will enter the home. Kerosene or propane heaters or other fuel burners should never be used inside a building. Toxic gases from these heaters can cause carbon monoxide poisoning as well as emitting nitrogen dioxide gas and small particulates into the air.These emissions are responsible for eye, nose and throat irritation as well as respiratory problems.
3. Fluorescent Light Tubes and CFL Bulbs. If broken these can release highly poisonous mercury compounds into the room. If these compounds get into a carpet they will never be completely removed. If a breakage occurs keep everyone out of the room and ventilate with a fan through open windows for 30 minutes or more. Follow EPA published guidelines to clean up properly.
4. Plywood,Particleboard and Wall Panelling. These products, when new, emit formaldehyde which is a dangerous probable carcinogen. Exterior plywood and pressed wood products do not contain urea resins which produce formaldehyde so use the exterior grade product when you can. Otherwise ventilate the room well for several weeks after installation.
5. Paint and Paint Stripper. All paints contain VOCs which are emitted as they dry. These volatile organic compounds can cause health problems. Latex paints are far less of a problem than oil based paints. Paint strippers and aerosol paint cans often have methylene chloride in them which is a possible carcinogen. Ventilate all rooms well after painting. Leave windows open for several days if possible.
6. Plastic Products. All plastics are derived from petroleum compounds. PVC(polyvinyl chloride) is one of the most common plastics we use and it emits pthalate compounds which may cause hormonal problems and reproductive abnormalities. Plastics can also produce flame retardant emissions of chemicals which may be neurotoxic as suggested by animal studies. New electronic gear such as computers,monitors,TVs and other items are largely made from plastics which may emit dangerous compounds such as these.
7. Glue and Other Adhesives. many of these products contain volatile organic compounds which can be toxic. They can also irritate eyes. Use glues and adhesive products in a well ventilated room and keep your eyes as far from them as possible.
Our tightly sealed modern homes cause concentration of pollutants in the indoor air. It is a good idea to allow as much ventilation as possible when we have any of the above toxic risks in the home.
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