| Author(s): Scenic Spring
Date: 22 April 08 C14. Investigate the causes of poor air quality within our homes. What are the main causes? How can we improve our air quality? Write a report that shares your discoveries. Make and begin to carry out a plan that puts at least one of your findings into action in your own home,
There is no way to fix all the issues in this world. Trying to preserve energy has now created an issue of pollutants and poor air quality. Things like creating more sealed buildings to help with energy is now low on ventilation in the home. By having low ventilation you can’t rid the toxins of chemicals to clean with, pesticides, and personal care products. New furnishings, flooring, synthetic building materials. All of these combines has lead us to now have issues with our air we breathe day in and day out. There have been four main causes of poor air quality resources pointed out. One of the main causes is air pollutants such as chemicals, hairsprays, pesticides, etc. Things that alter the air such as ventilation, air-conditioning, and heating also contribute highly. Occupants such as you and I create bad air quality. Pollutant pathways are the last of the four main sources. Some of the obvious air pollutants we know about and just don’t pay enough attention to. Things like cigarette and tobacco smoke in the air; we know about it but how many actually tend to it properly? Things as simple as wiping up spills and tending to leaks will help; this is because it creates things such as mold, mildew, and growing bacteria. Check your combustion vents by the stove area. Make sure you always have ventilation. You need proper ventilation around gas stoves and other gas producing products. Make sure you never use any gas generators, grills, gas lanterns indoors. The reason this is so serious is not only is it a toxin in the air but carbon dioxide is a deadly toxin. Vent all combustors outside, and check and maintain all sources regularly. Gases and particles such as Formaldehyde, Radon, and other household furnishings should be checked for. Formaldehyde is particles that come off furnishings such as cabinets, drapes, tobacco smoke, ect. Radon is a odorless gas that is basically harmless outside but if it is trapped it can endure long term effects to health. Indoor furnishings in which VOC’s and CCA’s can create harmful irritants to the body. It comes from paints, pesticides, air fresheners, and so much more. Dust and pollen are other pollutants that are pesky and will pollute the air. Building products also must be watched and checked. This doesn’t only apply to new building in homes. It also applies to old already built homes; especially the old, old ones. Lead paint is a real big pollutant problem that is being watched recently. If your home was built before 1978 it would be good to check the paint out. Lead is leading to lead poisoning and illness if breathed in or ingested. Another building supply alert is asbestos. If it is suspected that you have either of these, consult someone immediately. All the above pollutants can lead to asthma. This is a respiratory condition that is serious. If you have someone with asthma you should tend to your air quality immediately. Asthma is treatable to keep under control but pollutants and toxins are a severe trigger. More and more people are developing asthma each day. And some aren’t even being diagnosed. If you have asthma I suggest getting someone to help you minimize your house in minimizing the triggers. It is safer to not do this alone. There are several ways people can help with toxins--some obvious, others a little less obvious. Start by checking your home for history of lead or asbestos. If it is known you can deal with it right away. Make sure you sweep and clean your house effectively. Wipe up spills and leaks as they come. Use good ventilation especially at critical times. And if you are unsure of something, ask; it’s better to ask than to regret the consequences. MY IAQ plan: I will wipe up all spills immediately and efficiently. I have checked for lead in my home. I will use better ventilation when cleaning the home. I will continue using good combustion practices. I will get some house plants. I will continue getting help ; as I have asthma. I will minimize house hold furnishings such as , paint, hairspray, chemicals, etc. I will keep people who smoke out of my house as I have been doing. Works Cited Unknown name. <http://www.epi.state.nc.us/epi/air.html>. |
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