www.ecologycenter.org | 510.548.2220 x 233 | [email protected] Air Quality in the Home Common Pollutants & Remedies

Indoor air quality matters greatly to Volatile Organic Compounds our health. The average American VOCs are a certain class of compounds spends 90% of the time indoors. Identify that vaporize readily and can enter the the possible pollutants in your home air we breath. , , and learn how to improve your air by toluene, and styrene are well-known reducing your exposure. Air pollutants VOCs. A related group of chemicals fall into three categories: particulates, are called semi-volatile organic gases, and radon. compounds (SVOCs), and include phthalates, halogenated fire retardants, Particulates perfluorocarbons, and some . Tiny particles from woodstoves and Effects of exposure to VOCs include eye, unvented appliances such as gas stoves nose, and throat irritation; headaches, can penetrate deep into the lungs and loss of coordination, nausea; and stay for a long time, causing acute or damage to liver, kidney, and central chronic effects. Larger particles – such nervous system. Some VOCs are as mold, pollen, dander, and – don’t suspected or known to cause cancer in penetrate as deeply but can cause humans. allergic responses. The health effects of particulates depend on the types and Radon of particles present, the Although it’s not common in the East frequency and duration of exposure, and Bay, radon is one of the most serious an individual’s sensitivity. indoor air hazards in the US and Europe. Radon comes from uranium in the Gaseous Pollutants soil or rock on which homes are built. (CO) is a colorless, As uranium naturally breaks down, it odorless gas that is a byproduct of releases radon gas, which is colorless, incomplete fossil fuel . CO odorless, and radioactive. A low-cost interferes with the delivery of in test can be purchased at hardware the body. It can cause headaches, stores to determine radon levels, and dizziness, weakness, nausea, confusion, simple solutions can be implemented to fatigue, increased chest pain in people fix the problem. with chronic heart disease, and death. California now requires that residences with fossil fuel sources or attached Sources of Indoor Air : garages have CO detectors installed. Dioxide is also a byproduct Clothes, Linens, Curtains, Furniture, Mattresses

Air Quality in the Home of burning fossil fuels. It is a smelly, reddish-brown gas that irritates the The chemical most widely used in dry mucous membranes in the eye, nose, cleaning – perchloroethylene – accumulates and throat and can cause shortness in body fat and studies have shown that of breath. There is evidence that high women exposed to it have an increased concentrations or continuous exposure risk for breast cancer. Short-term exposure to nitrogen dioxide increases the risk may cause skin irritation, dizziness, and of respiratory infection. Animal studies headaches. The EcoDirectory lists cleaners suggest that repeated exposures to who use alternative methods for dry elevated nitrogen dioxide levels may cleaning. New , drapes, and linens contribute to the development of lung may have been treated with formaldehyde. disease such as emphysema. Risk is Wash them before using or unwrap and let higher in children and individuals with them air outside for a week before bringing and other respiratory diseases. them in. Shower curtains made from vinyl (PVC) emit VOCs and phthalates. Shower curtains made from cotton, hemp, or EVA factsheet Air Quality in the Home (continued) are better alternatives. Flame retardants used on couches, The “new carpet” aroma is the odor of 4-PC off-gassing. 4-PC futons, mattresses, and foam furniture have been shown to irritates eyes, respiratory system, and central nervous system. cause developmental and reproductive harm, cancer risks, and The adhesive used to affix carpet to the floor typically contains other health impacts. Advocate for changes to laws that require benzene and toluene. Solution: Even the best wall-to-wall carpet toxic chemical flame retardants. Call manufacturers and ask is a haven for dust mites, mold spores, and lingering VOCs, and about their use of flame retardants before you purchase. Check is often one of the largest hosts of contaminants in our homes. the EcoDirectory for listings for natural material mattresses and Avoid wall-to-wall carpet. Choose area rugs on a bare floor that reused furniture. can be cleaned to remove pollutants that collect in them. Choose natural linoleum rather than vinyl flooring. Candle, , & Woodsmoke Most candles are made with paraffin, a product. When Cleaners, Air Fresheners, Body Products & Perfumes burned, paraffin candles release known (cancer- Cleaning products often contain ingredients listed as causing substances) such as benzene, toluene, formaldehyde, asthmagens, carcinogens, reproductive , or toxic air , and . They also release asthma-causing contaminants. Volatile components are emitted into the air soot. Most incense contains formaldehyde and phthalates. When during and after the cleaning processes and can degrade air burned, carcinogenic chemicals are released into the air, along quality. For safer alternatives, refer to the Ecology Center’s with CO, , and nitrogen dioxide. Woodsmoke and Alternative Cleaning Recipes fact sheet. Fragrance is added to release a similar stew. Burning incense produces the many cleaners, laundry detergents, and fabric softeners. The VOCs benzene, toluene, and xylene, which cause respiratory chemical formulas of fragrances are considered trade secrets, irritation and may trigger DNA mutations. Gasses and particulate so companies aren’t required to list ingredients on labels, matter permeate rapidly through indoor spaces and can leave even though many contain VOCs linked to asthma, allergies, toxic residue. Solutions: Beeswax and soy candles do not headaches, and cancer. VOCs and SVOCs are released from generally produce soot or toxins when burned. To clear the air, many , hair sprays, shampoos, toners, nail polishes, open windows and doors. Try a drop of essential oil in a bowl perfumes, and air fresheners. To avoid these chemicals, select set on a radiator or in an aromatherapy candleholder. Please fragrance-free products and avoid aerosols. Wear essential oils in note that some people may be sensitive to essential oil as well. lieu of perfumes or no scents at all. Simmer apple cider with spices, or simmer mint, citrus peel, , bay leaves, and . Better Basics for the Home by Pesticides & Annie Berthold-Bond contains many recipes for creating scents. Common pesticides and disinfectants used indoors can contain chemicals that irritate eyes, nose, and throat, and cause Appliances headache, dizziness, muscular weakness, and nausea. Exposure Appliances that run on natural gas or kerosene such as stoves has been linked to increased cancer risk, and chronic exposure and furnaces should be vented. They release carbon monoxide, to some pesticides can damage the liver, kidneys, endocrine and particulates, and nitrogen dioxide. Use an exhaust fan over gas nervous systems. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies stoves and ranges that vents to the outdoors. Keep the burners exist that minimize the need for harmful pesticides. properly adjusted to burn with a blue-tipped flame; a persistent peroxide, vinegar, and can be effective sanitizers. yellow-tipped flame indicates maladjustment. All furnaces, flues, and chimneys should be inspected and repaired annually. Biological Contaminants When using a fuel space heater, follow manufacturer instructions Biological contaminants include molds, mildew, animal dander, carefully and ventilate the room. Clean the filter on forced air cat saliva, house dust mites, cockroaches, and pollen. All furnaces frequently. can trigger allergies or asthma. To control exposure to these contaminants, clean and vacuum regularly, preferably with Building Materials a HEPA filter. Wash bedding in hot . Mold, mildew, and Formaldehyde can enter the air from furniture, building materials, roaches thrive in humid conditions; control indoor humidity by particleboard, and cabinetry. The EPA lists formaldehyde as a using bath and kitchen exhaust fans. Refer to the California probable and the California Air Resources Board Health Department fact sheet on mold for more guidance. lists it as a Toxic Air Contaminant with no safe level of exposure. Formaldehyde may cause burning sensations in the eyes and Other Great Ideas throat, nausea, and difficult breathing. High concentrations You can address indoor air problems by removing the source, may trigger asthma attacks. When possible, choose reused ventilating, and using air cleaners. From time to time, open your furniture: the VOCs are more likely to have evaporated. Pick solid, windows and doors and let fresh outdoor air circulate. NASA has sustainably harvested wood rather than particleboard. compiled a list of that filter significant amounts of benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene from indoor air. Air Carpet and Vinyl Flooring cleaners are available that can help with ongoing problems. Be New carpet and vinyl flooring can off-gas OCV s. Carpet can sure to get out in nature and visit the great outdoors. also hold particulates that cause respiratory problems. Of the chemicals released from synthetic carpet, most notable are Recommended Resources styrene and 4-phenylcyclohexane (4-PC), both of which come Ecology Center EcoDirectory, ecologycenter.org/directory from the synthetic latex backing used on 95 percent of carpets. EPA Indoor Air Guide, epa.gov/iaq/

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