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1
Indoor Air Quality: Common Problems and Health Effects
Jeff MearsArea Manager
Environmental Health & Safety Area
Oneida Nation
22
Quality of Life
People spend most time indoors
• Half of waking hours at work or school
• Pollutant levels higher indoors
• Most-sensitive people spend more time inside
• Health impacts and medical expenses are great
33
The Dirty Dozen
1. Carbon Monoxide
2. Lead3. Mold4. Radon5. Particles6. Tobacco Smoke
7. Asbestos8. Chemicals &
Pesticides9. Pests10.Ozone11.Volatile Organic
Compounds12.Building/Remodeling
44
Environmental Asthma Triggers
• Animals• Mites, insects, rodents• Mold• Tobacco smoke/wood smoke• Combustion by-products • Pollen, dusts, odors, VOCs• Ozone, chemicals
66
Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
• At low to moderate levels Headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness,
sleepiness, confusion
• At high levels Loss of consciousness or death
77
Potential Causes of Carbon Monoxide (CO) Problems
• Cooking • Un-vented appliances• Improperly installed combustion equipment• Broken combustion equipment• Pressure problems• Internal combustion equipment
Generators, cars, etc.
1212
Building pressures can causeBuilding pressures can causecombustion gas spillagecombustion gas spillage
Building pressures can causeBuilding pressures can causecombustion gas spillagecombustion gas spillage
1313
Check for Carbon Monoxide
and other combustion by-products CO alarms Odors Visual evidence Building pressures
1616
Lead
• Found in paint, dust, soil
• Most common source lead-based paint
• 1 in 11 U. S. children have dangerous level of lead in bloodstream
1717
Lead: Health Effects
• Kids Delayed development, lowered IQ,
memory & learning problems, hyperactivity, discipline problems
• Adults & kids Anemia, high blood pressure, kidney &
reproductive disorders
1818
Lead and Kids
Young children at special risk Unintentional eating of lead-tainted
dust most important route (hand-to-mouth)
Children’s absorption of lead highly efficient
Children’s developing systems especially vulnerable
1919
Simple Measures To Reduce Lead Hazards
o Dust control (damp dust)o Duct tape for chipso Coating surfaceso Hand-washing to minimize dust
ingestion effects*Never sand, scrape, or burn old
paint unless certain there’s no lead content !*
2121
Mold: Health Effects
• Allergic Reactions Runny nose, sinus congestion, irritated
or red eyes, scratchy throat, cough
• Asthma Coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath
• Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis Tightness in chest, difficult breathing,
cough, fever, muscle aches
2222
Radon
• Naturally occurring radioactive gas
• Invisible and odorless
• Seeps into homes through cracks in the foundation or crawl space
2323
Radon: Health Effects
• Increased risk of developing lung cancer
• Second leading cause of lung cancer
• Smokers more likely to get radon-induced lung cancer
2424
Particles
Sources Outdoor sources Activities & pets Tracked-in dirt
Health effects Asthma trigger Allergy trigger
2626smallest particles can be suspended for 10 days
Settling velocity of smallest particles in terms of days
3030
Change Furnace Filters
• Keeps air cleaner
• Extends life of equipmentFurnace overheatingHeat pumps
• Energy savings
3333
Particles
Remove source of particles
. . . if possible Keep particles out
Air sealing Stop dirt at door
Improved particle removal Housekeeping Filtration
3434
Tobacco Smoking
• High risk Frequent smoking indoors
• Medium risk Occasional smoking only in “well
ventilated” areas
• Low risk Tobacco smoking not permitted indoors
3535
Second-Hand Smoke: Health Effects
In adults Increased risk of lung cancer Allergic reactions Asthma, wheezing
In children Increased risk of respiratory infections Higher risk of developing asthma Frequent middle ear infections
3737
Asbestos
ShinglesLinoleumFloor tiles
“Fireproof board”Pipe and duct wrap
Vermiculite insulation“Popcorn” ceiling texture
3838
Asbestos: Lung Cancer Risks
• High risk “Friable” asbestos present
• Medium risk Asbestos present, but intact
• Low risk Asbestos encapsulated Regularly inspected and maintained
4040
Chemicals and Pesticides
• Toxins, irritants, carcinogens• Exposure may be oral, inhaled or skin contact
• Get LD-50 and irritancy information• Longevity to affect pest and occupants• Pests may be resistant• Ease of becoming airborne
4242
Integrated PestManagement Strategies
• Keep them out
Change surrounding landscape
Block pest entries and passages
• Reduce food and water availability Establish and enforce food policy
Repair leaks and prevent condensation
4343
Integrated Pest Management Strategies (cont.)
• Use pesticides appropriately Use least toxic Respond to problems Apply when building is empty Notify staff and parents
4545
Ozone
• Avoid exposure to indoor ozone• Strong respiratory irritant• Asthma trigger
Ozone “air cleaners” Photocopiers & laser printers
4848
Volatile Organic Compounds & Chemicals
• Cleaning products & solvents• Personal care products• Crafts• Particle board, carpet, rubber/vinyl
5252
• High risk Chemicals used without ventilation Long periods of exposure Products stored in home
• Medium risk Hazardous materials used with limited ventilation Short exposure times
• Low risk Products stored and used outside Used with proper ventilation
Household Products & Chemicals
5353
Carpet
• High risk Old carpet (mold, organics, lead, dirt) Installed on damp concrete/soil
• Medium risk New carpet without ventilation
• Low risk Low-VOC carpet Carpet off-gassed before installation Improved vacuum equipment
• Consider no carpet
5555
Building & Remodeling
ParticlesLead, asbestos, mold, fiberglass
Glues, sealants, paints, asphalt Pressed wood, paneling/plywood Pressure-treated materials Carpet, rubber, vinyl Internal combustion equipment