Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Air Pollution - Top Five Environmental Health Risks

Indoor air pollution is among the top five environmental health risks. Usually the best way to address this risk is to control or eliminate the sources of pollutants and ventilate a home with clean outdoor air. But opportunities for ventilation may be limited by weather conditions or by contaminants in the outdoor air.

Do not assume that all duct cleaning service providers are equally knowledgeable and responsible. Talk to at least three different service providers and get written estimates before deciding whether to have your ducts cleaned. When the service providers come to your home, ask them to show you the contamination that would justify having your ducts cleaned.




If the usual methods of addressing indoor air pollution are insufficient, air-cleaning devices may be useful. Air filters and other air-cleaning devices are designed to remove pollutants from indoor air. Some are installed in the ductwork of a home’s central heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system to clean the air in the entire house. Portable room air cleaners can be used to clean the air in a single room or in specific areas, but they are not intended to filter the air in the whole house. Air-cleaning devices are categorized by the type of pollutants — particulate and gaseous — that the device is designed to remove or destroy.

What’s the most common indoor air pollutants?

Here is a list of them:

1. Radon

Prevention Method: Your home must be tested. Make sure it isn't contaminated, otherwise, contact the authorities.

2. Environmental Tobacco Smoke

Prevention Method: Simply don't smoke. Make sure you are not surrounded by Rother pe ople who smoke, ask them to smoke outdoors..

3. Biological Contaminates like pollen, dander, mold, etc.

Prevention Methods: Use exhaust fans to ventilate bathrooms and kitchens. Ventilate attics and crawlspaces. Clean humidifiers. Take care of water damage ASAP. Make sure your Home is clean.

4. Stoves, Heaters, Fireplaces and Chimneys

Prevention Methods: Use exhaust fans over stoves. Adjust burners properly. Have your heating system, chimney and stoves inspected for damage. Repair any damage immediately.

5. Household Products like paints, cleaners, etc.



Prevention Methods: Watch out for benzene, methylene chloride and perchloroethylene. Properly dispose it when no longer needed. Buy limited quantities and always heed warning labels.

6. Formaldehyde

Prevention Method: Research formaldehyde content before purchasing pressed wood products.


7. Pesticides

Prevention Methods: Always follow label instructions. Ventilate after use. Use non-chemical pest control when possible and dispose of pesticides properly.

8. Asbestos

Prevention Method: Hire Professional asbestos removal expert.

9. Lead

Prevention Method: Don't try and remove lead paint yourself. Hire a professional. Keep areas where children frequent immaculate.

10. Carpet

From the EPA:


Talk to your carpet retailer. Ask for information on emissions from carpet.

Ask the retailer to unroll and air out the carpet in a well-ventilated area before installation.

Ask for low-emitting adhesives if adhesives are needed.

Consider leaving the premises during and immediately after carpet installation. You may wish to schedule the installation when most family members or office workers are out.


Be sure the retailer requires the installer to follow the Carpet and Rug Institute's installation guidelines.

Open doors and windows. Increasing the amount of fresh air in the home will reduce exposure to most chemicals released from carpet. During and after installation, use window fans, room air conditioners, or other mechanical ventilation equipment you may have installed in your house, to exhaust fumes to the outdoors. Keep them running for 48 to 72 hours after the new carpet is installed.

Contact your carpet retailer if objectionable odors persist.

Follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper carpet maintenance.

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