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Indoor Air Pollution
Most people spend 90% of their time indoors. Numerous studies
have found that indoor levels of air pollution are often 2-100 times greater than
outdoor levels (USEPA &
USCPSC, 1995).
Common indoor air pollutants include:
- second-hand tobacco smoke;
- airborne mold and mildew;
-
pet dander;
-
lead-impregnated dust from old paint and some vinyl miniblinds;
- cockroach shedding;
- dust mite particles;
- combustion gases released by stoves, heaters,
candles and fireplaces; and
- chemicals released by
- dry
cleaned clothes;
- cleaning products;
- room deodorizers;
- office supplies;
-
carpets;
-
paints and sealers;
-
new furniture and pressed wood;
-
personal care products; and
- pesticides.
Exposure to these pollutants can irritate the lungs and sinuses, cause rashes and may contribute to chronic diseases such as asthma, fatigue, cancer and neurological problems.
Tobacco Smoke
Of all indoor air pollutants, tobacco smoke
 is generally the most hazardous,
especially for children. Smoke contains tiny particulates as well as many toxic
chemicals, such as acrolein. It is an established carcinogen, and has been linked to bronchitis, ear infections, pneumonia, asthma, and
even Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
(Blair, 1996).
Things You Can Do To Reduce Indoor Air Pollution
To reduce the levels of indoor air pollution you can:
- never allow smoking indoors;
- use
less toxic
cleaning products;
- make certain that the indoor space is properly ventilated;
- reduce levels of
cockroach and dust mite particles;
-
reduce pet dander;
- avoid or minimize use of pesticides indoors;
- use low
toxicity paints, sealers and caulks;
- reduce the use of solvent-based dry
cleaning and/or air out dry-cleaned clothes thoroughly before bringing into
one's home;
-
avoid idling an internal combustion engine, such as a car, lawn mower or fork
lift, in an enclosed space or near the entrance to one's home or workplace; and
- change air filters frequently.
The City of Houston Department of Health and Human Services maintains an
excellent website,
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Information and Links, with fact sheets and other
resources on IAQ. Another great resource is the American Lung Association of
Texas list of
smoke-free restaurants in the Houston area. See also Resources: Documents to Download and Links
for ways to reduce indoor air pollution at home, work or in schools.
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