AIr Questions and Answers 

Q: How severe a health problem is air contamination in the U.S.?

A: Every year some 64,000 people die prematurely from diseases linked to particulate pollution, according to an analysis of the National Resource Defense Council. According to the American Lung Association, more than 92 million people live in areas where air quality does not meet standards.



Q: What high risk groups should be particularly concerned in protecting their air from harmful contaminants?

A: Groups most at risk from pollution related illnesses are young children, especially asthmatics, and elderly people with respiratory conditions, such as chronic pulmonary diseases. Over the past 20 years, the number of asthmatics has increased from 6.8 million in 1980 to more than 15 million today. Environmental factors are the most likely explanation in the recent rise in asthma. Increased ozone and particulate levels in the outdoor air are beyond an individual’s control. However, most exposures are in the home environment. Cleaning agents, detergents, out-gassing of formaldehyde from carpets and building materials trigger and aggravate respiratory conditions.



Q: What contaminants in indoor air in the home cause health problems?
A: There are over 240 chemical contaminants that have been found in homes and offices. Sources of contamination are: out-gassing of chemicals from carpets, furniture and construction materials.



Q: What contaminants in indoor air in an office cause health problems?
In the office environment, out-gassing from copy machine toner, inks, computers and smoke from other parts of the building can cause health problems. Bacteria such as Legionella found in air conditioning cooling towers can cause respiratory and environmental disease.



Q: What are some of the symptoms of indoor air quality problems such as Sick Building Syndrome?

A:

Burning and itching eyes

High instance of respiratory infection

Headaches
Increased sneezing and coughing

Nausea

Multiple chemical sensitivities



Q: What are some of the solutions to reducing exposure to indoor air contamination?


A: In the summer, you should not exercise outdoors, especially where there are ozone alerts. Clean the filters on the air conditioners. Reduce usage of cleaning agents and switch to non-toxic cleaning agents. Use a HEPA vacuum and a high quality air filtration device in the home.