Indoor Air Pollution

Timothy B. McCall, M.D.

We are used to thinking about air pollution outdoors: diesel exhaust, smog, ozone-alert days. But often a bigger danger is produced by the toxic air we may be breathing inside our own homes. The EPA estimates that the levels of various pollutants indoors typically run two to five times--and sometimes more than 100 times--levels outdoors. This is especially concerning considering that most people spend the vast majority of their time indoors.

Besides upping the risk for things like asthma and cancer, indoor air pollution can cause a range of symptoms including headaches, burning eyes, nausea and fatigue. Ironically, the “tighter” newer buildings, designed to improve energy efficiency, pose the biggest problem.

Carbon monoxide--caused by the incomplete combustion of various fuels including cigarettes--has no smell and in high levels can kill in minutes. Appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines can release chemicals into the air. The fine particulate matter given off during cooking--frying and sautéing in particular--can contribute to asthma or other lung problems.

Home offices also pose a risk. A recent study found that computer monitors give off allergy-inducing chemicals. Also of concern are the chemicals emitted by printers, home copiers and things like magic markers. The risk is even greater in small offices with poor air flow.

There are a number of steps you can take to reduce your risk of getting sick (or worse) from indoor air pollution. Here’s what I suggest:

• Make Your Home A Smoke-Free Zone. Cigarettes and especially cigars leave a toxic residue in a home’s air that can contribute to everything from asthma to cancer to children’s ear infections.
• Buy a Carbon Monoxide Detector. I favor models that have continuous digital read-outs. It’s also advisable to have gas-burning appliances and chimneys checked regularly. And never warm up a car in an attached garage as fumes can seep into the house.
• Get Your House Tested For Radon. Radon is a naturally-occurring radioactive gas that can cause lung cancer. Inexpensive testing kits are sold in hardware stores.
• Consider Installing Systems to Improve the Air. Exhaust fans in the kitchen, bathroom, home offices and workshops are all advisable. In a pinch, open a window and put a fan facing outwards to ventilate a room. High efficiency particulate arresting (HEPA) filters can remove cigarette smoke and harmful particulates from the air. Dehumidifiers eliminate excess moisture can lead to the build-up of mold and dust mites which contribute to allergies. Carbon filters, attached to water lines running to appliances like dishwashers, can reduce aerosolized pollutants.
• Think About Other Sources of In-Home Pollution. New carpets, particle board, plywood and many paints give off toxic fumes. Hardwood or linoleum floors and washable throw rugs may be less polluting alternatives. Dry-cleaned clothes can release fumes for days—you may want to air them out outdoors before bringing them in. Even scented candles have been shown to give off lead, mercury and other toxins. Beeswax candle are safer. Similarly, cedar chips are a non-chemical alternative to mothballs.
• Air Out Your House. On particularly polluted days, I try to keep the windows to my house closed. Late in the evening, I open up them and run fans to move the stale air out. Similarly, after I’ve printed out a number of pages on my laser printer, I open the windows, run the fan and try to spend the next half an hour or so in another room.

My final suggestion is to fill your house with plants. Not only do philodendra and spider plants liven up the décor, they help purify the air.