Eliminate Indoor Air Pollution

Air pollution can be defined as " the human introduction into the atmosphere of chemicals, Particulate matter, or biological materials that cause harm or discomfort to humans or other living organisms, or damages the environment" (Wikipedia). Recent scientific studies have shown that the air within our homes and other buildings is often more polluted than outdoor air even in large industrial cities. Other studies indicate that people spend as much as 90 percent of their time indoors. Thus, in door air pollution can pose a greater health risk than out door air pollution for many people, especially the young, the elderly and the chronically ill.

Sources of indoor pollution include:

• Biological contaminants like mold, pollen and dust mites
• Tobacco smoke
• Household products and pesticides
• Gases such as radon and carbon monoxide
• Building materials containing asbestos, formaldehyde and lead

Some of these pollutants occur naturally but most are man made and all can be eliminated once discovered. Biological contaminants can be handled with a thorough cleaning and continual routine housework.

Tobacco smoke is obviously a pollutant that can be easily eliminated, just don't smoke in the house or allow others to smoke in the house. Smokers need to be educated on how their habit affects others because it is a big problem for children and the elderly.

Toxic household products and pesticides can be just as easily eliminated by simply removing them from the house and if any such products must be used make sure no one else is home and make sure there is adequate ventilation so that toxic fumes can dissipate quickly.

Gases are another matter; the source must be discovered and then eliminated by fixing the source of the problem, which may be a furnace or some other appliance. Fixing this type of problem will usually involve hiring a professional and cost some money.

Materials used in the building itself also are harder to deal with, they will involve altering the structure to correct the problem and this is usually quite expensive. Lead paint has been an issue for decades in the US and although lead paint is no longer used there are still many older houses and apartment buildings that have lead paint. Lead paint is especially dangerous for children because they are more likely to put contaminated objects in their mouth. Once in the persons system lead stays put and builds up over time and eventually can reach toxic levels.

All of us face a variety of risks to our health as we go about our day-to-day lives. Driving in cars, flying in planes, engaging in recreational activities, and being exposed to environmental pollutants all pose varying degrees of risk. Some risks are simply unavoidable. Some risks are accepted because of a chosen lifestyle and some risks will be avoided when we have the opportunity to make informed choices. Indoor air pollution is one risk that you can and should do something about.

Although in door air pollution can be cleaned up and even eliminated some pollutants cause diseases that shows up much later, such as respiratory diseases or cancer. Eliminating pollutants and making sure your house or building is well ventilated can greatly improve the quality of your indoor air and in turn improve quality of life.