INDOOR AIR POLLUTION: AIR

PACKETSBy the Indoor Air Pollution Awareness Team (IAPAT)

What is Indoor Air Pollution?

Indoor air pollution comes from particles in the air that are harmful to your health.

Some pollutants are mold, dust, pollen, sand, skin flakes and pet dandruff.

Source of indoor air pollution are: Combustion sources (oil, gas, kerosene, coal, wood), Tobacco products Household products, such as air

fresheners Radon Pesticides Stoves Space heaters Furnaces

Testing the Air

Air packets are a fun, simple way of observing what kinds of particles are in the air.

Instructions for Air Packets1. Open zip lock

2. Take out the air pollution collector3. Remove protective covering (do not throw

away!)4. Hang the collector to see which area collects

different particles

Suggestions: Near a window. Near a heating vent. Near the front door. Under a tree. In various rooms

Examining the Packet After 3-5 days examine what you have

caught underneath a microscope Look for tiny white specks

Results Some of the particles in

the air irritate breathing

If you have allergies or asthma, is important to reduce the amount of harmful particles in your home

Improve Indoor Air Quality Inadequate ventilation is one cause, harmful

particles cannot be filtered outdoors, out of home.

Repairing any cracks or leaks in central air systems can help prevent air pollution from leaking out.

Following instructions on how to use a product carefully will limit the amount of air pollution.

Cutting down on smoking tobacco is healthy for you and the air.

Improve Indoor Air Quality

High temperatures and humidity higher the concentration of some particles.

Open the windows to allow the cooler air in Use a dehumidifier to remove humidity.

Sources, Effects and Solutions

Dust (Allergens) Sources: Dust mites thrive in mattresses

because of warmth, moisture, and a good supply of food. They may also live in carpets.

Health Effects: Many people are allergic to dust. Dust mites—microscopic spider-like creatures—are the primary source of allergens and a leading cause of asthma. Asthma-related emergency room admissions and deaths have increased in recent years

Solutions: Use plastic mattress and pillow covers. Launder bedding in hot water. Minimize use of carpets, especially in sleeping areas. Keep pets out of sleeping areas

Mold and Mildew

Sources: These organisms can grow almost anywhere, and their spores are nearly everywhere. Moisture is an essential ingredient for the growth of mold and mildew. Sometimes problems can be more serious, involving health problems.

Health Effects: These usually become important when molds or by-products are dispersed so that they are inhaled by people (mold growth in duct work, drip trays under air conditioning units or refrigerators). Some humidifiers can disperse large amounts of mold growth via droplets of water.

Solutions: Solve building moisture problems to decrease humidity. Make sure drip trays are emptied regularly or drain properly. Clean humidifiers regularly; add fresh water daily.

Carpets

Sources: Old carpet can cause a problem from mold growth, etc.

Solutions: Carpets need regular care once they have been installed. Vacuum regularly and shampoo the carpet 1 to 2 times a year (follow shampoo directions carefully). Discard flood-damaged

Cigarette/Tobacco Smoke

Sources: Direct exposure from smoking tobacco. Indirect exposure from secondhand smoke. Health risks from tobacco smoke are far greater than from any other indoor air pollutant.

Health Effects: Tobacco smoke has been officially designated as a known human carcinogen. It contains many indoor air pollutants (carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, VOCs, particulates, etc.).

Environmental tobacco smoke is a problem for nonsmokers who are regularly exposed to tobacco smoke. Children are particularly susceptible to cigarette smoke. It increases the severity of asthma and is estimated to cause between 150,000 and 300,000 cases of bronchitis and pneumonia in young children each year.

Solutions: The ideal solution is to not allow people to smoke in your house.