Indoor Pollution

Submitted by: Mikaela Jamille Galang Submitted to:

Date: 09/23/2011

Definition:
Air pollution is the introduction of chemicals, particulate matter, or biological materials that cause harm or discomfort to humans or other living organisms, or damages the natural environment into the atmosphere.

Types of Indoor Pollutants

Air (respirable particles) Particles are very small solid or liquid substances that are light enough to float suspended in air (e.g., mists, dust, or pollen). They are composed of diverse materials including inorganic and organic compounds and dormant and living organisms. Of primary concern from a health standpoint are: 1) small, invisible respirable-size particles, with a higher probability of penetrating deep into the lungs, where they may stay a long time and may cause acute or chronic effects, and 2) larger particles, such as some molds, pollen, animal dander, and house dust allergens, which do not penetrate as deeply, but may cause an allergic response. Respirable-size particles include, but are not limited to, those from: cigarette smoke unvented combustion appliances such as gas stoves kerosene heaters Viruses Bacteria some molds; and fragments of materials which, when whole, would be considered larger than respirable size particles. Health effects from exposure to respirable-size particles in the air depend on the types and concentrations of particles present, the frequency and duration of exposure, and individual sensitivity. Health effects can range from irritation of the eyes and/or respiratory tissues to more serious effects, such as cancer and decreased lung function.

Gaseous organic compounds may enter the air from sources such as: Cigarette smoking Building materials Furnishings Paints Adhesives Dyes Solvents Caulks cleaners, Deodorizers Personal hygiene products (like perfume) Waxes hobby and craft materials pesticides

In addition, organic compounds may originate outdoors or through cooking of foods and human, plant, and animal metabolic processes. Biological particles such as: animal insect allergens viruses bacteria molds - can cause allergic reactions, infectious diseases, and/or can produce toxic products which may be released into the air. Health effects from exposure to gaseous pollutants in the air may vary widely depending on the types and concentrations of the chemicals present, the frequency and duration of exposure, and individual sensitivity. Adverse effects may include irritation of the eyes and/or respiratory tissues; allergic reactions; effects on the respiratory, liver, immune, cardiovascular, reproductive, and/or nervous system; and cancer.

SYMPTOMS List of symptoms related to poor air quality:

PREVENTION and CONTROL Dust annd other biological contaminants:

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Use a vacuum cleaner with strong suction, and a rotating beater brush to loosen ground-in dirt. Two-ply bags with HEPA filters ensure the dirt stays in the bag. This tactic is an easy and effective way to quickly improve the air in your home. Install hard surface coverings on floors, windows and furniture they help repel dust. Again, this is a smart investment that removes the harmful contaminants that undermine indoor air quality. Avoid pets inside your home. If you wish to keep a pet indoors make sure it is groomed often and keep your pet away from carpets, furniture and beds. Fluffy or Rex may look cute, but all that dander means one thing: you'll be sneezing and wheezing as your indoor air quality gets worse and worse. Wash bedding weekly at a hot setting. That means your dirty sheets need to be cleaned immediately! The military would court martial for such an offense, but we'll merely send you to your room without supper. Now clean those sheets! Use hypoallergenic dust covers on your mattress and pillows to deter dust mites and other biological contaminants. Those mites are nasty creatures, so stop them before they ruin your indoor air quality.

Odors, fumes, gases 1. Keep interior doors leading directly into the garage closed. Leave the garage door open at least 5 minutes after a car enters or leaves the garage. 2. Extinguish all burning embers in your fireplace before shutting the flue. 3. Leave the door open to any room that does not have a return vent. 4. Use non-toxic cleaning products. Keep them sealed and store them away from high traffic areas in your home. 5. Eliminate tobacco smoke in the home. 6. Install and use exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathrooms. Control the humidity levels in your home. 1. Check your home for leaks near windows, doors, attic accesses and dryer vents. 2. Ensure your ductwork is inspected and cleaned by a professional. 3. Reduce static electricity in your home by installing a humidifier. 4. Maintain relative humidity in the 35 to 50% range. Over 50% can promote mold and other bacterial growths. Below 35% can cause sore throats, sinus congestion, skin disorders, warps in wooden furniture and floors, separation in wood floors, and gaps in molding.

5. If you live in a warmer, humid climate, be certain your air conditioning equipment is sized properly and ensure it's in good working order for the best dehumidification. (If no air conditioning system is present, a dehumidifier can be a good option to maintain proper humidity in your home.) In colder climates, a humidifier may be used to increase humidity levels as needed. 6. Have a precision tune-up performed on your heating and cooling system twice each year for maximum efficiency, comfort and safety. Today's modern homes are tightly sealed to keep conditioned air in and save energy. The problem is, without the right amount of fresh air, your home can become a breeding ground for pollutants. Fortunately, there are plenty of things you can do with the help of a Service Experts professional to improve ventilation in your home. Here are just some of the many aspects of healthy ventilation you should be aware of when it comes to ensuring that your family can enjoy a healthy home: 1. Have your kitchen/bathroom exhaust fans tested to determine if a back draft from another flue (such as your water heater or fireplace) is drawing carbon monoxide into your home. 2. Contain your renovations to one room at a time. 3. Seal and vent renovated rooms before continuing to the next project. 4. Have an existing ventilation system properly maintained with regular service. 5. Mechanical ventilation systems such as Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRV) and Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERV) are balanced systems that bring in and filter the outdoor air while exhausting stale indoor air. These systems capture energy and use it to heat or cool the incoming air for greater energy efficiency and comfort. 6. Rather than opening windows for ventilation, consider solutions that only allow filtered conditioned outside air to come indoors and help dilute any pollution in your home's air. Another way to keep your home healthy is to clean the air by filtering out as many pollutants as possible. A proper filtration system helps clean the air in your home: 1. Determine the appropriate air filtration and cleaning equipment for the needs of your family. Service Experts can help educate you regarding various options so that you can choose the option that is best for the health of your home. 2. Regardless of the options selected, an important step in good filtration is the constant recirculation of air throughout your home. 3. Remove up to 97.5% of all airborne house dust in less than 24 hours, as well as 99.9% of all allergy causing pollen and spores, with an air cleaner.

4. UV lights are an excellent problem solver in areas where bacteria or biological contaminants are a concern. 5. UV lights can reduce and destroy bio-contaminants by bathing them in high intensity UV. 6. or the complete filtration system, ask your Service Experts professional about the newest filtration and purification system the photo catalytic purification system - which combines filtration of particles and bacteria as well as reduces odors.