Asthma and Allergies: Part 2
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Transcript Asthma and Allergies: Part 2
VOC’s
Review of Signs and Symptoms
People with allergies have hyperactive immune systems
that think harmless things, such as pet dander, are
dangerous. Their bodies react to try to fight off the danger.
Allergies -itchy, stuffy nose, red eyes, coughing, wheezing,
shortness of breath, rash
Asthma is a disease that causes inflammation and narrows
the airways, making it difficult to breathe
Asthma- coughing , wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of
breath
What are VOC’s?
VOC’s are volatile organic compounds
In short term exposure they can aggravate asthma and
allergy symptoms
Those with asthma may be even more susceptible to
VOC’s
Long term exposure can lead to an increased risk for
cancer, liver damage, kidney damage, or nervous
system damage
Review Question 1
Which of these is not a risk from exposure to VOC’s?
A) cancer
B)liver damage
C)kidney damage
D) cystic fibrosis
Where are they found in the
home?
Flooring
Carpet
Carpets can emit VOC’s when installed. The latex
backing on carpet can also emit them.
Vinyl flooring
Made with PVC resin mixed with plasticizers and
fungicides
Wood flooring
Stain on wood flooring contains VOC’s
Where are they found in the
home?
Household Items
Paint/Stain-Paints have heptane in them, which is like
gasoline.
Air fresheners- Contain naphthalene which can cause
cancer or negative reproductive effects.
Cosmetics-Acetone, alcohol, isopropyl alcohol can
cause respiratory problems.
Printers- Inks in printers can cause respiratory issues.
Where are they found in the
home?
Chemicals and Fumes
Space heaters
Cleaning chemicals
Wood burning stoves
Fuel oil/gasoline-benzene, toluene
Vehicle exhaust in an attached garage
How can I tell if I have too much
exposure?
Frequent headaches or nausea
Eye, nose, or throat irritation
Skin reactions
Difficulty breathing
Vomiting
Nose bleeds
Dizziness
Review Question 2
Which of these are signs of too much VOC exposure?
A) headaches
B) nose bleeds
C)difficulty breathing
D) all of the above
How can I protect my family?
Install new carpet only when necessary
If you need new carpets, make sure installers use tack
strips instead of adhesives
Use water filters on faucets to reduce chances of VOC’s
getting through to drinking water
Do not dry clean clothes unless absolutely necessary
How can I reduce exposure to
VOC’s?
Make sure your house is vented properly
Keep humidity as low as possible. High humidity can
increase VOC emissions.
Perform renovations when your home is unoccupied or
in summer months when ventilation is easier.
What is a bake out?
A bake out is used after construction or renovation.
You should heat the house to a temperature around
100 F, then open all the windows , repeating the
process for two or three days
The idea is to emit all the VOC’s in a short period of
time and get them out of the house rather than a small
amount over a long period of time
If you choose this option, you should not go back into
the house for at least a week.
Review Question 3
How long should you wait before going back into a
house after a bake out?
A)3 days
B) One week
C) One month
D) 5 days
What are low VOC alternatives?
Cleaning products- Use BioKleen, Seventh Generation,
or Earth Choice
Switch to fabric shower curtains
Paint with low VOC’s
If possible use wool or cotton rugs instead of installing
new carpeting
Review Question 4
TRUE or FALSE
Zero VOC paints are non-toxic.
References
Aerias. (2011). IAQ problems associated with different types
of flooring. Retrieved from
http://www.aerias.org/DesktopModules/ArticleDetail.aspx
?articleId=107
Cernasky, R. (2010). Low-VOC alternatives for the products
that expose you to the greatest risk. Retrieved from
http://planetgreen.discovery.com/home-garden/low-vocalternatives-products-that-expose-greatest-risk.html#
Clement, C. (2005) What’s on your floor? Retrieved from
http://www.alive.com/3131a6a2.php?subject_bread_cramb
=110
References
Minnesota department of health. (2011). Volitile
organic compounds in your home. Retrieved from
http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/indoorair/voc/
New York department of health. (2011). VOC’s in
commonly used products. Retrieved from
http://www.health.state.ny.us/environmental/indoors/
voc.htm
Propex. (2005). VOC’s in the home. Retrieved from
http://www.propex.com/C_f_env_voc.htm
United States environmental protection agency. (2011).
An introduction to indoor air quality. Retrieved from
http://www.epa.gov/iaq/voc.html
Quiz Answers
1) D
2)D
3)B
4)False