|
Indoor air quality is an important issue. The U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports a growing body
of scientific evidence showing indoor air might be more
seriously polluted than outdoor air. Indoor air pollution may
cause health problems such as burning eyes and nose, itchy
throat and breathing problems. Some air pollution can cause
cancer, birth defects, brain and nerve damage, and long-term
damage to the lungs and breathing passages.
Most people spend approximately 90 percent of their time
indoors. Thus, for many people, the risks to health may be
greater due to exposure to air pollution indoors than outdoors.
In addition, people who may be exposed to indoor air pollutants
for the longest periods of time are often those most susceptible
to the effects of indoor air pollution. Such groups include the
young, the elderly, and the chronically ill, especially those
suffering from respiratory or cardiovascular disease.
Common indoor air quality problems include: radon, molds,
second-hand smoke, combustion gases such as carbon monoxide,
lead dust, asbestos, and chemical odors from household products
and furnishings. Fortunately, there are steps that most people
can take both to reduce the risk from existing sources and to
prevent new problems from occurring.
- return to top - |
 |
Related Links |
|
|
|
Healthy Homes
