Issues > January/February 2006 (#112) > Clearing the Air: How To Avoid Indoor Air Pollutants

Clearing the Air: How To Avoid Indoor Air Pollutants

by Emily Main

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about EMILY MAIN

Emily Main is The Green Guide's Senior Editor.

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Take Action

Eight states have legislation or regulations that reduce the public's exposure to toxic chemicals in their homes. To check on your state's programs and learn how to initiate similar ones, see the Sick of Dustreport at www.safer-products.org.

Last July, Senator Frank Lautenberg (D., N.J.) introduced the "Kids Safe Chemicals Act of 2005" (S. 1391), which requires that chemical manufacturers provide health safety information on chemicals used in consumer goods and household products and that all commercially distributed chemicals meet strict safety standards by 2020. Ask your senators to contact the Committee on Environment and Public Works and voice their support for the bill. To reach you senator, see senate.gov or call 202-224-3121. Visit www.epw.senate.gov to learn more.

Problem Pollutants

POLLUTANT COMMON SOURCES HEALTH PROBLEMS
Hormone Disruptors:    
alkylphenols household cleansers, cosmetics; textiles; paints EDC/lab; H IS
organophosphates, pyrethroids pesticides; paints; moth-proofing treatments H NEUR/low human birth weights; potential H CARCs
organotin compounds vinyl; polyurethane foam EDC/lab; IS
PBDEs flame retardants in electronics and polyurethane foam EDC/lab; disrupt thyroid hormones
perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanyl sulfonate (PFOS) water- and stain-resistant fabrics; Teflon; Goretex; candy, popcorn, butter & baked goods paper wrappers likely H CARC
phthalates vinyl; paint; personal-care items; synthetic fragrances EDC/lab; RESP (children), probable H CARC (DEHP only)
VOCs:    
ammonia household cleaners; synthetic fertilizers can trigger asthma; skin/eye/throat/lung irritant, coughing; burns
formaldehyde plywood; particle board; some paints; foam insulation; glues Wheezing, allergic reactions, H CARC
toluene automobile exhaust; some paints and thinners, fingernail polish, adhesives H NEUR; loss of appetite
xylene cigarette smoke; gasoline; paint; varnish; rust preventives ENT; skin irritant; impairs lung function; nausea
Biological Pollutants (including mold, mildew, pet dander, dust mites, cockroaches, pollen): areas that are moist or have food residues and where dust collects allergic and asthmatic reactions; RESP
Gases and Combustion Byproducts:    
benzene burning coal and oil; motor vehicle exhaust H CARC; eye/skin irritant; RESP
carbon monoxide fireplaces; gas stoves and heaters; furnaces; generators; auto exhaust; tobacco smoke headache; dizziness; confusion; nausea; fatigue; impaired vision and coordination; death
nitrogen dioxide kerosene heaters; gas stoves and heaters; tobacco smoke ENT; respiratory infections; chronic bronchitis
*CARC=carcinogen, or cancer-causing; H=human; EDC/lab=Endocrine Disrupting Compound in Lab Animals; ENT=eye, nose and throat irritant; IS=damages immune system; NEUR=neurotoxin, damages nervous system, impairs behavior & learning.; RESP=respiratory-tract irritant    

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Checklist: Eliminating Indoor Air Pollutants

*Inexpensive radon testing kits are available at home improvement stores; if you find levels between 2 and 4 pCi/L, call a professional. The website for the National Radon Safety Board (NRSB) lists radon-remediation professionals by state (www.nrsb.org). Ensuring that your home is properly ventilated and that foundation cracks are sealed will help keep the gas levels down.

*Dust and damp mop frequently, wash bedding in hot water biweekly to kill dust mites and vacuum at least once a week using a machine with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. This will also eliminate harmful EDCs and VOCs that have accumulated in dust. (See Vacuum Cleaners Product Report at thegreenguide.com/ reports.)

*Instead of wall-to-wall carpeting, have bare washable floors and area rugs.

*Keep matter from getting tracked in by using a washable doormat and leaving shoes in the entryway.

*Ban cigarettes from your home.

*Avoid burning candles or using air fresheners scented with synthetic fragrances, which contain phthalates, the most commonly found EDC in the dust studies. (See "Safe Scents.")

*Look on labels for no- or low-VOC cleaners, paints, glues and plywood. (See www.thegreenguide.com and Household Cleaning Supplies, Wood Furniture and Paint Product Reports.)

*Ventilate well—let your house breathe. "The more air exchange you have, the lower we would expect the levels [of chemicals] to be," Rudel says.

*Open windows or run ventilation fans in high-humidity areas like bathrooms and kitchens to prevent mold and mildew growth.

*Use least-toxic pest control rather than synthetic pesticides. (See Pest Control Product Reports at www.thegreenguide.com.)

*Buy natural-material, untreated alternatives to phthalate-emitting vinyl shower curtains and flooring, or foam furniture and electronics treated with PBDEs. (See Furniture, Flooring and Mattress Product Reports at www.thegreenguide.com and PBDE report, "Learning Hazards.")

*Air purifiers can help by trapping some biological and particle pollutants. (See "The Dirt on Air Purifiers" at thegreenguide.com.)

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Filed under: Indoor air quality, Green homes, Environmental health, Children allergies

Green Guide 112 | January/February 2006 | For Your Health