Levels of indoor air pollutants may be two to five times higher — and occasionally more than 100 times higher — than outdoor levels, according to EPA.
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Levels of indoor air pollutants may be two to five times higher — and occasionally more than 100 times higher — than outdoor levels, according to EPA. |
The air inside your home could be more dangerous to your health than the air outside, according to a recent survey from the American Lung Association. And to make matters worse, Americans spend up to 90 percent of their time indoors.
A 1997 joint study between the U.S. Department of Energy and Lawrence Berkley National Laboratory estimated total costs to the U.S. economy range as high as $168 billion/year. (Fisk, William J. and Rosenfeld, Arthur H.; “Estimates of Improved Productivity and Health From Better Indoor Environments”, Lawrence Berkley National Lab & U.S. Dept. of Energy: Berkeley, CA, 1997; ISSN 095-6947) The report attributed $6 to 19 billion from increased respiratory disease, $1 to 4 billion from increased allergies and asthma, $5 to 10 billion from sick building syndrome, and a potentially huge amount, $12 to 125 billion, from reduced productivity.
The American Lung Association has found that 87 percent of homeowners nationwide are not conscious of indoor air pollutants. To promote greater awareness and education about the air around us, the American Lung Association is offering a booklet called "A Guide for Creating a Healthier Home", along with other helpful information at Health House News.
Biological contaminants, including molds, bacteria, pollen, dust mites and animal dander promote poor indoor air quality and may be a major cause of days lost from work and school, according to the American Lung Association. In office buildings, heating, cooling and ventilation systems that are not properly maintained are frequent sources of biological substances that are inhaled, leading to breathing problems.
Other pollutants include radon, secondhand smoke, formaldehyde, asbestos and nitrogen dioxide.
The EPA has reported levels of indoor air pollutants may be two to five times higher — and occasionally more than 100 times higher — than outdoor levels.
Here are a few tips from the booklet:
Indoor air pollution is one of the five most urgent environmental problems facing the United States, according to the EPA.
"With all the attention surrounding dangerous levels of smog, ozone and other pollutants in the air we breathe outdoors, many lose sight of the fact that these same pollutants — as well as pollen and other allergens — can easily find their way indoors", said Mark LaLiberte, building expert and technical advisor to the American Lung Association's Health House Project.
The booklet is part of an ongoing educational partnership between 3M®, the American Lung Association and the association's Health House Project. To obtain a free copy of the booklet, e-mail: 3M Filtrete or call (800) 388-3458.
Focus on Indoor Air Quality (IAQ): What Teachers Should Know, What Teachers Can Do
