Indoor Air Quality in the Home

Indoor air quality is important, but often worse than you might expect. There are things that can be done to improve it.

The quality of indoor air can be worse than that of outdoor air. Today many homes are built or remodeled without regard to the factors that assure fresh and healthy indoor air. Our homes today are built more tightly, contain many furnishings, appliances and products that can and do affect indoor air quality.

Signs of Indoor Air Quality Problems Include:

asthma and allergy symtoms
unusual and musty odors
stale or stuffy air
a noticeable lack of air
dirty or faulty central heating or air-conditioning equipment
damaged flue pipes and chimneys
unvented combustion air sources for fossil-fuel appliances
excessive humidity
the presence of molds and mildew
adverse health reaction after remodeling, weatherizing, bringing in new furniture, using household and hobby products, and moving into a new home, and feeling noticably healthier outside of the house.

Some Quick Facts:

Indoor air quality can be worse than that of outdoor air.
Problems come from construction materials used in building homes, moisture intrusion, insects, pets, appliances, radon, materials used in household products and furnishings, smoke, and other sources.
Health effects range from minor irritation to major health risks.
Remedies include ventilation, cleaning, fixing moisture intrusion, and following manufacturers' directions when using houshold cleaning products.

Common Sources of Air Quality Problems

Poor indoor air quality can come from many sources. At least some of the following contaminants can be found in almost any home:

moisture and biological pollutants, such as molds, mildew, dust mites, animal dander, and cockroaches;
high humidity levels, inadequate ventilation, and poorly maintained humidifiers and air conditioners;
combustion products, including carbon monoxide, from unvented fossil-fuel space heaters, unvented gas stoves and ovens, and back-drafting from furnaces and water heaters;
formaldehyde from durable-press draperies and other textiles, particleboard products, such as cabinets and furniture framing, and adhesives;
radon, which is a radioactive gas from the soil and rock beneath and around the home's foundation, groundwater wells, and some building materials
household products and furnishings, such as aerosol sprays, paints, solvents, air fresheners, hobby supplies, dry-cleaned clothing, construction adhesives, and additives used in carpeting and furniture, which can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs);
asbestos, which is found in most homes built over 20 years ago. Sources include deteriorating or damaged pipe insulation, fire retardant, acoustical material (such as ceiling tiles) and floor tiles
lead from lead-based paint dust, which is created when removing paint by sanding, scraping and burning;
particulates from dust and pollen, fireplaces, wood burning stoves, kerosene heaters and unvented gas space heaters; and tobacco smoke, which produces particulates, combustion products and formaldehyde.

Install Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Install a smoke detector in each bedroom or in the adjacent hallway.
If you have gas or other fossil-fuel appliances in the house, install carbon monoxide detectors.
Combination smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are available at most home centers such as Lowe's, Home Depot and Ace Hardware.
Check the batteries frequently.

The Amount of Ventilation

If too little outdoor air enters a home, pollutants can accumulate to levels that can pose health and respiratory problems. Unless they are built with a special mechanical means of ventilation, homes that are designed and constructed to minimize the amount of outdoor air that can "leak" into and out of the home may have higher pollutant levels than other homes. However, because some weather conditions can drastically reduce the rate of air exchange, pollutants can build up even in homes that are normally considered to be "leaky."

How Does Outdoor Air Enter a House?

Outdoor air enters and leaves a house by infiltration, natural ventilation and mechanical ventilation. In natural ventilation, air moves through opened windows and doors. Air movement associated with infiltration and natural ventilation is caused by air-temperature differences between the indoors and outdoors, and by wind. With infiltration, outdoor air flows into the house through openings, around windows, doors, thru floors and ceilings, joints and cracks in walls. Finally, there are a number of mechanical ventilators, from outdoor-vented fans that remove air from a single room, such as the bathroom and kitchen, to air-handling systems that use fans and ductwork to continuously remove indoor air and distribute filtered and conditioned outdoor air to strategic points throughout the home. When there is little infiltration, natural ventilation or mechanical ventilation, the exchange rate is low the pollution levels may increase and so can the contaminants that we breath.

Solutions to Indoor Air Quality Problems

Living Areas - Living Room, Familly Rooms, etc.

Paneling, pressed-wood furniture, and cabinetry may release formaldehyde gas.

Solution: Ask about formaldehyde content before buying furniture and cabinets. Some types of pressed-wood products, such as those with phenol resin, emit less formaldehyde. Also, products coated with polyurethane or laminates may reduce formaldehyde emissions. Open your windows to air out. Maintain moderate temperature and humidity.

Biological pollutants can grow on water-damaged carpet. New carpet can release organic gases such as formaldehyde.

Solution: Promptly clean and dry water-damaged carpet, or remove it altogether. If adhesives are needed, request low-emitting ones. During installation, open doors and windows, and use window fans or room air conditioners. Vacuum regularly. Consider using area rugs instead of wall-to-wall carpet. They are easier to remove and clean, and the floor underneath can also be cleaned.

Some floor tiles contain asbestos.

Solution: Periodically inspect for damage or deterioration. Do not cut, rip, sand or remove any asbestos-containing materials. If you plan to make changes that might disturb the asbestos, or if materials are more than slightly damaged, contact a professional asbestos remediator for removal. Call your local or state health department or the Environmental Protection Agency.

Moisture encourages biological pollutants including allergens, such as mold, mildew, dust mites and cockroaches.

Solution: Eliminate moisture sources. Install and use exhaust fans. Use a dehumidifier, if you find it necessary. Remove molds and mildew by cleaning with a solution of chlorine bleach (1 cup bleach to 1 gallon water). Maintain fresh air with natural and mechanical air circulation.

Your fireplace can be a source of carbon monoxide and combustion pollutants.

Solution: Open the flue when using the fireplace. Have the flue and chimney inspected annually by a licensed chimney sweep for exhaust back-drafting, flue obstructions, cracks, excess creosote, and damage. Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to protect your family!.

An air conditioner can be a source of biological allergens.

Solution: Empty and clean the water tray often. Follow all service and maintenance procedures, including changing the filter on a regular basis.

Gas and kerosene space heaters can release carbon monoxide and combustion pollutants.

Solution: Never use unvented kerosene or gas space heaters. In the room where the heater is located, provide fresh air by opening a door to the rest of the house, turning on an exhaust fan, and slightly opening a window.

Tobacco smoke contains harmful combustion and particulate pollutants, including carbon monoxide and combustion byproducts.

Solution: Do not smoke in your home or permit others to do so, especially near children. If smoking cannot be avoided indoors, open windows and use exhaust fans.

New draperies may be treated with a formaldehyde-based finish and emit odors for a short time.

Solution: Before hanging, air draperies to eleviate odors. After hanging, ventilate the area. Maintain moderate temperature and humidity.

Paint manufactured before l978 may contain lead.

Solution: Leave lead-based paint undisturbed if it is in good condition. Before removing paint, test for lead. Do not sand, burn off or remove lead-based paint yourself. Hire a person with special training to correct lead-based paint problems.

Many animals create airborne allergens, such as dander, hair, feathers and skin.

Solution: Keep pets outdoors as much as possible. Clean the entire house regularly. Deep-clean areas where pets are permitted. Bathe pets regularly.

Biological allergens caused by dust mites can trigger asthma.

Solution: Clean and vacuum regularly. Wash bedding with water hotter than 130 degrees F. Use more hard-surface finishes; they are less likely to attract and hold dust mites.

Kitchen

Unhealthy and irritating vapors may be released from chemicals in household cleaners and similar products.

Solution: Select non-aerosol and non-toxic products. Use, apply, store and dispose of them according to manufacturers' directions. If products are concentrated, label the storage container with dilution instructions. Use up a product completely before discarding its container.

Pressed-wood cabinets can be a source of formaldehyde vapor.

Solution: Maintain moderate temperatures (less than 80 degrees) and humidity (less than 49%). When purchasing new cabinets, select solid wood or metal cabinets, or those made with phenol resin; they emit less formaldehyde. Ventilate the area well after installation.

Unvented gas stoves and ranges are sources of carbon monoxide and combustion byproducts and are dangerous.

Solution: Keep appliance burners clean. Have burners periodically adjusted Install and use an exhaust fan. Never use a gas range or stove to heat your home.

Bathrooms

Organic gases are released from chemicals in some personal care products, such as deodorant, hair spray, toner, shampoo, nail polish and perfumes.

Solution: Select odor-free or low odor-producing products. Select non-aerosol varieties. Open a window, or use an exhaust fan. Follow manufacturers' directions when using the product and disposing of containers.

Air fresheners can release organic gases.

Solution: Open a window or use the exhaust fan. Follow manufacturers' directions. Select natural products.

Bedroom

Humidifiers and cold-mist vaporizers can encourage biological allergens, including mold, mildew and cockroaches, that can trigger an asthmatic attack, and encourage the spread of viruses and the growth of bacteria.

Solution: Use and clean these appliances according to manufacturers' directions. Refill daily with fresh water.

Moth repellents often contain the pesticide paradichlorobenzene.

Solution: Avoid breathing vapors. Place them in a tightly sealed container. Store separately, away from living areas.

Chemicals used in the dry-cleaning process release organic gases.

Solution: Bring any odors to the attention of your dry cleaner. Try to air out dry-cleaned goods before bringing them into the home. Seek alternatives to dry cleaning, such as hand washing items. Consider using green dry cleaners who use newer, non-toxic solvents and methods to clean garments.

Utility Rooms

Unvented gas clothes dryers produce carbon monoxide and combustion byproducts and can be a fire hazard.

Solution: Regularly dispose of lint around and under the dryer. Provide air for gas units. Vent the dryer directly to the outdoors. Clean the lint trap, vent and ductwork on a regular basis.

Gas and oil furnaces and boilers, and gas water heaters can produce air-quality problems which include back-drafting of carbon monoxide and combustion pollutants.

Solution: Have your heating system and water heater, including gas piping and venting, inspected every year.

Asbestos pipe wrap and furnace insulation can release asbestos fibers into the air.

Solution: Periodically check for damage and deterioration. Do not cut, rip, sand or remove any asbestos-containing materials. If you plan to make changes that might disturb the asbestos, or if materials are more than slightly damaged, contact a professional certified remediator for repair or removal.

Basements

Ground moisture encourages biological allergens, including mold and mildew.

Solution: Inspect for condensation on walls, standing water on the floor, and sewage leaks. To keep your basement dry, prevent outside water from entering by installing rain gutters and downspouts, do not water close to the foundation, correctly grade soil away from the home, and by applying waterproofing sealants to the basement's interior walls. If you have an accumulation of standing water, consider installing a sump pump. If sewage is the source of water intrusion, have drains professionally cleaned. If moisture has no obvious source, install an exhaust fan controlled by humidity levels. Remove mold and mildew. Regularly clean and disinfect the floor drain.

Radon is an invisible, radioactive gas which poses the risk of lung cancer.

Solution: Test your home for radon. Have an experienced radon inspector test your home and a certified contractor mitigate your home if your radon level is 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) or higher.

Chemicals in hobby products, such as solvents, paint, glue and epoxy, release organic gases.

Solution: Follow manufacturers' directions for use, ventilation, application, clean-up, and container storage and disposal. Use outdoors when possible. When using indoors, open a window or use an exhaust fan. Re-seal containers tightly. Clean tools outside or in a well-ventilated area.

The Garage

Car and small engine exhaust are sources of carbon monoxide and combustion byproducts.

Solution: Never leave vehicles, lawn mowers, snowmobiles, etc., running in the garage.

Paint, solvent and cleaning supplies may release harmful vapors.

Solution: Provide proper ventilation when using them. Follow manufacturers' directions. Buy only as much as you need. If the products contain methylene chloride, such as paint strippers, use them outdoors. Re-seal containers well. Keep products in their original, labeled containers. Clean brushes and other materials outside. Consider using non-toxic green products whenever possible.

Pesticides and fertilizers used in the yard and garden may be toxic.

Solution: Use non-chemical methods whenever possible. Follow manufacturers' directions for mixing, applying and storing. Wear protective clothing. Mix or dilute these products outdoors. Provide ventilation when using them indoors. Store them outside of the home in their original, labeled containers. After using the product, remove your shoes and clean your hands and clothing to avoid bringing the chemicals into your home.

Indoor Air Pollution and Health

Health effects from indoor air pollutants may be experienced soon after exposure or, possibly years later.

Immediate Effects

Immediate effects may show up after a single exposure, or it may take repeated exposures. These include irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, headaches, dizziness and fatigue. Sometimes, the treatment is as simple as eliminating the person's exposure to the source of the pollution. Symptoms of some diseases, including asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and humidifier fever, may also show up soon after exposure to some indoor air pollutants.

The likelihood of immediate reactions to indoor air pollutants depends on several factors: Age and pre-existing medical conditions are two important influences.How a person reacts to a pollutant depends on individual sensitivity, which varies tremendously from person to person. Some people can become sensitized to biological pollutants after repeated exposures, and it appears that some people can become sensitized to chemical pollutants, as well. A thorough inspection and laboratory testing can help identify the culparts.

Certain immediate effects are similar to those from colds and other viral diseases, so it is often difficult to determine if the symptoms are a result of exposure to indoor air pollution. For this reason, it is important to pay attention to the time and place that symptoms occur. If the symptoms fade or go away when a person is away from home, for example, an effort should be made to identify indoor air sources that may be possible causes. Some health effects may be made worse by an inadequate supply of fresh air, or from the heating, cooling or humidity conditions that exist in your home.

Long-Term Effects

Other health effects may show up years after exposure has occurred, or only after long or repeated periods of exposure. These effects, which include some respiratory diseases, heart disease and cancer, can be severely debilitating or fatal. It is important to improve the indoor air quality in your home even if symptoms are not noticeable.

While common pollutants are found in indoor air many are responsible for illness. Concentrations or periods of exposure are necessary to produce specific health problem, but are different for each individual. People may react very differently to exposure to indoor air pollutants. Further investigation and testing are needed to better understand which health effects occur after exposure to the average pollutant concentrations found in your home, and which occur from the higher concentrations over short periods of time. Indoor air contaminants can be a source of illness. Hire an IAC2 certified inspector trained in air quality to perform your next home inspection.