Indoor Air Pollution
Indoor air pollution can be any number of pollutants that may make you ill. Radon, asbestos, tobacco smoke, solvents, cleaning solutions, carbon monoxide released by stoves, heaters, candles and fireplaces, mold, fungus and pet dander can pollute indoor air. Indoor air pollution sources include:
* starting equipment indoors;
* water leaks and condensation;
* chemical storage;
* poorly operating heaters;
and * inadequate ventilation.
Indoor Air pollution becomes bigger issues during the long, cold Alaskan winters as people tend to stay indoors more often and for longer periods.
Here are some basic facts about Indoor Air Quality:
Indoor air pollution may exist at levels 2 to 5 times more than outdoor levels. Sometimes, the concentration indoors is 100 times the outdoor pollutant concentration.
Studies indicate children spend more and more time indoors, and less outside. Some people may spend 90% of their time indoors due to weather and health.
What are the potential health effects?
Health effects of indoor air pollution can depend on the pollutant, its concentration in the air, and the length of exposure.Health effects from short-term exposures to high concentrations of bad indoor air may be:
- irritation of eyes
- nose and throat
- headaches
- dizziness and fatigue
- asthma attacks
- decreased reaction time and other nervous system impacts
- death
Long term health effects to indoor air pollution can include:
- cancer
- chronic bronchitis
- asthma
- decreased lung capacity and performance
What may be concerns in my community?
Indoor air pollution is exacerbated by climate when homes are tightly sealed against the cold weather and people may stay indoors more often and longer during winter months. Homes that have attached garages or sheds may be a source of pollutants from cars and stored fuels and solvents. It is important to check on possible door leaks into the garage area to minimize the effects of the vehicles and stored fuels, cleaning products, solvents effects within the home.Other indoor air quality concerns may be when taking a steam bath or smoking fish in a smokehouse. Leaking smokestacks and leaking earthstove doors are a possible source of pollution leaking into the home or steam bath.
For additional information on Indoor Air Quality see the EPA's indoor air pollution publication: "The Inside Story: A Guide to Indoor Air Pollution"
http://www.epa.gov/iaq/