Public Health: Reducing Air Pollution
posted by TrueNorth Risk Management on Wednesday, March 2, 2016
Americans spend approximately 87 percent of their time indoors, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Since air circulation is often restricted inside, it is speculated that indoor air pollutants are far worse for humans than poor outdoor air quality. In fact, the U.S. Department of Energy claims that indoor pollutant levels are potentially 100 times the outdoor levels, and may pose major health risks.
To reduce indoor air pollution, you must first identify the source of the chemicals. Some of the most common pollutants found in a typical home include:
- Cigarette smoke
- Heating appliances
- Building material vapors and paint fumes
- Radon
- Furniture
- Cooking fumes
Health Effects of Indoor Air Pollution
There are both long - and short-term health effects of indoor air pollution. The amount at which someone will suffer symptoms depends on the amount of total exposure the person has to the damaging chemicals.
- Short-term effects of indoor air pollution:
- Eye, nose and throat irritation
- Upper respiratory infections, such as pneumonia
- Headaches, nausea and allergic reactions
- Long-term effects of indoor air pollution:
- Chronic respiratory disease and lung cancer
- Heart disease
- Brain, nerve, liver and kidney damage
Prevention Techniques
There are many things that you can do to reduce indoor air pollution and keep your family healthy and illness-free. This is particularly important for people with existing medical conditions such as asthma and emphysema, and young children whose lungs are still developing.
- Do some research on the household products that you currently use to determine if they have any harmful effects or interactions with the environment and/or your health. If they do, find alternative products to use.
- Before using building materials, review the harmful health effects and, if needed, select alternative materials that are friendlier to your body.
- Monitor your home environment to make sure that there is adequate airflow and proper exhaust systems installed. This will significantly control indoor air pollution.
- Use an exhaust fan when cooking and open a window if it is a warm day.
- Ventilate your house well by opening doors and windows and running fans when you are painting, using staining products or doing other home improvement tasks.
- Do not allow smoking in your home.
- Install a radon mitigation system to significantly reduce the level of radon gas in your home.
- Have a service technician inspect your appliances, such as the air conditioner, heating system, refrigerator and oven, annually to ensure these items are working properly.
Protection for your home and family.
Get your coverage through TrueNorth so you can rest assured that the things and people you love are protected and accounted for. Call us at 319-364-5193, and a personal insurance agent will gladly look over your plan. Find out more about our personal solutions and obtain a quote for home and auto insurance at www.iTrueNorth.com.
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