Housing...Inside and Out

April 3, 1998
How Healthy Is Your Home Environment?

Did you know that most Americans spend over 90 percent of their time indoors and that the pollution we are exposed to inside is often greater than outdoors? Take a moment to familiarize yourself with some common indoor environmental problems and with some simple steps you can take to protect your family.

All of us face a variety of risks to our health as we go about our day-to-day lives. Driving in cars, flying in planes, engaging in recreational activities, and being exposed to environmental pollutants all pose varying degrees of risk. Indoor air pollution is risk that you can do something about.

Indoor pollution sources that release gases or particles into the air are the primary cause of indoor air quality problems in homes. The many sources of indoor air pollution in a home include combustion appliances, tobacco products, building materials and furnishings, wet or damp materials or conditions, products for household cleaning, and radon.

Health effects from indoor air pollutants may be experienced soon after exposure or, possibly, years later. Immediate effects may show up after a single exposure or repeated exposures. These include irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. If you think that you have symptoms that may be related to your home environment, discuss them with your doctor or your local health department to see if they could be caused by indoor air pollution. You may also want to consult a Board-Certified Allergist or an Occupational Medicine Specialist for answers to your questions.

What Can You Do To Improve the Indoor Environment in Your Home? Check the following items and make changes, if necessary, to reduce health risks in your home:

  • BEDROOM Humidifier - Clean according to manufacturer's directions. Refill with clean water daily.
  • BATHROOM Moisture, Mold and Mildew - Install and use exhaust fan. Fix plumbing leaks promptly. Personal Care Products (hair spray, nail polish, etc.) - Open window or use exhaust fan. Follow directions for product use.
  • ALL ROOMS Animals (dander, hair, feather or skin) - Clean house regularly. Environmental Tobacco Smoke (from cigarette, pipe, and cigar smoking) - Do not smoke in you home or permit others to do so (especially near children). If smoking cannot be avoided, open windows or use exhaust fans. House dust mites - Clean house and vacuum regularly. Wash bedding in hot water. Keep relative humidity below 50%.
  • KITCHEN Household cleaners - Open windows when using household cleaners. Use according to manufacturer's directions. Moisture from cooking and dishwasher use - Install and use fan exhausted to outside.
  • BASEMENT OR GROUND FLOOR Radon - Test your home for radon - do it yourself kits are easy and inexpensive. Fix your home is radon level is 4 picocuries per liter (4 pCi/L) or higher. For more information, contact the state radon office or call 1-800-SOS-RADON. Stored Hobby Products) paint, glue, epoxy, etc.)- Follow the manufacturer's directions. Use outdoors, if possible. Indoors, open windows or use exhaust fan. Reseal containers well. Clean brushes and other materials outside.
  • COOLING SYSTEMS Air Conditioners - Be sure there is no standing water in air conditioners (not always possible with central system). Follow all service and maintenance procedures, including changing the filters.

For more information on reducing indoor air problems in the home contact: Indoor Air Quality Information Clearinghouse at (800) 438-4318 or EPA Indoor Environments Internet Site


Written by Dr. Francis Graham (Retired)

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