Transcript Document

Simple Ways to Make Your
Home Healthy
Indoor Air Quality
Dianne Anderson
Susan Hiestand
San Mateo County
Bay Area
Variety of
Air Pollution
Sources
Outdoor Air Quality
• Regulations say how much pollution is
acceptable
Indoor Air Quality
• Not regulated
Indoor Air Quality
• Pollution inside the typical American home
is 2 to 5 times worse than air outdoors
• Indoor air pollution is one of the top 5 mostserious environmental risks to public health
• 50% of all illnesses can be traced back to
the home
The average American spends between
80-90% of their time indoors…
65% of the time is spent at home.
What can I
do to
make my
dwelling
healthy?
TVs & Computers
Personal Care/Cosmetics
Furniture
An
Ordinary
House
A Chemical
House
Automobile
Carpeting
Furniture
Flooring
Cleaning Products
& Pesticides
A Chemical House = Building
Related/Sick Building Syndrome
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Eye irritation
Headache
Upper respiratory
Irritation
Nausea, dizziness
Fatigue, lethargy
Sore/dry throat
Odor
Memory impairment
Things We’ll Take A Closer Look
At…
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Household cleaning products
Pesticides
Vinyl
Formaldehyde
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC)
Mercury
Mold
Household Cleaning Products
Current Use of Chemical-based
Cleaning Products
• The average American
household uses 40 lbs of
chemicals each year
• The average household stores
more than 60 hazardous
products
Household Cleaning Products
Health Concerns
• Consumer Product Safety Commission links 150
commonly used household chemicals to allergies,
birth defects, cancer, and psychological disorders
• EPA report: toxic chemicals in household cleaners
are 3 times more likely to cause cancer than air
pollution
• Within 26 seconds after exposure, traces of these
chemicals can be found in every organ in the body
• The greatest # of poisonings are from cleaning
substances and 64% of the victims are under the
age of 6
Health Effects from Cleaning
Products
• Manufacturers are not required to disclose
full review for cleaning products
• Manufacturers are exempt from full labeling
of cleaning products
Chemicals/Ingredients
determine the Health Risks
Product
Ingredients and Health Risks
Aerosols
May contain propane and solvents. Many are combustible, posing a fire hazard. Aerosols release their contents in a
fine mist, which hangs in the air and can be inhaled. Can irritate eyes and respiratory system.
All-Purpose Cleaners
Many contain toxins that can be absorbed through the skin or by breathing. Many also contain synthetic
surfactants, some of which may act as estrogen disruptors, contributing to gender abnormalities in animals and
possibly humans. May contain organic solv
Antibacterial Soaps,
May contain pesticides, pesticide-like substances, and ammonia. Antibacterial compounds may encourage growth
Lotions, and Sprays
of antibiotic-resistant organisms.
Automatic
Often contain chlorine compounds and detergents with a high concentration of phosphates, which are harmful to
Dishwasher
waterways and fish. Phosphates contain phosphorous, which acts as a nutrient in water systems. An
Detergent
overabundance of it encourages excessive growth
Carpet Cleaners
Ex tre me ly tox ic to childre n. May contain naphthalene, a member of the carcinogenic benzene family that is a
neurotoxin and an eye, skin, and lung irritant. Can cause allergic skin reactions and cataracts; may alter kidney
function.
Chlorine Bleach
Chlorine is the che mica l most fre que ntly involve d in house hold poisonings a nd is a pote nt e nvironme nta l
polluta nt. Chlorine (sodium hypochlorite) is a part of a class of chemical compounds that may cause reproductive,
endocrine, and immune system disorder
Degreasers
May contain kerosene, which can damage lung tissues and dissolve fatty tissue surrounding nerve cells.
Deodorizers, Air
Contain chemicals that desensitize our noses; may contain naphthalene and formaldehyde, a carcinogen and
Fresheners
respiratory irritant. May contain paradichlorobenzene, dangerous to internal organs if inhaled, to skin with prolonged
exposure, if ingested liver and
Disinfectants
May contain phenol, formaldehyde, cresol, ammonia, and/or chlorine, none of which kills all germs, either separately
or in combination. Pollute indoor air during use as well as during storage if containers are not tightly closed. Can be
harmful to interna
Dishwashing Liquids
Dishw a shing liquid is the most fre que nt ca use of childhood poisonings. Many are petroleum-based and
nonbiodegradable and contain chemical additives for color and fragrance. They may contain cocamide DEA, a
surfactant that can react with other compounds to
Drain Cleaners
Among the most ha za rdous products found in the home . Usually contain lye and hydrochloric and sulfuric acid,
eye and skin irritant, damages esophagus, stomach, kidneys, liver, and digestive tract if ingested.
Floor and Furniture
Can cause skin and eye irritation and central nervous system depression. Vapors can contaminate indoor air for
Polishes
days. Can contain cresol, amyl acetate, and petroleum distillates - all toxic chemicals hazardous to the environment
in their manufacture and di
Glass Cleaners
Some contain ammonia, a poison that can irritate skin, eyes, and the respiratory system. May contain 1.4-dioxane,
a probable carcinogen that is thought to suppress the immune system. May contain methanol, an acute toxin that
can cause blindness.
Metal Polishes
May release toxic fumes from a mixture of ammonia, phosphoric acid, and sulfuric acid. May contain fatty acid
diethanolamines, which react with materials in the environment to form carcinogenic mitrosamines, and which may
have hormone-disrupting effects.
Mold and Mildew
Often an acute respiratory irritant. May contain chlorine, pesticides, and formaldehyde. May damage lungs, eyes,
Removes
and skin.
Oven Cleaners
Among the most da nge rous house hold cle a ning products. Can contain lye and sodium hydroxide - strong,
caustic substances that cause severe corrosive damage to eyes, skin, mucous membranes, mouth, throat,
esophagus, and stomach. Can be fatal if swallowed. S
Scouring Cleaners
May contain butyl cellosolve, a petroleum-based solvent that can irritate mucous membranes and cause liver and
kidney damage. May contain crystalline silica, a carcinogen that is an eye, skin, and lung irritant.
Toilet Cleaners
Among the most ha za rdous products found in the home . Can contain chlorine and hydrochloric acid, an eye
and skin irritant and can cause damage to kidneys and liver. Harmful to health simply by breathing during use.
Fume s ca n e sca pe e ve n a close d conta ine r
Tub, Tile, and Sink
Can contain chlorine and may contribute to the formation of organchlorines, a dangerous class of compounds that
Cleaners
can cause reproductive, endocrine, and immune system disorders. May contain phosphoric acid, which is corrosive
in high concentrations, and is
Human research has shown:
• Children born into households using toxic
cleaning products are twice as likely to have
wheezing (early stage of asthma)
• Over the last 20-30 years, the level of toxins
stored in adipose tissue (fat cells) of our
bodies have risen. Greater amounts are
being stored at younger age, causing
diseases to occur more frequently and at
younger ages.
Environmental studies have
shown:
• A 2003 study by the U.S. Geological Survey
found low levels of household chemical
compounds – including antibiotics,
synthetic hormones, insect repellent, and an
array of household cleaners – in 139
streams and rivers downstream from urban
areas. Of the 95 chemicals found, 33 are
known or suspected to be hormonally
active; 46 are pharmaceutically active.
Steps to Reduce Exposure to
Synthetic Cleaning Products
• Use the least toxic product that will work
for your project
• Make homemade alternative cleaning
products using baking soda, vinegar, and
soap
• Provide adequate ventilation
• Keep out of reach of children and pets
Pesticides
• Are used inside and outside the home
• Can be tracked into the home from outside
Health Concerns of Pesticides
• A child in a household using home and garden
pesticides has a 6.5 higher risk of developing
leukemia.
Health Effects of Pesticides
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Neurotoxins
Irritants
Carcinogens
Mutagens
Endocrine disruptors
Reduce or Eliminate Your Use of
Pesticides
When you apply pesticides, you are treating the
symptom, rather than the cause of pest problem
Control pests without chemicals by using Integrated
Pest Management (IPM) techniques
• Physical controls
• Cultural controls
• Biological controls
• Least toxic pest control
Safe Use and Disposal of
Pesticides
• The best products for the environment and
your health are less toxic and less persistent
• Dispose of unwanted pesticides through the
Household Hazardous Waste Program
Resource
www.ourwaterourworld.org
Have you looked inside your
closet lately?
How do you wash your clothes?
Dry Cleaning
• In 1993 the CA Air Resources Board
designated perchloroethylene (PERC) as
a toxic air contaminant. Studies have
linked it to groundwater pollution,
cancer, and various reproductive
problems.
Alternative Choice:
-Hydrocarbon solvent
-Wet cleaning
• If you dry clean traditional way:
– Air clothes prior to placing in closet or
wearing
Polyvinyl chloride
(PVC or ‘vinyl’)
• One of the most common synthetic
materials
• Over 14 billion pounds of PVC are
currently produced per year in North
America.
• Approximately 75% of all PVC
manufactured is used in construction
materials.
Where is PVC used?
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Pipes and conduit
Siding
Roof membranes
Door and window
frames
Resilient flooring
Carpet backing
Signage
Water proofing
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Window treatments
Furniture
Wire
Cable sheating
Electrical connectors
Toys
PVC Health Concerns
• Releases phthalates
• Contain organotins
= Cancer, endocrine
disruption, birth defects,
neurological, reproductive
& immune system damage
Steps to Reduce PVC Exposure
• Buy PVC-free products
• Provide adequate ventilation
Formaldehyde
• A pungent,
colorless, toxic,
water-soluble gas.
• Used as a
disinfectant and
preservative, and
in the manufacture
of synthetic resins,
dyes and plastics.
Sources of Formaldehyde
inside the home
• Building materials
– Pressed wood products
• Particleboard
• Hardwood plywood
paneling
• Medium density
fiberboard
• Smoking
• Household products
• Un-vented, fuelburning appliances
• Manufactured
products
– Permanent press
qualities to clothing
and drapery
– Component of glues
and adhesives
– Preservative in paints
Formaldehyde Health Concerns
• Watery eyes
• Burning sensation in
the eyes and throat
• Nausea
• Difficulty breathing
• Shown to cause cancer
in animals and may
cause cancer in
humans
• Eyes, nose, and throat
irritation
• Wheezing and
coughing
• Fatigue
• Skin rash
• Allergic reactions
Steps to Reduce Formaldehyde
Exposure
• Use “exterior-grade” pressed wood products
• Provide adequate ventilation
• Maintain moderate temperature and
humidity levels
• Use materials not containing formaldehyde
Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers
(PBDE)
Used to slow fires in upholstered furniture and
consumer electronics
Health Effects
• Endocrine disruptors
• Long-term exposure can generate a several point
drop in IQ in human children
Reduce Exposure of PBDE
• Buy PBDE free products
Volatile Organic
Compounds (VOC)
• VOCs are compounds
that are volatile and
evaporate readily to
become an inhalation
hazard
• Most VOCs are
petroleum based
compounds used and
produced in manufacture
of paints,
pharmaceuticals, and
refrigerants.
VOC Sources
• Architectural Coatings
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Paint
Paint strippers
Stains
Glue
Wallpaper remover
• Solvents
• Wood preservatives
• Aerosol sprays
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Cleansers
Disinfectants
Moth repellents
Air fresheners
Stored fuels
Automotive products
Hobby supplies
Dry-cleaned clothing
Why VOC’s are bad…
• Difficult to clean brushes
– Another waste is created i.e. solvent
• Flammable
• Effect Air Quality
VOC Health Effects
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Eye, nose, and throat irritation
Headaches
Loss of coordination
Nausea
Damage to liver, kidney, and central nervous
system
• Some organics can cause cancer in animals; some
are suspected or known to cause cancer in
humans.
VOC Levels in Homes
• Studies have found that levels of several
organics average 2 to 5 times higher indoors
than outdoors.
• During and for several hours immediately
after certain activities levels may be 1,000
times background outdoor levels.
Steps to Reduce VOC Exposure
• Use household products according to
manufacturer’s directions
• Provide plenty of fresh air when using product
containing VOC
• Dispose of unused or little-used containers safely
• Buy correct quantity
• Keep out of reach of children and pets
• Never mix household care products unless
directed on label
Mercury – What is it?
• Natural occurring metal that has several
forms. Metallic mercury is shiny, silverwhite, odorless liquid. If heated it becomes
a colorless, odorless gas.
Mercury in the Environment
• Inorganic mercury enters the air from
mining ore deposits, burning coal and
waste, and from manufacturing plants.
• Entry into soil is from natural deposits,
disposal of wastes and volcanic activity.
Mercury Sources
• Lighting
– Fluorescent
– HID
– Mercury Vapor
• Other
– Thermostat
Health Concerns
• Mercury is released only when source is
broken
Reduce Exposure to Mercury
• Handle source carefully to prevent breakage
• Dispose Properly
Mold
• Molds can be found almost
anywhere; they can grow on
virtually any substance,
providing moisture is present.
• Currently, there are
no EPA regulations or
standards for airborne
mold contaminants.
Health Effects
• Allergic reactions, asthma, and other
respiratory complaints
Steps to Reduce Exposure to
Mold
• There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and
mold spores in the indoor environment
• If mold is a problem, you must clean up the mold
and eliminate sources of moisture
• Fix the source of the problem
• Reduce indoor humidity (to 30-60%)
• Prevent condensation
• Do not install carpet in areas of perpetual moisture
problems
• Improve ventilation
Additional Strategies
• Change AC or furnace filter regularly
• Allow ventilation
• Clean frequently
– Reduce dust
– Prevent mold growth
IAQ Objective:
Achieve Air Quality that contributes to a
favorable, productive environment and
enables building occupants to experience a
sense of comfort and well-being.
Benefits of a ‘Green’ Home
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Less toxicity exposure
Safe for everyone
Environmentally friendly
Improved health
How do you make your home
Healthy?
• Educate Yourself
• Investigate and research
• Make lifestyle change
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Don’t buy products made of PVC
Use natural forms of pest control
Use less toxic cleaning products
Buy curtains, carpets, furniture or electronics
free of PBDEs
– Choose products free of suspect chemicals
Resources:
Indoor Air Quality
San Mateo County: www.RecycleWorks.org
EPA: www.epa.gov/iaq
American Lung Association:
www.lungusa.org/air/air_indoor
Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program:
www.flowtobay.org
Rest easier knowing your home is safer
for your inhabitants…
And you are protecting
the Environment from
further air and water
contamination!
Dianne Anderson
Green Building Coordinator
[email protected]
650-599-1485
Susan Hiestand
Hazardous Materials Specialist
[email protected]
650-599-1514