Many types of indoor pollution problems are found in homes. The most effective approach to solving these problems is usually to remove or reduce the sources of indoor pollution. Ventilation also helps remove indoor air pollutants, but not as effectively as source reduction. Air cleaning devices (air filters and air cleaners) can also be helpful when used along with source reduction and ventilation.

The best solution to the air pollution within your home will depend, of course, on your particular problem, the effect it is having on your family's health, and your family's budget. The information below will help you decide if an air cleaning device would be useful as a part of your solution to indoor pollution, and if so, what type might best meet your needs. Many of the principles discussed here also apply to offices, schools, and vehicles.

Dangerous as polluted outdoor air can be to health, polluted indoor air actually poses a greater health risk on a global level. Indoor air pollution is a concern in the developed countries, where, for example, energy efficiency improvements sometimes make houses relatively airtight, reducing ventilation and raising indoor pollutant levels.

In such circumstances, even minor sources of pollution - a furnace, new carpet, or naturally occurring radon gas – can lead to significant exposures. Indoor air quality (IAQ) refers to the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of air in the indoor environment within a building or an institution or commercial facility. These characteristics can be influenced by many factors, even though these buildings or facilities do not have industrial processes and operations found in factories and plants.

Factors that influence IAQ include the following:

• Inadequate supply of outside air.
• Contamination arising from sources within the building (e.g., combustion products including carbon monoxide and environmental tobacco smoke; volatile organic compounds from building materials, fabric furnishings, carpet, adhesives, fresh paint, new paneling, and cleaning products; ozone from office equipment).
• Contamination from outside the building (e.g., ozone, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter) through air intakes, infiltration, open doors, and windows.
• Microbial contamination of ventilation systems or building interiors.

Health Risks of Secondhand smoke in children

EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) estimates that passive smoking is responsible for between 150,000 and 300,000 lower respiratory tract infections in infants and children under 18 months of age annually, resulting in between 7,500 and 15,000 hospitalizations each year. Children exposed to secondhand smoke are also more likely to have reduced lung function and symptoms of respiratory irritation like cough, excess phlegm, and wheeze. Passive smoking can lead to buildup of fluid in the middle ear, the most common cause of hospitalization of children for an operation.

Volatile Organic Compounds in Household Products

Their are a few products to watch that contain volatile organic compounds (VOC's). VOC's are organic solvents that easily evaporate into the air, some may even be flammable. The following are some of the compounds listed on product labels: petroleum distillates, mineral spirits, chlorinated solvents, carbon tetrachloride, methylene chloride, trichloroethane, toluene and formaldehyde. Make sure to read the labels on your household products because their are other products used around your home that contain ingredients that can also be hazardous if they are used improperly.

The problem with Asbestos

Asbestos was first used as a thermal and electrical insulator and was widely used in buildings for more than 50 years. Asbestos is now known to cause asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Other cancers, primarily of the digestive tract, also have been linked with exposure to asbestos. One of the worst things is that these asbestos-related diseases have a long latency period, which means symptoms may not appear until 20 to 40 years after exposure. Probably the largest single source of asbestos in the indoor air we breathe is in our insulation. Their is no "safe" exposure threshold for asbestos, but the risk of disease or cancers generally increases with the length and amount of exposure. Manufacture and use of asbestos is now prohibited in the U.S.

Why be concerned about Carbon Monoxide

You can’t see or smell carbon monoxide, but at high levels it can kill a person in minutes. Low levels can cause nausea, dizziness, weakness and muscle ache. Higher doses can impair judgment, cause paralysis or coma, and death. Carbon monoxide (CO) is produced whenever any fuel such as gas, oil, kerosene, wood, or charcoal is burned. If appliances that burn certain types of fuel are maintained and used properly, the amount of CO produced is usually not hazardous. However, if appliances are not working properly or are used incorrectly, dangerous levels of carbon monoxide can result in many hazardous side effects.

Hundreds of people die accidentally every year from CO poisoning caused by malfunctioning or improperly used fuel-burning appliances. Even more die from CO produced by idling cars. It's sometimes difficult to determine if carbon monoxide is the culprit, because its symptoms are similar to flu and allergies. Fetuses, infants, elderly people, and people with anemia or with a history of heart or respiratory disease can be especially susceptible. Be safe. Practice the DO’s and DON’Ts of carbon monoxide.

For an Indoor Air Quality test, you know who you can count on - 1-800-Anytyme Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. The air you breathe is important, get an indoor air quality test done in your home today! Call 1-800-724-8232, fill out our online indoor air quality service request form, or check out our Heating and Ventilation Service Areas to choose your city with a local telephone number for you to call.

For more and better detailed information on Indoor Air Quality here is a link to The EPA's Indoor Air Quality page. If you need any other information, please don't hestiate to give us a call. 1-800-724-8232

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