Document om26Z1eOBdbnq2r2o8mqY0JY8

ABD00296155 United States Environmental Protection Agency Washington, DC 20460 Office of Air and Radiation United States Consumer Product Safety Commission Washington. DC 20207 -=7 - F.ie ? September 1988 ` EPA/400/1 -88/004 * The Inside Story A Guide to Indoor Air Quality ABD00296156 CONTENTS 4 Introduction 6 Indoor Air Quality in Your Home 7 What If You Live in an Apartment? 11 A Look At Source-Specific Controls 11 Radon 12 Environmental Tobacco Smoke 13 Biological Contaminants 14 Stoves, Heaters, Fireplaces, and Chimneys 19 Household Products 21 Formaldehyde 22 Pesticides 24 Asbestos 25 Lead 15 Reference Guide to Major Indoor Air Pollutants in the Home 26 To Keep in Mind If You Are Building a New Home 27 Does Your Office Suffer From "Sick Building Syndrome?" Where To Go for Additional Information r 32 Glossary ABD00296157 AIR POLLUTION SmiRCESMTHEHOME i tri -j) Cj <-j i Moisture Pressed VAtod Furniture . Humidifier Moth Repellents Dry Cleaned Goods House Dust Mites 7 Personal Care Products 8 Air Freshener 9 Stored Fuels to Car Exhaust ii Paint Supplies 12. Paneling 13 Wood Stove u Tobacco Smoke 15 Carpets 16 Pressed Wood Subflooring 17 Drapes J Fireplace . Household Chemicals Asbestos Floor Tiles Pressed Wood Cabinets 22 Unvented Gas Stove 33 Asbestos Pipe Wrap 2-i Radon 3: Unvented Clothes Dryer 26 Pesticides 2' Stored Hobby Products 2 3  II of us face a variety f ^ of risks to our health jrajj as we go about our m * day-to-day lives. Driving in a car, flying in planes, engaging in recrea tional activities, and being exposed to environmental pollutants all pose varying degrees of risk. Some risks are simply unavoidable. Some we choose to accept because to do otherwise would restrict our ability to lead our lives the way we want. And some are risks we might decide to avoid if we had the oppor tunity to make informed choices. In the last several years, a growing body of scientific evidence has indicated that the air within homes and other buildings can be more seriously polluted than the outdoor air in even the largest and most industrial ized cities. Other research indicates that people spend approximately 90 percent of their time indoors. Thus, for most people, the risks to health may be greater due to exposure to air pollution in doors than outdoors. In addition, people who may be exposed to indoor air pollutants for the longest periods of time are often those most susceptible to the adverse effects of indoor air pollution. Such groups in clude the young, the elderly, and the chronically ill, especially those suffering from respiratory or cardio vascular disease. 4 ABD00296160 WHY A BOOKLET ON INDOOR AIR? he levels of pollu tants from individual rsources may not pose a significant risk to health by themselves. But most homes have more than one source that contributes to indoor air pollution. There can be a serious risk from the cumulative effects of these sources. Fortunately however, thee are steps that most households can take both to reduce the risk from existing sources and to pre vent new problems from occurring. This booklet was prepared by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EEA) and die US. Consumer Product Safety Commission (GPSQ to help you decide whether to take actions in your home that can reduce the level of indoor air pollution. Because so many Ameri cans spend a substantial amount of time in offices with mechanical heating, cooling, and ventilation systems, there is also a short section on the causes of poor air quality in offices and what you can do if you suspert that your office may have a problem. A glossary and a list of public and private organiza tions where you can get additional information are listed at the back of this booklet 5 ABD00296161 INDOOR AIR QUALITY IN YOUR HOME WHAT CAUSES INDOOR AIR oil, gas, kerosene, coal, or QUALITY PROBLEMS? wood combustion sources; building materials and fur nishings as diverse as ndoor pollution sources deteriorated asbestos-con /release gases or particles into the air and are the primary cause of indoor air quality problems in taining insulation, wet or damp carpeting, and cabinetry or furniture made of certain pressed wood pro homes. Inadequate ventila ducts; products for tion can increase indoor household cleaning and pollutant levels by not bring maintenance, personal care, ing in sufficient outside air to or hobbies; central heating dilute emissions from indoor and cooling systems and sources and by not carrying humidification devices; and indoor air pollutants out of outside sources such as the home. High temperature radon, pesticides, and out and humidity levels can also door air pollution. increase concentrations of The relative importance of some pollutants. any single source depends on how much of a given pollu Pollutant sources: There tant it emits and how haz are many potential sources ardous those emissions are. of indoor air pollution in any In some cases, factors such home. These sources fall into as how old the source is and several general categories: whether it is properly main tained are significant. For example, an improperly ad justed gas stove can emit significantly more carbon monoxide than one that is properly adjusted. Some sources, such as building materials, furnish ings, and household products such as air fresheners, re lease pollutants more or less continuously. Other sources, related to activities carried out in the home, release pollutants intermittently Such activities include smok ing the use of (invented or malfunctioning stoves, fur naces, or space heaters, the use of solvents in cleaning and hobby activities, the use of paint strippers in redecorating activities, and the use of cleaning products and pesticides in housekeep ing. High pollutant concentrations can remain inthe air for long periods after some of these activities. Amount of ventilation: If too little outdoor air enters a home, pollutants can ac cumulate to levels that can pose health and discomfort problems. Unless they are built with special mechani cal means of ventilation, homes that are designed and constructed to minimize the amount of outside air that can "leak" into and out of the home may have higher pollutant levels than other homes. However, because some weather conditions can drastically reduce the amount of outside air that enters a home, pollutants can build up even in homes that are normally considered "leaky'' 6 ABD00296162 ft HOW DOES OUTSIDE AIR ENTER A HOUSE? utside air enters and m m leaves a house in m three ways. In a process known as mfiltmtion, air flows through construction joints and cracks around windows and doors, in the foundation, or from crawl spaces under neath homes. In another process known as natuml uentilation, air enters through opened windows and doors. Finally, there are a number of mechanical ventilation devices, from outdoor-vented fans that remove air from a single room to air handling systems that have fans that mix out door and indoor air or that remove polluted air from the whole house. The rate at which outside air replaces indoor air is described as the air exchange rate. When there is little infiltration, natural ventilation, or mechanical ventilation, the air exchange rate is low and pollutant levels can increase. The average air exchange rate of homes in the United States today is 0.7 to 1.0 air changes per hour; in rel atively tight homes, it can be as low as 0.2 to 0.3 air changes per hour; and in "leaky" homes, it may be as much as 2.0 air changes per hour. It is important to understand that an air ex change rate of 1.0 air change per hour does not mean that all pollutants will be removed in one hour. Ven tilation is a process of dilu tion and removal that grad ually gets rid of pollutants. In addition, pollutant removal is further slowed down by the fact that some pollutants are "trapped" by carpets, drapes, and other surfaces, only to be rereleased into the air later. WHAT IF YOU LIVE IN AN APARTMENT? partznents can have many of the same indoor air problems as single-family homes because many of the pollution sources, such as the interior building materials, furnishings, and household products, are similar. Indoor air problems similar to those caused in offices by such sources as contaminated ventilation systems, improperly placed outdoor air intakes, or main tenance activities also can occur in apartments Solutions to air quality problems in apartments as in homes and offices involve one or more of the following actions: eliminating or con trolling the sources of pollution, increasing ventila tion, or installing air cleaning devices Often a resident can take the ap propriate action to improve . the indoor air quality by removing a source, altering an activity, unblocking an-air supply vent or opening a window to temporarily in crease the ventilation; in other cases however, only the building owner or manager is in a position to remedy the problem. 7 ABD00296163 HOW DOES INDOOR AIR POLLUTION AFFECT YOUR HEALTH? ealth effects from in door air pollutants fall into two catego ries: those that are experienced immediately af ter exposure and those that do not show up until years later. immediate effects, which may show up after a single exposure or repeated ex posures, include irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. These immediate effects are usually short term and treatable by some means. Sometimes the treat ment is simply eliminating the person's exposure to the source of the pollution, if it can be identified. Symptoms of some diseases, including asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and humidifier fever, can also show up soon after exposure to some indooT air pollutants. The likelihood of an in dividual developing immedi ate reactions to indoor air pollutants depends on several factors. Age and pre existing medical conditions are two important influences. In other cases, whether a person reacts to a pollutant can be determined by in dividual sensitivity, which varies tremendously from person to person. Some people can become sen sitized to biological pollu tants after repeated exposures, and it appears that some people can become sensitized to chemi cal pollutants as well. Certain immediate effects are similar to those from colds or other viral diseases, so it is often difficult to deter mine if the symptoms are a result of exposure to indoor air pollution. For this reason, it is important to pay atten tion to the time and place the symptoms occur. If the symptoms fade or go away when a person is away from the home and return when the person returns home, an effort should be made to identify indoor air sources that may be possible causes. Some effects may be made worse by an inadequate sup ply of outside air or from the heating, cooling, or humidity conditions prevalent in the home. Other health effects may show up either years after exposure has occurred or only after long or repeated periods of exposure. These effects, which include emphysema and other respiratory diseases, heart disease, and cancer, can be severely debilitating or fatal. More information on poten tial health effects from par ticular indoor air pollutants is provided in the section, "What Can You Do To Improve the Air Quality in Your Home?" While pollutants com monly found in indoor air can be responsible for many harmful effects, there is con siderable uncertainty about what concentrations or periods of exposure are necessary to produce specific health effects. People also react very differently to exposure to indoor air pollu tants. Further research is needed to better understand which health effects can occur after exposure to the average pollutant concentra tions found in homes and which can occur from the higher concentrations that occur for short periods of time. The health effects associ ated with some indoor air pollutants are summarized in the chart in the middle of this booklet entitled "Reference Guide to Major Indoor Air Pollutants in the Home." (This chart can be removed and used as a hand-out.) ; j HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU HAVE AN AIR QUALITY PROBLEM IN YOUR HOME? ome health effects can be useful indica tors of an indoor air quality problem, especially if they appear after a person moves to a new residence, remodels or refurnishes a home, or treats a home with pesticides. If you think that you have 8 ABD00296164 R symptoms that may be related to your home environment, you should discuss with your doctor or your local health department whether such symptoms could be caused by indoor air pollution. You may also want to consult a board-cer tified allergist or an occupa tional medicine specialist for answers to your questions. It is prudent to try to improve the indoor air quality in your home even if symptoms are not noticeable. The earliest symptoms of long-term health problems, such as some respiratory illnesses and cancer, do not appear until years after the initial exposure. Another way to judge whether your home has or could develop indoor air problems is to identify potential sources of indoor air pollution. Although the presence of such sources (see illustration at the beginning of this booklet) does not necessarily mean that you have an indoor air quality problem, being aware of the type and number of poten tial sources is an important step toward assessing the quality of air in your home. A third way to decide whether your home may have poor indoor air quality is to look at your lifestyle and activities. As discussed earlier, human activities can be significant sources of indoor air pollution. Finally, look for signs of problems with the air flow through your home. Things that can indicate your home may have an indoor air quality problem include smelly or stuffy air, dirty central heating and air cool ing equipment, damaged flues and chimneys, moisture condensation on windows or walls, signs of water leakage, and areas where books, shoes, or other items become moldy. SHOULD YOU MEASURE POLLUTANT LEVELS IN YOUR HOME? he federal govern ment recommends that you measure the level of radon in your home. Without measure ments there is no way to tell whether radon is present. Inexpensive devices are available for measuring radon. EPA provides guid ance as to risks associated with different levels of exposure and when the public should consider cor rective action. There are specific mitigation techni ques that have proven effec tive in reducing levels of radon in the home. (See "Radon" section on p. 11 of this booklet for additional information about testing and controlling radon in homes.) For pollutants other than radon, measurements are most appropriate when there are either health symptoms or signs of poor air flow and specific sources or pollutants have been identified as pos sible causes of indoor air quality problems. Testing for many pollutants can be expensive. Before monitoring your home for pollutants besides radon, consult with your state or local health department or with profes sionals who have experience in solving indoor air quality problems in non-industrial buildings. however, steps should be taken to minimize pollution from sources inside the home. (See "What Can You Do To Improve the Air Quality in Your Home?" for recommended actions.) In addition, residents should be alert to the emergence of signs of inadequate air flow, such as stuffy air, moisture condensation on cold sur faces, or mold and mildew growth. Additional weatherization measures should not be undertaken until these problems have been corrected. Weatherization generally does not cause indoor air problems by adding new pollutants to the air. (There are a few exceptions, such as caulking, that can sometimes emit pollutants.) However, measures such as installing storm windows, weather stripping, caulking, and blown-in wall insulation can reduce the amount of out door air infiltrating into a home. Consequently, after weatherization, concentra tions of indoor air pollutants from sources inside the home can increase. Some measures that reduce energy costs can ac tually reduce indoor pollutant levels For example, sealing foundation cracks can save on energy bills while helping prevent the entry of radon gas into homes. Percent Reduction in Air-Exchange Rate By HouseTightening Measures SHOULD YOU WEATHERIZE YOUR HOME? he federal govern ment recommends rthat homes be weatherized in order Storm Windows Caulking' Wfeajfter Stripping Insulation Oucts Sealed to reduce the amount of energy needed for heating Deoena-'g on .\r>cn q: ;nese ~ecs^'es are -jssc 3 5 `j;VJ and cooling. While weather- <r.!t!U3iior, rate can oe 'etiucec 0/id ;o aocu: 30 cs'cen: ization is underway. Source Sonnevnie Power icnmnir.wc" 9 ABD00296165 WHAT CAN YOU DO IIIIM >pM are involved in short-term Before you buy a | activities that can generate mechanical ventilation high levels of pollutants -- device for your home, you for example, painting, paint should read books and arti stripping, heating with cles on these devices and kerosene heaters, cooking consult a mechanical with gas stoves that are not engineer. Write Renewable vented to the outdoors, or Energy Information, RO. Box engaging in maintenance 8900, Silver Spring, MD and hobby activities such as 20907 for the US. Depart welding, soldering, or sand ment of Energy fact sheet, ing. You might also choose to Air-to-Air Heat Exchangers. You do some of these activities can look in the yellow pages outside, if you can and if of a telephone directory weather permits. under "Engineers" or write Another way to increase the American Society Of the mechanical ventilation Heating, Refrigerating, and rate is to install heat recovery Air Conditioning Engineers ventilators (also known as (ASHRAE) for the name of air-to-air heat exchangers) in the president of the local homes. These devices, which ASHRAE organization in can be installed in windows your community. (For or as part of a central air ASHRAE's address, see p. 3V system, increase ventilation by drawing outside air into the home and conserve energy by recovering the heat from air that is exhausted to the outdoors. Jl ir Cleaners: There Mm are many types and Mm sizes of air deaners M I on the market, rang Heat recovery ventilators are ing from relatively inexpens most easily installed in ive tabletop models to central air systems in new sophisticated and expensive homes or during extensive whole-house systems. Some rHREE BASIC S TRATEGJES 'entilation Improve ments. Another ap remodeling; window units can be installed in existing air deaners are highly effec tive at partide removal, proach to lowering homes. while others, induding mos ^^kource Control: the concentrations of Usually the most indoor air pollutants in your m effective way to home is to increase the improve indoor air amount of outside air com quality is to eliminate ing indoors. Opening win individual sources of pollu dows and doors, when the tion or to reduce their emis weather permits, increases sions. Some sources, like the natural ventilation rate. those that contain asbestos, Turning on local bathroom can be sealed or enclosed; or kitchen exhaust fans, if others, like gas stoves, can be 1 they are vented to the out adjusted to decrease the doors, can lower pollution amount of emissions. In levels by removing contami some cases, source control is nants from the room where also a more cost-efficient the fan is located. Where approach to protecting radon may be a problem, a indoor air quality than window should be opened increasing ventilation because increasing ventila while bathroom or kitchen exhaust fans are in use. This Heat Recovery Ventilator tion can increase energy keeps the amount of radon costs. Specific steps that you entering the house from - wn 'eco'. pry veoniator cons sole #arm air from (he bees'1 anr `rantfpn fte *eai m `hat air 'o (he cold air oeinc puilec >nic t- - , can take to control specific increasing. < -c.X'crai cuwoor .nr can WO Jnuie Jirpottutan; \,r /; r sources of indoor air pollu It is particularly important icoors ' jes/oreod'Q >ns:.i`-ec e.- tion in your home are listed to take as many of these s assccuUeu with the ocre.isec later in this section. steps as possible while you 10 ABD00296166 R A LOOKAT SOURCE-SPECIFIC CONTROLS _______________ ___ -> -^ ~'"~n 7 ! tabletop models, are much less efficient. Air cleaners are generally not designed to < remove gaseous pollutants. How well an air cleaner works depends on how well it collects pollutants from indoor air (expressed as a percentage efficiency rate) and how much air it draws through the cleaning or filtering element (expressed in cubic feet per minute). A very efficient collector with a low air circulation rate will not be effective, nor will a cleaner with a high air cir culation rate but a less effi cient collector. The long-term performance of any air cleaner depends on main taining it according to the ' r#* > manufacturer's directions. Another important factor in determining the effective or most indoor air gas breaks down into radon ness of an air cleaner is the strength of the pollutant source. Tabletop air cleaners, in particular, may not re Fquality problems in decay products (also called the home, source radon daughters or progeny). control is the most Radon gas enters homes effective solution. This sethcrough dirt floors, cracks in move satisfactory amounts of tion takes a source-by-socuorcnecrete walls and floors, pollutants from strong look at the most common floor drains, and sumps. nearby sources. People with indoor air pollutants, their A second entry route for a sensitivity to particular potential health effects, and radon in some areas of the sources may find that air ways to reduce levels in the country is through well cleaners are helpful only in home. (For a summary of the water. In some unusual conjunction with concerted points made in this section, situations, houses are made efforts to remove the source. see the chart in the middle of of radon-containing con Both EPA and CPSC plan this booklet entitled struction materials; in such to undertake more studies to "Reference Guide to Major cases, those materials can evaluate the effectiveness of Indoor Air Pollutants in the release radon into the indoor air cleaners that are on the Home.") air. |market today and to identify improvements in the way air RADON cleaners can be designed, Studies by EPA indicate that as many as 10 percent of all American homes, or operated, and maintained. about 8 million homes, may At present, EPA does not adon is a colorless, have elevated levels of radon, recommend using air odorless gas that and the percentage may be cleaners to reduce levels of occurs naturally and higher in geographic areas radon and its decay products. is found everywhere with certain soils and The effectiveness of these at very low levels. It is when bedrock formations. Radon devices is uncertain because radon becomes trapped in can be detected only by the they only partially remove i buildings and concentrations use of measurement instru the radon decay products build up in indoor air that ments called radon detectors. and do not diminish the exposure to radon becomes amount of radon entering the of concern. Health Effects of Radon home. EPA plans to do addi The most common source tional research on whether of indoor radon is uranium The only known health air cleaners are, or could in the soil or rock on which effect associated with become, a reliable means of homes are built. As uranium exposure to elevated levels of reducing the health risk from naturally breaks down, it radon is lung cancer. EPA radon. releases radon gas, and radon estimates that about 5,000 to 20,000 lung cancer deaths a year in the United States may be attributed to radon. (The American Cancer Society estimates there will be a total of about 139,000 lung cancer deaths in 1988 from all causes.) Reducing Exposure to Radon in Homes Measure levels of radon in your home. Two types of radon detectors are most commonly used in homes: charcoal canisters that are exposed for 2 to 7 days; and alpha track detectors that are exposed for one month or longer. (Some states recom mend that residents use only the alpha track monitors.) Your state radiation protec tion office can provide you with information on the availability of detection devices or services. Ask for materials specifically developed for your state and for EPAs A Gtizenb Guide to Radon. States may also pro vide you with EPA's Radon Measurement Proficiency Report for your state. This publica tion lists firms and laborato ries that have demonstrated 11 ABD00296167 AToQRlnadaonn'* Guida AAWbnhodauiWtRthtais> To Do ate proposals for radon mitigation. EPA does not cer tify contractor competency for planning or executing radon mitigation measures. Stop smoking and discourage smoking in your home. Scientific evidence in dicates that smoking may increase the risk of cancer associated with exposure to radon. According to reports issued in 1986 by the Surgeon General and the National Academy of Sciences, environmental tobacco smoke is a cause of their ability to accurately measure radon in homes. You can also get the book lets listed in this section from the EPA Public Information Center or the EPA regional office nearest you. (See p. 30 for a list of EPA headquarters and regional office addresses.) Refer to the EPA guidelines in deciding whether and how quickly to take action based on your test results. The guidelines are given in the booklet, A Citizens Guide to Radon. The higher the radon level in your home, the faster you should take action to reduce your exposure. EPA believes that radon levels in homes can be reduced to about 4 picocuries per liter of air and sometimes less. Learn about control measures. An effective radon mitigation plan may include one or more of the following actions: sealing cracks and other openings in basement floors, ventilating crawl spaces, installing sub-slab or basement ventilation, or installing air-to-air heat exchangers. The EPA book let, Radon Reduction Methods: A HomeownerS Guide, describes some possible reduction measures. an effective means of reduc ing exposure to many indoor air pollutants; in homes with elevated concentrations of radon, however, increasing ventilation may increase infiltration through the foun dation and result in drawing even larger amounts of radon into the home. You can get the benefits of increased ventilation without increas ing radon exposure by open ing windows evenly on all sides of the home. Opening windows is particularly important when you are using outdoor-vented exhaust fans. Select a qualified contrac tor to draw up and imple ment a radon mitigation plan. EPA suggests that all but the most experienced "do-it-yourselfer" get profes sional help in selecting and installing radon reduction measures. The EPA booklet. Radon Reduction Methods: A HomeownerS Guide, offers advice about how to select a contractor and how to evalu- Treat radon-contaminated well water by aerating or filtering through granu lated-activated charcoal. Contact your state's radiation protection office or drinking water office for more infor mation concerning radon in drinking water in your community. ENVIRONMENTAL TOBACCO SMOKE nvironmental to Ebacco smoke is composed of sidestream smoke (the smoke that comes from the burning end of a cigar ette) and smoke that is exhaled by the smoker. It is a complex mixture of over 4,700 compounds, including both gases and particles. Non-smokers' exposure to environmental tobacco smoke is called "passive smoking," "second-hand smoking," or "involuntary smoking." Take precautions not to draw larger amounts of radon into the house. Increasing ventilation can be 12 ABD00296168 R disease, including lung cancer, in both smokers and healthy non-smokers. Studies indicate that ex posure to tobacco smoke may increase the risk of lung cancer by an average of 30 percent in the non-smoking spouses of smokers. Very young children exposed to smoking at home are more likely to be hospitalized for bronchitis and pneumonia. Recent studies suggest that environmental tobacco smoke may also contribute to heart disease. Reducing Exposure to Environmental Tobacco Smoke in Homes Give up smoking and discourage smoking in your home or ask smokers to smoke outdoors. The 1986 Surgeon General's report concluded that physical separation of smokers and nonsmokers in a common air space, such as different rooms within the same house, may reduce--but will not eliminate--nonsmokers' exposure to environmental tobacco smoke. Ventilation, a common method of reducing ex posure to indoor air pollutants, also will reduce but not eliminate exposure to environmental tobacco smoke. Because smoking produces such large amounts of pollutants, natural or mechanical ventilation techniques do not remove them from the air in your home as quickly as they build up. In addition, the large increases in ventilation it takes to significantly reduce exposure to environ mental tobacco smoke can also increase energy costs substantially. Consequently, fhe most effective way to reduce ex posure to environmental tobacco smoke in the home is to eliminate smoking there. surfaces can serve as a iological contaminants breeding ground for molds, ("biologicals") include mildews, bacteria, and bacteria, mold and insects. House dust mites, mildew, viruses, ani one of the most powerful mal dander and cat saliva, biologicals in triggering mites, cockroaches, and allergic reactions, can grow pollen. There are many in any damp, warm sources for these pollutants. environment. For example, pollens origi nate from plants; viruses are transmitted by people and animals; bacteria are carried Health Effects From Biological Contaminants by people, animals, and soil Some biological contami and plant debris; and nants trigger allergic reac household pets are sources tions, including hypersensi of saliva and animal dander. tivity pneumonitis, allergic The protein in urine from rhinitis, and some types of rats and mice is a potent asthma. Some transmit allergen; when it dries, it can infectious illnesses, such as become airborne. Contami influenza, measles, and nated central air handling chicken pox. And some systems can become breed biologicals, such as certain ing grounds for mold, molds and mildews, release mildew, and other biological disease-causing toxins. contaminants and can then Symptoms of health prob distribute these contami lems caused by biological nants through the home. pollutants include sneezing, By controlling the relative watery eyes, coughing, humidity level in a home, | shortness of breath, dizzi- the growth of biologicals can j ness, lethargy, fever, and be minimized. A relative ! digestive problems, humidity of 30-50 percent is j Many allergic reactions recommended for homes. i caused by biological aller gens occur immediately after exposure; other allergic reac tions are the result of previ ous exposures that a person may not have been aware of. ! As a result, people who have . noticed only mild allergic j reactions, or no reactions at i all, may suddenly find them selves very sensitive to par ticular allergens. Some diseases, like humidifier fever, have generally been i associated with exposure to toxins from microorganisms that can grow in large build ing ventilation systems. However, these diseases can ; also be traced to microorga nisms that grow in home | heating and cooling systems and humidification devices. Children, elderly people, and people with breathing prob lems, allergies, and lung diseases are particularly susceptible to disease-caus ing biological agents in the indoor air. Reducing Exposure to Biological Contaminants in Homes Install and use exhaust fans that are vented to the l outdoors in kitchens and j bathrooms and vent clothes | dryers outdoors. These j actions can eliminate much of the moisture that builds ! up from everyday activities, j There are exhaust fans on 1 the market that produce little , noise, an important con- j sideration for some people. j j (Another benefit to using | kitchen and bathroom j exhaust fans is that they can , reduce levels of organic ` pollutants that vaporize from i hot water used in showers and dishwashers.) Ventilate the attic and crawl spaces to prevent moisture build-up . Keeping humidity levels in these areas between 30-50 percent can prevent water condensa tion on building materials. 13 ABD00296169 If using cool mist or ultrasonic humidifiers, dean water trays and fill with fresh, distilled water daily. Because these humidifiers can become breeding grounds for biological con taminants, they have the potential for causing diseases such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Evaporation trays in air conditioners, dehumidifers, and refrigera tors should also be deaned frequently. Thoroughly dry and dean water-damaged carpets and building materials (within 24 hours if possible). Waterdamaged carpets and build ing materials can harbor mold and bacteria. If health problems persist after you have tried to dry these ma terials, consider replacing them. It can be very difficult to completely rid such materials of biological contaminants. Keep the house dean. House dust mites, pollens, animal dander, and other allergy-causing agents can be reduced, although not elimi nated, through regular deaning. People who are allergic to these pollutants should not vacuum (and may even need to leave the house while vacuuming is occurring), because vacuum ing can actually increase levels of airborne mite STOVES. HEATERS. FIREPLACES AND CHIMNEYS contaminants. Using central vacuum systems that are vented to the outdoors may reduce allergic reactions to biologicals. Take steps to minimize biological pollutants in basements. Clean and disin fect the basement floor drain regularly. Do not finish a subsurface basement unless all water leaks are patched and outdoor ventilation and adequate heat to prevent condensation are provided. Operate a dehumidifier in the basement if needed to keep relative humidity levels between 30-50 percent. n addition to environ mental tobacco smoke, other sources of combus tion products are unvented kerosene and gas space heaters, woodstoves, fireplaces, and gas stoves. The major pollutants released from these sources are carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and parti cles. In addition, woodstoves, fireplaces, and unvented kerosene space heaters emit polycyclic aromatic hydrocar bons. Unvented kerosene heaters may also generate acid aerosols. Other sources of combus tion gases and particulates are chimneys and flues that are improperly installed or maintained and cracked fur nace heat exchangers. Pollu tants from fireplaces and woodstoves with no outside air supply vent can be "down-drafted" from the chimney back into the living space, particularly in "weather-tight" homes. Dust mites, microscopic animals found in ncusehoia Just or:-:uO`; common allergen Exposure to house dust mites animai^eiatec 1 >" v i animal dancer and cat saliva) 3nd mold have been estimated ;c h 200 000 or more emergency room /isits a year by asthma patient? Hom'd or damp conditions usually lead to greater numoers or tust EHec*s of Carbon monoxide is a color less, odorless gas that inter feres with the delivery of oxygen throughout the body. At low concentrations, it can cause fatigue in healthy people and episodes of increased chest pain in people with chronic heart disease. At higher concentra tions, carbon monoxide can cause headaches, dizziness, j weakness, nausea, confu- i sion, and disorientation. The symptoms of carbon monox ide poisoning are sometimes confused with the flu or food poisoning. At very high con centrations carbon monoxide can cause unconsciousness and death. Fetuses, infants, pregnant women, elderly people, and people with anemia or with a history of heart or respiratory disease can be especially sensitive to carbon monoxide exposures. Nitrogen dioxide can irritate the mucous membranes in the eye, nose, and throat and cause shortness of breath after exposure to high con centrations. There is evidence that high concentrations or continued exposure to low levels of nitrogen dioxide can increase the risk of respira tory infection; there is also evidence from animal studies that repeated exposures to elevated nitrogen dioxide levels may lead, or contribute, to the development of lung disease such as emphysema. People at particular risk from exposure to nitrogen dioxide include children and individuals with asthma and other respiratory diseases. Respirable particles, released when fuels are incompletely burned, can lodge in the lungs and irritate or damage lung tissue. A number of pollutants, including radon (continued on page 19) 14 ABD00296170 R ... r- . .... ' ThepoEutantsHstedin thisgulde havebeen shown to cause the health effects mentfaned.-However, itisnotnecessarily true that theeftetisnotedoccur at thepoilutortconcentration levels typically found in the home. In many cases, ourunderstanding of the pollutantswd theirhealth effects is toolimitedtp determinethe levels at which the listed effects could occur. ; Bterbftfei Sourcss: Earth androck ; beneath home; wd1 Water;, building materials "" 'Ejtfiasur# hfortadbn Health Effectst No Immedfafo^ Getprofo-lona?advice symptoms. Estimated.ta^gr [ before planning and carry cause about ing out radon reduction cancer deaths^Smokersasfc ^ at higher risk of developing .measures* ... Seal cracks and other radon-induced lung cancer. openings in basement floor. ventilate crawl space. Levels In Homes: Estimated * Installsub-dab ventilation national average irttfc . or a recovery ventilator pkocuriea peruteri Leuds in (air-to-air heat exchanger.) homes have been found as. Dceat radon-contaminated high as 200 plcocuries per li well water by aerating or fil ter. The hi^er the average tering through granulated- concentration, the faster the activated charcoal. corrective action should be taken. EPA believes that levels in most homes can be ENVIRONMENTAL TOBACCO SMOKE Sources: Cigarette, pipe, and cigar smoking. Health Effects: Eye, nose, and throat irritation; headaches; bronchitis; pneumonia. In creased risk of respiratory and ear infections in chil dren. Can cause lung cancer and may contribute to heart disease. Levels in Homes: Particle levels in homes without smokers or other strong particle sources are the same as, or lower than, those out doors. Homes with one or more smokers may have particle levels several times higher than outdoor levels., Steps to Reduce Exposure: Stop smoking and discourage others from smoking. If you do smoke, smoke outdoors. ABD00296171 ... . s, and throatirritation; shbetnesrof breath; dizziness; lethargy;, foyer; digestive problems* Asthma; hurnkfifierfoweglag fiuenza and otherinfoctibua' diseases ' Levelsin Homes: Moor l** els ofpollen and fungi are . lower than outdoor levels (except where indoor sources of fungi are present). Indoor levels of mites axe higher andga* heaters; leaking chinmeys and furnaces; down-drafting from wood stoves and fireplaces; gas stoves. Automobile exhaust fawyattached garages. En- than outdoor levels. - .... Steps to Reduce Exposure:-' Install and use fans vented^ to outdoors in kitchens andUj bathrooms. Vent clothes dryers to outdoors. Dean cool misrahdultrasonic humidifioadaiQrand use only diatilled wategin them. Empty water trays in air conditioners, dehumidifier* HemifUectS^M lowcon* m and chest people with heart rAthigher con* qnfeEBtian* impaired vision and?feboedihation; head* aches; dizziness; confusion; nausea; Can cause flu*like symptoms that clear up after leaving home. Fatal at very high concentrations. and refrigerators frequently Levels in Homes: Average Gean and dry, or retnove, levels in homes without gas water-damaged carpets. stoves vary from 0.5 to 5 Use basements as living parts per million (ppm). Lev areas only if they are leak* els near properly adjusted proof and have adequate gas stoves are often 5 to 15 ventilation. Use dehumidi- ppm and near poorly ad fiers, if necessary to maintain justed stoves may be 30 ppm humidity at 30*50 percent or higher. Steps to Reduce Exposure: Keep gas appliances prop* erly adjusted. Consider purchasing,ven-i, ted gas space heaters and furnaces. Use proper fuel in kerosene space heaters. Install and use exhaust fan vented to outdoors over gas stoves. Open flues when gas fire places are in use. Choose properly sized wood stoves that are certified to meet EPA emission stand-, ards. Make certain that doors on all wood stoves fit tightly Have a trained professional inspect, clean, and tune-up central heating system (fur naces, flues, and chimneys) annually Repair any leaks properly Do not idle car inside garage. DIOXIDt Sources: Ksosene heaters, unvented gas stoves and heaters. Environmental to bacco smoke. Health Effects: Eye, nose, ai throat irritation; may cause impaired lung function anc increased respiratory infec tions in young children. Levels in Homes' Average level in homes without con bustion appliances is about half that of outdoors. In homes with gas stoves, ker osene heaters, or unvented gas space heaters indoor le els often exceed outdoor levels. Steps to Reduce Exposure: See steps under carbon monoxide. ABD00296172 COR AIR POLLUTANTS IN THE HOME \ ORGANIC GASES FORMALDEHYDE RESPIRABLE PARTICLES SotffCflS; Fireplaces, wood stove* and-kerosene beaten. Enviionmental tobacco smoke. Health Effects: Eye, nose, and throat irritation; respiratory infections andbronchitis^,. hing cancer. (Effects attri&ut~ able to environmental to^ . bacco smoke are listed' elsewhere.) Levels in Homes: Particle lev els in homes without smok ing or other strong particle sources are the same as, or lower than, outdoor levels. StepStilRe&caExposire: \4ntallfumaces to out- doon; keep doors to rest of Houseopenwhen using unventedspsce heaters. Chooseproperly sized wood stdvevoertiffed to meet EPA emission stand ards; make certain that doors on all wood stoves fit tightly Have a trained professional inspect, dean, and tune-up central heating system (fur nace, flues, and chimneys) annually Repair any leaks promptly Change filters on central heating and cooling systems and air cleaners according to manufacturer's directions. Sources: Household prod ucts including: painty paint strippers, and other solvents; wood preservatives; aerosol sprays; deansera and disin fectants; moth repellents and air fresheners; stored fuels and automotive products; hobby supplies; dry deaned clothing. Health Effects: 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. Levels in Homes: Levels of several organics average 2 to 5 times higher indoors than outdoors. During and for several hours imme diately after certain activities, such as paint stripping, levels may be 1000 times back ground outdoor levels. Steps to Reduce Exposure: Use household products ac cording to manufacturer's directions. Use outdoors or in wellventilated places. Throw away unused or lit tle-used containers safely; buy in quantities that you will use soon. Sources: Pressed wood prod ucts,(hardwood plywood wall paneling, particleboard, fiberfooard) and furniture made with these pressed wood products. Urea-for maldehyde foam insulation (UFFI). Combustion sources and environmental tobacco smoke. Durable press drapes, other textiles, and glues. Health Effects: Eye, nose, and throat irritation; wheezing and coughing; fatigue; skin rash; severe allergic reac tions. May cause cancer. May also cause other effects listed under "organic gases." Levels in Homes: Average concentrations in older homes without UFFI are generally well below 0.1 (ppm). In homes with signifi cant amounts of new pressed wood products, levels can be greater than 0.3 ppm. Steps to Reduce Exposure: Use "exterior grade" pressed wood products (lower-emitting because they contain phenol resins, not urea resins). Use air conditioning and dehumidifiers to maintain moderate temperature and reduce humidity levels. Increase ventilation, partic ularly after bringing new sources of formaldehyde into the home. ABD00296173 PESTICIDES ; ASBESTOS LEAD Sources: Products used to kill household pests (insec ticides and termiticides). Also, products used on lawns and gardens that drift or are tracked inside the house. Health Effects: Irritation to eye, nose, and throat; dam age to central nervous system and kidney; cancer. Sources: Deteriorating or damaged insulation, fire proofing, or acoustical materials. Health Effects: No immediate symptoms. Chest and ab dominal cancers and lung diseases. Smokers are at higher risk of developing as bestos-induced lung cancer. . Levels in Homes: Preliminary Levels in Homes: Elevated research shows widespread levels can occur in .homes presence of pesticide resi where asbestos-containing dues in homes. materials are damaged or Steps to Reduce Exposure: . disturbed. Use strictly according to Steps to Reduce Exposure: : manufacturer's directions. * Seek professional advice to Mix or dilute outdoors. identify potential asbestos Apply only in recom- problems. (Do not disturb . mended quantities. materials suspected of con Take plants or pets outside, taining asbestos.) where possible. Increase ven > Use trained and qualified tilation when using indoors. contractors for control meas Use non-chemical methods ures that may disturb as of pest control where bestos and for cleanup. possible. * Follow proper procedures If you use a pest control in replacing woodstove door company, select it carefully. gaskets that may contain Do not store unneeded asbestos. . pesticides inside home; dis pose of unwanted containers safely. Store clothes with moth repellents in separately ven tilated areas, if possible. Keep indoor spaces clean and well-ventilated in order to eliminate or minimize use of air fresheners. Sources: Automobile ex haust. Sanding or openflame burning of lead-based paint. Activities involving lead solder. Health Effects: Impaired mental and physical develop ment in both fetuses and young children. Decreased coordination and mental abilities; damage to kidneys and nervous system, and red blood cells. May increase high blood pressure. Levels in Homes: Lead dust levels 10 to 100 times greater in homes where sanding or open-flame burning of leadbased paints has occurred. Steps to Reduce Exposure: If you suspect that paint you are removing may con tain lead, have it tested. 1 Leave lead-based paint un disturbed. Do not sand or burn off. Cover lead-based paint with wallpaper or other building material. Replace moldings and other wood work or have them removed and chemically treated off site. Use well-ventilated areas for hobby and house mainte nance activities involving lead. Consider using "no lead" solder. ' If lead exposure is sus pected, consult your health department about appropri ate removal and clean-up procedures and have your blood lead levels tested. Have your drinking water tested for lead. ABD00296174 (continued from page 14) and benzo(a)pyrene, both of which can cause cancer, attach to small particles that are inhaled and then carried deep into the lung. Reducing Exposure to Combustion Products in Homes Take special precautions when operating fuel-burn ing unvented space heaters. Consider potential effects of indoor air pollution when you decide to use an unvented kerosene or gas space heater. Follow the manufacturer's directions, especially instructions on the proper fuel and keeping the heater properly adjusted. A persistent yellow-tipped flame is generally an indica tor of maladjustment and increased pollutant emis sions. While a space heater is in use, open a door from the room where the heater is located to the rest of the house and open a window slightly. Install and use exhaust fans over gas cooking stoves and ranges and keep the burners properly adjusted. Using a stove hood with a fan vented to the outdoors can greatly reduce exposure to pollutants during cooking. Improper adjustment, often indicated by a persistent yellow-tipped flame, can result in increased pollutant emissions. Ask your gas company to adjust the burner so that the flame tip is blue, if you purchase a new gas stove or range, con sider buying one with pilot less ignition because they do not have a pilot light that bums continuously. Never use a gas stove to heat your home and always make cer tain the flue in your gas fireplace is open when the fireplace is in use. Keep woodstove emissions to a minimum. Choose pro perly-sized new stoves that are certified as meeting EPA emission standards. Make certain that doors in old woodstoves are tight-fitting. Use aged or cured (dried) wood only and follow the manufacturer's directions for starting, stoking, and put ting out the fire in woodstoves. Chemicals are used to pressure-treat wood; such wood should never be burned indoors. (Because some old gaskets in woodstove doors contain asbestos, when replacing gaskets refer to the instruc tions in the EPA and CPSC booklet. Asbestos in Homes, to avoid creating an asbestos problem. New gaskets are made of fiberglass.) Have central air handling systems --including fur naces, flues, and chimneys -- inspected annually and promptly repair cracks or damaged parts. Blocked, leaking, or damaged chimneys or flues can release harmful combustion gases and particles and even fatal concentrations of carbon monoxide. Strictly follow all service and maintenance procedures recommended by the manufacturer, including those that tell you how fre quently to change the filters. If manufacturer's instruc tions are not readily available, change filters once every month or two during periods of use. Proper main tenance is important even for new furnaces, because they can also corrode and leak combustion gases, including carbon monoxide. rganic chemicals are Owidely used as ingre dients in household products because of their many useful charac teristics, such as the ability to dissolve substances and evaporate quickly. Paints, varnishes, and wax all con tain organic solvents, as do many cleaning, disinfecting, cosmetic, degreasing, and hobby products. Fuels are made up of organic chemi cals. All of these products can release organic com pounds while you are using them, and, to some degree, when they are stored. In research conducted by EPA, called the Total Ex posure Assessment Meth odology (TEAM) studies, levels of about a dozen com mon organic pollutants were found to be 2 to 5 times higher inside homes than outside, regardless of whether the homes were lo cated in rural or highly industrial areas. Additional TEAM studies indicate that while people are using pro ducts containing organic chemicals, they can expose themselves and others to very high pollutant levels and elevated concentrations can persist in the air long af ter the activity is completed. Three out of four specific organic compounds men tioned later in this booklet -- benzene, perchloroethylene, and paiadichlorobenzene -- are among the most pre valent organic compounds identified by the TEAM studies. The fourth organic compound, methylene chloride, is used widely in consumer goods. Health Effects The ability of organic chemicals to cause health effects varies greatly -- from 19 ABD00296175 those that are highly toxic to those with no known health effect. Eye and respiratory tract irritation, headaches, dizziness, visual disorders, and memory impairment are among the immediate symp toms that some people have experienced soon after exposure to some organics. At present, not much is known about what health effects occur from the levels of organics found in homes. Many organic compounds are known to cause cancer in animals; some are suspected of causing, or are known to cause, cancer in humans. Organize Safe Collection Days for Household Hazardous Wastes The League of Wbmen Voters of Massachusetts makes available a video and kit of materials giving tips on how to set up household hazardous waste collection days. (Write to the League of Wbmen Voters of Massa chusetts, 8 Winter Street, Boston, MA 02108, for a flyer and order form.) Another source of information is EPAs publication entitled Household Hazardous Waste: A Bibliography of Useful References and List of State Experts. To order copies, call EPAs RCRA/Superfund hotline at 1-800-424-9346. Reducing Exposure to Household Chemicals ducts only occasionally or seasonally such as paints, paint strippers, and kerosene maximum ventilation during painting, and discarding paint supplies and special Follow label instructions for space heaters or gasoline fuels that will not be used carefully. Products often for lawn mowers, buy only immediately. have warnings aimed at as much as you will use right reducing exposure to the away. Keep exposure to user. For example, if a label perch loroethylene emission says to use the product in a Keep exposure to emis from newly dry cleaned "well-ventilated" area, go sions from products contain materials to a minimum. outdoors or in areas equipped with an exhaust ing methylene chloride to a minimum. Consumer pro Perchloroethylene is the chemical most widely used fan to use the product, if ducts that contain methylene in dry cleaning. In laborator possible. Otherwise, open chloride include paint strip studies, it has been shown t< windows to provide the pers, adhesive removers, cause cancer in animals. maximum amount of out aerosol spray paints, and Recent studies indicate that door air possible. pesticide "bombs." Methy people breathe low levels of lene chloride is known to this chemical both in homes Throw away partially full containers of old or unneeded chemicals safely. cause cancer in animals. Also, methylene chloride is converted to carbon monox where dry cleaned goods an stored and as they wear dry cleaned clothing. Dry Because gases can leak even ide in the body and can cleaners recapture the from closed containers, this cause symptoms associated perchloroethylene during th single step could do much to with exposure to carbon dry cleaning process so they lower concentrations of monoxide. Carefully read the can save money by reusing i organic chemicals in your labels containing health and they remove more of th* home. (Be sure that materials hazard information and cau chemical during the pressinj you decide to keep are stored tions on the proper use of and finishing processes. not only in a well-ventilated these products. Use methy Some dry cleaners, however area but are also safely out of lene chloride-containing pro do not remove as much per reach of children.) Do not ducts outdoors when chloroethylene as possible simply toss these unwanted possible; use indoors with as all of the time. products in the garbage can. much ventilation as possible. Taking steps to minimize Find out if your local govern your exposure to this chemi ment or any organization in Keep exposure to benzene cal is prudent. If dry deanec your community sponsors I to a minimum Benzene is a goods have a strong chemi special days for the collection known human carcinogen. cal odor when you pick ther of toxic household wastes. If The main indoor sources of up, do not accept them until such days are available, use this chemical are environ they have been properly them to dispose of the mental tobacco smoke, dried. If goods with a chem unwanted containers safely. stored fuels and paint sup cal odor are returned to you If no such collection days are plies, and automobile emis I on subsequent visits, try a available, think about sions in attached garages. : different dry cleaner. organizing one. Actions which will reduce benzene exposure include Buy limited quantities. In eliminating smoking within the future, if you use pro the home, providing for Attached garages or wrkotace areas were nero/pur" lvccucs ana oic a,anting ana ae.mnc snowies are storec 0e ma/or sources ot organic air odhitar^ 20 ABD00296176 R ormaldehyde is an Fimportant chemical used widely by indus try to manufacture building materials and numerous household prod ucts. It is also a by-product of combustion and certain other natural processes. Thus it may be present in substan tial concentrations both indoors and outdoors. Sources of formaldehyde in the home include smok ing, household products, and the use of unvented, fuel- burning appliances, like gas stoves or kerosene space heaters. Formaldehyde, by itself or in combination with other chemicals, serves a number of purposes in manufactured products. For example, it is used to add permanent press qualities to clothing and draperies, as a component of glues and ad hesives, and as a preserv ative in some paints and coating products. and flake or oriented strand- In homes, the most signifi board, are produced for cant sources of formaldehyde exterior construction use and are likely to be pressed wood contain the dark, or reddish- products made using adhe black colored phenol-for sives that contain urea-for maldehyde (PF) resin. maldehyde (UF) resins. Although formaldehyde is Pressed wood products made present in both types of for indoor use include: par resins, pressed woods that ticleboard (used as subflooring contain PF resin generally and shelving and in cabine emit formaldehyde at con try and furniture); hardwood siderably lower rates than plywood paneling (used for those containing UF resin. decorative wall covering and Since 1985, HUD has per used in cabinets and furni mitted only the use of ture); and medium density plywood and particleboard fiberboard (used for drawer that conform to specified for fronts, cabinet doors, and maldehyde emission limits in furniture tops). Medium the construction of prefabri density fiberboard contains a cated and mobile homes. In higher resin-to-wood ratio the past, some of these than any other UF pressed homes had elevated levels of wood product, and is gen formaldehyde because of the erally recognized as being large amount of high-emit the highest formaldehyde- ting pressed wood products emitting pressed wood used in their construction product. and because of their rela Other pressed wood prod tively small interior space. ucts, like softwood plywood The rate at which products like pressed wood or textiles release formaldehyde emis sions can change. Formalde hyde emissions will generally decrease as products age. When the products are new, high indoor temperatures or humidity can cause increased release of formal dehyde from these products. During the 1970s, many homeowners had urea-for maldehyde foam insulation (UFF1) installed in the wall cavities of their homes as an energy conservation meas ure. However, many of these homes were found to have relatively high indoor con centrations of formaldehyde soon after the UFFI installa tion. Few, if any, homes are now being insulated with this product. Studies show that formaldehyde emissions | from UFFI decline with time; therefore, homes in which UFFI was installed many years ago are unlikely to have high levels of for maldehyde now unless the insulation is damp and there are cracks or openings in in terior walls that expose the foam. Health Effects of Formaldehyde Formaldehyde, a colorless, pungent-smelling gas, can cause watery eyes, burning sensations in the eyes and throat, nausea, and difficulty in breathing in some humans exposed at elevated levels (above 0.1 parts per million). High concentrations may trigger asthma attacks in people with asthma. There is some evidence that some people can develop chemical sensitivity after exposure to formaldehyde. Formaldehyde has also been shown to cause cancer in animals and may cause cancer in humans. 21 ABD00296177 PESTICIDES Pressed wood products made with phenol-formaldehyde are sometimes stamped to indicate they are suitable for exterior use. In general, phenolformaldehyde wood products emit less formaldehyde than woodproducts made with urea-formaldehyde. Reducing Exposure to Formaldehyde in Homes Ask about the formalde hyde content of pressed wood products, including building materials, cabine try, and furniture before you purchase them. If you ex perience adverse reactions to formaldehyde, you may want to avoid the use of pressed wood products and other for maldehyde-emitting goods. Even if you do not ex perience such reactions, you may wish to reduce your ex posure as much as possible by purchasing exterior-grade products, which emit less formaldehyde. For further in formation on formaldehyde and consumer products, call the EPA Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA) assis tance line (202-554-1404). Some studies suggest that coating pressed wood prod ucts with polyurethane may reduce formaldehyde emis sions for some period of time. To be effective, any such coating must cover all surfaces and edges and re main intact. Increase the ventilation and carefully follow the manufacturer's in structions while applying these coatings. (If you are sensitive to formaldehyde, check the label contents before purchasing coating products to avoid buying for maldehyde-containing prod ucts, as they will emit the chemical for a short time af ter application.) Maintain moderate tem perature and humidity levels and provide adequate ventilation. The rate at which formaldehyde is released is accelerated by heat and may also depend somewhat on the humidity level. Therefore, the use of dehumidifiers and air condi tioning to control humidity and to maintain a moderate temperature can help reduce formaldehyde emissions. (Drain and clean dehumidi fier collection trays fre quently so that they do not become a breeding ground for microorganisms.) Increas ing the rate of ventilation in your home will also help in reducing formaldehyde levels. ccording to an EPA Mm survey, 9 out of 10 mtM U.S. households use M I pesticides. One study by EPA suggests that 80-90 percent of most people's ex posure to pesticides in the air occurs indoors and that measurable levels of up to a dozen pesticides have been found in the air inside homes. The amount of pesticides found in homes ' appears to be greater than can be explained by recent pesticide use in those households; other possible sources include contami nated soil or dust that floats or is tracked in from outside, stored pesticide containers, and household surfaces that collect and then release the pesticides. EPA registers pesticides for use and requires manufac turers to put information on the label about when and how to use the pesticide. It is important to remember that the "-ride" in pesticides means "to kill." These pro ducts are dangerous if not used property. In addition to the active ingredient, pesticides are also made up of ingredients which are used to carry the active agent These carrier agents are called "inerts" in pesticides because they are not toxic to the targeted pest; nevertheless, some "inerts" are capable of causing health problems. For example, methylene chloride, discussed under "Household Products," is used as an "inert." Pesticides used in and around the home include products to control insects (insecticides), termites (termitirides), rodents (rodenticides), and fungi (fungicides). They are sold as sprays, liquids, sticks, powders, crystals, balls, and foggers or "bombs." Chlordane, and three other related termiticides (the "cyclodienes") -- heptachlor, aldrin, and dieldrin -- deserve special at tention because of their ability to remain active for long periods of time. In re cent studies, air samples taken in homes soon after well applied termitiride treatments contained residues of these chemicals. As a result of these studies, EPA has taken a series of ac tions that led to the removal of these chemicals from the marketplace. All use of aldrin and dieldrin has been banned, while chlordane and heptachlor cannot be used until an application method that will not result in any measurable exposure to household occupants is successfully developed. Alternative termiticides are currently available, and EPA anticipates that manufac turers will soon apply to register others. Health Effects From Pesticides Both the active and "inert" ingredients in pesticides can 22 ABD00296178 be organic compounds; therefore, both can add to the levels of airborne organics inside homes. Both types of ingredients can cause the effects discussed in this booklet under "Household Products." However, there is little un derstanding at present about what concentrations are necessary to produce these effects. Exposure to high levels of cyclodienes, commonly associated with misapplica tion, has produced various symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, muscle twitching, weakness, tingling sensations, and nausea. In addition, EPA is concerned that cyclodienes might cause long-term damage to the liver and the central nervous system, as well as increased risk of cancer. Reducing Exposure to Pesticides in Homes Read the label and follow the directions. It is illegal to use any pesticide in any manner inconsistent with the directions on its label. Unless you have had special train ing and are certified, never use a pesticide that is restricted to use by state-cer tified pest control operators. Such pesticides are simply too dangerous for application by a non-certified person. Use only the pesticides ap proved for use by the general public and then only in recommended amounts; in creasing the amount does not offer mote protection against pests and can be harmful to you and your plants or pets. Use in well-ventilated areas. Open windows when applying pesticides. Mix or dilute pesticides outdoors or in a well-ventilated area and only in the amounts that will be immediately needed. If possible, take plants or pets outside when applying pesticides to them. Use alternative non-chemi cal methods of pest control. Since pesticides can be found far from the site of their original application, it is prudent to reduce the use of chemical pesticides outdoors as well as indoors. Depend ing on the site and pest to be controlled, one or more of the following steps can be effective: use of biological pesticides, such as Bacillus thurmgiensis for the control of gypsy moths; selection of disease-resistant plants; and frequent washing of indoor plants or pets. Termite damage can be reduced or prevented by making certain that wooden building materials do not come into direct contact with the soil and by storing firewood away from the home. By ap propriately fertilizing, watering, and aerating lawns, the need for chemical pesticide treatments of lawns can be dramatically reduced. If you decide to use a pest control company, choose one carefully. Ask for an inspec tion of your home and get a written control program for evaluation before you sign a contract The control pro gram should list specific names of pests to be con trolled and chemicals to be used; it should also reflect any of your safety concerns. Insist on a proven record of competence and customer satisfaction. Dispose of unwanted pesticides safely. If you have unused or partially used pesticide containers you want to get rid of, dispose of them according to the direc tions on the label or on special household hazardous waste collection days. If ft.TM j.'j StViv ' ;vj v ' 'vr-sLinons Such tecnncurs t%m .>\,,vrv r.:.r' or jr :n?n; orocram >somamas cailau ' oust '"K.-.: reties on many techmcues ,or' snemic.iis v.ce23 there are no such collection days in your community work with others to organize them. (See suggestion under "Household Products") Keep exposure to moth repellents to a minimum. One pesticide often found in the home is paradichlorobenzene, a commonly used active ingredient in moth repellents. This chemical is known to cause cancer in animals, but substantial scientific uncertainty exists over what may be-the effects, if any of long-term human exposure to paradichloro benzene. EPA requires that products containing paradichlorobenzene bear warnings such as "avoid breathing vapors" to warn users of potential short-term toxic effects. Where possible, paradichlorobenzene, and items to be protected against moths, should be placed in trunks or other containers that can be stored in areas that are separately ventilated from the home, such as attics and detached garages. Paradichlorobenzene is also the key active ingredient in many air fresheners (in fact, some labels for moth repellents recommend that these same products be used as air fresheners or deodor ants). Proper ventilation and basic household cleanliness will go a long way toward preventing unpleasant odors -- thereby reducing or elimi nating the need for air fresheners. Call the National Pesticide Telecommunications Net work (NPTN).EPA sponsors the NPTN (1-800-856-PEST) to answer your questions about pesticides and to pro vide EPA publications on pesticides. Two such EPA publications are A Gtizenb Guide to Pesticides and Termiticides Consumer Information. ASBESTOS sbestos is a mineral fiber that has been used commonly in a variety of building construction materials for insulation and as a fireretardant EPA and CPSC have banned several asbestos products. Manufac turers have also voluntarily limited uses of asbestos. To day asbestos is most commonly found in older homes in pipe and furnace insulation materials, asbestos shingles, millboard, textured paints and other coating materials, and floor tiles. Elevated concentrations of airborne asbestos can occur after asbestos-containing materials are disturbed by cutting, sanding, or other remodeling activities. Im proper attempts to remove these materials can release asbestos fibers into the air in homes--increasing asbestos levels and endangering people living in those homes. Health Effects of Asbestos The most dangerous asbestos fibers are too small to be visible. After they are inhaled, they can remain and accumulate in the lungs. Asbestos can cause lung cancer, mesothelioma (a cancer of the chest and ab dominal linings) and asbestosis (irreversible lung scarring that can be fatal). Symptoms of these diseases do not show up until many years after exposure began. Most people with asbestosrelated diseases were exposed to elevated concen trations on the job; some developed disease from exposure to clothing and equipment brought home from job sites. Reducing Exposure to Asbestos in Homes Learn how asbestos problems are created in homes. Read the booklet Asbestos in the Home, issued by CPSC and EPA. To order a copy of this publication send a postcard to Asbestos m the Home, Washington, DC 20207. If you think your home may have an asbestos problem, ask a trained professional to help deter mine whether your home has asbestos-containing materials and whether those materials are damaged or deteriorating. Look to trained contractors, the manufacturer or installer of particular products or materials in your home, your state asbestos program (if there is one), and your state health department for infor mation on how to identify and remedy asbestos problems in your home. Do not cut, rip, or sand asbestos-containing materials. Leave undamaged materials alone and, to the extent possible, prevent them from being disturbed, dam aged, or touched. Inspect periodically for damage or deterioration. When you need to remove or clean up asbestos, use a professional, trained con tractor. Select a contractor only after careful discussion of the problems in your home and the steps the con tractor will take to clean up or remove them. Consider the option of sealing off the materials instead of remov ing them. Call the EPA TSCA assistance line (202-554-1404) to find out whether your state has a training and certification program for asbestos removal contractors and for information on EPAs asbestos programs. 24 ABD00296180 * LEAD ead has long been recognized as a harm ful environmental pollutant There are many ways in which hu mans are exposed to lead, including air, drinking water, food, and contaminated soil and dust. Airborne lead en ters the body when an individual breathes lead par ticles or swallows lead dust once it has settled. Until re cently, the most important airborne source of lead was automobile exhaust. Lead-based paint has long been recognized as a hazard to children who eat leadcontaining paint chips. A 1988 National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) Task Force report found that harmful exposures to lead can be created when leadbased paint is removed from surfaces by sanding or openflame burning. The NIBS Task Force called for devel opment of better and safer techniques to remove lead- based paints and effective dean-up methods. High concentrations of air borne lead particles in homes can also result from the lead dust from outdoor sources, contaminated soil tracked inside, use of lead in activities such as soldering, electronics repair, and stained glass art work. Health Effects of Exposure to Lead Lead is toxic to many organs within the body at both low and high con centrations Lead is capable of causing serious damage to the brain, kidneys, peripheral nervous system (the sense organs and nerves control ling the body), and red blood cells. Even low levels of lead may increase high blood pressure in adults. Fetuses, infants, and children are more vulnerable to lead exposure than adults since lead is more easily absorbed into growing bodies, and the tissues of small children are more sen Since 1975. there has been a 95 percent reduction in the use of lead in gasoline due to (fie EPA (ead-jn-gaso/fne phasedom program and the replacement of older cars with newer cars that require the use of unleaded gasoline. Do not remove lead-based paint by scraping, sanding, or burning ;i or Such removal techniques can result m lead levels in the air mat iv ; - 100 times higher than normal. sitive to the damaging effects of lead. In addition, an equal concentration of lead is more damaging because of a child's smaller body weight. Children may also have higher exposures since they are more likely to get lead dust on their hands and then put their fingers or other lead-contaminated objects into their mouths. The effects of lead exposure on fetuses and young children include delays in physical and mental development, lower IQ levels, shortened attention spans, and in creased behavioral problems. Ways to Reduce Exposure to Lead If you suspect that paint in your home contains lead, have it tested. It has been estimated that lead paint was used in about two-thirds of the houses built before 1940; one-third of the houses built from 1940 to 1960; and some housing built since 1960. Consult your state health or housing depart ment for suggestions on which private laboratories or public agencies may be able to help test your home for lead in paint. Leave lead-based paint undisturbed if it is in good condition and there is little likelihood that it will be eaten by children -- do not sand or burn off paint that may contain lead. Ordinary household cleaning methods are ineffective at removing lead dust produced by sand ing and burning; vacuuming does not sufficiently reduce lead dust levels because the particles pass through the filtering system in ordinary vacuums. Repainting areas covered with lead-based paint is not recommended because steps to prepare the surface area, such as sanding or removing cracked paint, produce lead dust. If paint is cracked or peel ing, cover with wallpaper or some other building material or replace the painted sur face. Also, consider having painted woodwork such as doors and molding taken out of the house and sent off-site for chemical removal. If on-site removal of leadbased paint cannot be avoided, then everyone not involved in doing the removal should leave the building during the period that removal takes place -- no matter whether it involves 25 ABD00296181 sanding, burning, or chemi cal stripping. Workers should be protected and thorough clean-up should follow removal. People who may have been exposed to lead dust recently should have the lead levels in their blood tested by their doctor or local health de partment. If exposure occurred some time pre viously a blood test may not be a reliable indicator of exposure and it may be advisable for exposed children or adults to have neurological tests done. If either test shows lead expos ure has occurred, follow the advice of your doctor or health department. Keep surface areas clean. Frequent cleaning of smooth surfaces, especially food pre paration areas, with a wet cloth or mop can reduce the amount of lead dust that drifts or is tracked in from outdoors. However, lead dust will remain in carpeting and on furnishings. Choose well-ventilated areas to engage in activities that involve the use of lead. As with other activities, increasing ventilation can re duce potential health effects by reducing the concentra tions of indoor air pollutants. Consider using "no-lead" solder. Have the drinking water in vour home tested for lead. Homes most likely to have high lead levels in their wa ter are those with leadsoldered plumbing that is less than 5 years old or those that have water service con nections or interior plumbing made of lead. Send for the EPA pamphlet, Lead and Your Drinking Water, for more infor mation about what you can do if you have lead in your drinking water. V^uildinga new home ^provides theoppor- tcnity foe limiting indoortirproblem.. However, itcan also bring exposureto higher levels ot indoor air contaminants if careful attention is not given to potential pollution sources and the air exchange rate Express your concerns about indoor air quality to your architect or builder and enlist his or her cooperation in taking measures to pro vide good indoor air quality. Talk both about purchasing building materials and fur nishings thatarelowemittingand about pro viding an adequate amount of ventilation. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers recommends a ventilation rate of 0.35 ach (air changes per hour) for new homes, and some new homes are built to even tighter specifi cations. Particular care should be given in such homes to preventing the buikl-up of indoor air pollu tants to high levels. Here are a few important actions that can make a difference: Use radon resistant con struction techniques. Obtain a copy of the EPA booklet. providing a place for mold . anddust mites to grow Alsq carpets laid in this manner do notdry thoroughly# they | fwpfdvide propcftfrainage < andseal foundations in new datkarcaxiceiitaih more from yoonstateradorfor' health agency yourstate' homebuilders' association, your EPA regional office, or the EPA.Public Information Center,^1;. Choose building materials and furnishings that will keep indoor air pollution to a minimum. There are many actions a homeowner can take to select products that will prevent indoor air problems from occurring-- a couple of them are men tioned here. First, use exterior-grade pressed wood in floors, cabinetry and wall surfaces. Or, as an alternative, conrider using solid wood products. Secondly, do not permanently adhere carpets directly to cement floors because cement floors tend to be cold and moisture con denses on the carpet. fromalToca^jantrirtivities. Become familiar with how heat recovery ventilators (air-to-airheat exchangers) work and consider Installing o*w;Awhole-hbttseh*t recoveryventilation system permits occupants to enjoy the air quality benefits of drawing more outdoor air into the home while reduc ing the costs of heating or cooling this air. Install exterior-vented air ducts into woodstove fireboxes and near fireplaces. The supplementary air sup ply from these ducts will provide adequate oxygen for complete combustion, mini mize infiltration of cold outride air into the rest of the house, and prevent backdrafts from bringing combustion products back down the chimney. Do not close the duct until all em bers are extinguished. 26 ABD00296182 ft DOES YOUR OFFICE SUFFER FROM "SICK BUILDING SYNDROME? ndoor air quality prob lems are not limited to homes. In fact, many office buildings have sig nificant air pollution sources. In addition, these buildings may be inadequately venti lated. For example, mechan ical ventilation systems may not be designed or operated to provide adequate amounts of outside air. Finally, people generally have less control over the indoor environment in their offices than they do in their homes. Some indoor air pollutants in office environments pose long-term risks (for example, the cancer risk from asbes tos). In recent years, however, there has been an increase in the incidence of immediate health problems related to indoor air pollutants in office environments. HEALTH EFFECTS number of well-iden tified illnesses, such as Legionnaire's dis ease, asthma, hyper sensitivity pneumonitis, and humidifier fever, have been directly traced to specific building problems. These are called building-related illnesses. Most of these diseases can be treated; nevertheless some can pose serious risks to some individuals. Frequently, however, a sig nificant number of building occupants experience symp toms that do not fit the pattern of any particular ill ness and are difficult to trace to any specific source. This phenomenon has been labeled sick building syndrome. People may complain of one or more of the following symptoms: dry or burning mucous membranes in the nose, eyes, and throat, sneez ing, stuffy or runny nose, fatigue or lethargy, head ache, dizziness, nausea, irritability, and forgetfulness. Poor lighting, noise, vibra tion, thermal discomfort, and psychological stress may also cause, or contribute to, these symptoms. There is no single manner in which these health problems appear. In some cases, problems begin as workers enter their offices and diminish as workers leave; other times, symptoms continue until the illness is treated. Sometimes there are outbreaks of illness among many workers in a single building; in other cases, health symptoms show up only in individual workers. There are usually some occupant complaints about health and comfort in new buildings. In fact the ven tilation guidelines for indoor air quality set forth by the American Society of Heat ing, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers are intended to satisfy 80 per cent of a building's occupants. In the opinion of some World Health Organization experts, up to 30 percent of new or remodelled commer cial buildings may have unusually high rates of health and comfort com plaints from occupants that may potentially be related to indoor air quality WHAT CAUSES INDOOR AIR PROBLEMS IN OFFICES? hree major reasons for poor indoor air quality in office buildings are the pre sence of indoor air pollution sources, poorly designed, maintained, or operated ven tilation systems, and uses of the building that were unan ticipated or poorly planned for when the building was designed or renovated. Sources of Office Air Pollution and pesticides from pest i management practices. As with homes, the most important factor influencing indoor air quality is the pre sence of pollutant sources. Commonly found office pollutants and their sources indude environmental tobacco smoke; asbestos from insulating and fireretardant building supplies; formaldehyde from pressed wood products; other organics from building materials, carpeting, and other office furnishings, cleaning materials and activities, restroom air fresheners, paints, adhesives, copying machines, and photography and print shops; biological contami nants from dirty ventilation systems or water-damaged walls, ceilings, and carpets; Ventilation Systems Mechanical ventilation systems in large buildings are designed and operated not only to heat and cool the air, but also to draw in and circulate outdoor air. When they are poorly designed, operated, or maintained, however, ventilation systems can contribute to indoor air problems in several ways. For example, problems arise when, in an effort to save energy ventilation systems are not used to bring in adequate amounts of out door air. Inadequate ventila tion also occurs if the air supply and return vents within each room are blocked or placed in such a ,y" 27 ABD00296183 way that outside air does not actually reach the breathing zone of building occupants. Improperly located outside air intake air vents can also bring in air contaminated with automobile and truck exhaust, boiler emissions, fumes from dumpsters, or air vented from restrooms. Finally, ventilation systems can be a source of indoor pollution themselves by spreading biological contaminants that have multi plied in cooling towers, humidifiers, dehumidifiers, air conditioners, or the inside surfaces of ventilation ductwork. Use of the Building Indoor air pollutants can be circulated from portions of the building used for specialized purposes, such as restaurants, print shops, and drycleaning stores, into offices in the same building. Carbon monoxide and other components of automobile exhaust can be drawn from underground parking garages through stairwells and elevator shafts into office spaces. In addition, buildings originally designed for one purpose may end up being converted to use as office space. If not properly modified during building renovations, the room parti tions and ventilation system can contribute to indoor air quality problems by restrict ing air recirculation or by providing an inadequate supply of outside air. Role of a Buifding Inspection in Correcting Problems Frequently indoor air quality problems in large commercial buildings cannot be effectively identified or remedied without a com prehensive building investi gation. These investigations may start with written ques tionnaires and telephone consultations in which building investigators assess the history of occupant symptoms and building operation procedures. In some cases, these inquiries may quickly uncover the problem and on-site visits are unnecessary. More often, however, investigators will need to come to the building to con duct personal interviews with occupants, to look for possible sources of the problems, and to inspect the design and operation of the ventilation system and other building features. Because taking measurements of pollutants at the very low levels often found in office buildings is expensive and may not yield information useful in identifying problem sources, investigators may not take many measure ments. The process of solv ing indoor air quality problems that result in health and comfort com plaints can be a slow one, involving several trial solu tions before successful remedial actions are iden tified. WHAT TO DO IF YOU SUSPECT A PROBLEM f you or others at your /office are experiencing health or comfort prob lems that you suspect may be caused by indoor air pollution, you can do the following: Talk with your own physi cian and report your prob lems to the company physician, nurse, or health or biosafety officer so that they can be added to the record of health complaints; Talk with your supervisor, other workers, and union representatives to see if the problems are being experienced by others and urge that a record of reported health complaints be kept by management, if one has not already been established; Ask the building manager to consider hiring a commer cial company that conducts building investigations to diagnose the problem or problems and to suggest solutions. Carefully select such companies on the basis of their experience in iden tifying and solving indoor air quality problems in nonindustrial buildings; Call the National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety (NIOSH) for informa tion on obtaining a health hazard evaluation of your office (1-800-35NIOSH); Call your state or local health department or air pollution control agency to talk over the symptoms and possible causes; and Work with others to establish a smoking policy that minimizes non-smoker exposure to environmental tobacco smoke. 28 ABD00296184 WHERE TO GO FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FEDERAL AGENCIES ederal agencies with L'.S. Environmental Findoor air respon Protection Agency(EPA) sibilities are listed Public Information Center below. Write to the 401 M Street SW addresses listed for the Washington, DC 20460 free materials mentioned earlier in this booklet. US. Consumer Product Safety Commission(CPSC) Washington, DC 20207 EPA Public Inquiry Phone Numbers Public Information Center e.-.rs-'rj- "* a--.-'-*- 202-382-2080 ,, 1 i-y\ ..< *r. V;,, Operates Monday to Friday .* from 8 to 5:30 Eastern Stan dard Tune (EST). TSCA A^si-tJ.'V'1 Information bvrvice 202-554-1404 Operates Monday through Friday from 8:30 to 5 EST. Provides information on regulations under the Toxic Substances Control Act and on EPAs asbestos programs. Safe Drinking Water Hotline 202-382-5533 Operates Monday through Friday from 8:30 to 4:30 EST Provides information on regulations under the Safe Drinking Water Act, radon in drinking water, and a list of state drinking water offices. National Pesticides Telecommunications Network National toll-free number: 1-800-858-PEST In Texas: 806-743-3091 Operates 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Pro vides information about pesticides to the general public and the medical, veterinary, and professional RCRA/Superfund Hotline National toll-free number: 1-800-424-9346 In Washington, DC: 202-382-3000 Operates Monday through Friday from 8:30 to 7:30 EST. Provides information on regulations under both the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (including solid and hazardous waste issues) and the Superfund law. CPSC Public Inquiry Phone Numbers CPSC Toll-free Hotline Product Safety 1-800-638-CPSC Teletypewriter for the hearing impaired (outside Maryland) 1-800-638-8270 Teletypewriter for the hearing impaired (Maryland only) 1-800-492-8104 Recorded information is available 24 hours a day when calling from a touchtone phone. Operators are on duty Monday to Friday from 10:30 to 4:00 EST to take complaints about unsafe consumer products. 29 i ABD00296185 Eastern Regional Center 6 World Trade Center Vesey Street, 3rd Floor New York, NY 10048 (212)264-1125 Central Regional Center 230 South Dearborn Street, Rm. 2944 Chicago^ IL 60604 (312) 353-8260 Western Regional Center 555 Battery Street, Rm. 401 San Franrisca CA 94111 (415)556-1816 Address inquiries to the Indoor Air Contacts in the EPA regional offices at the following addresses: Region 1 EPA john F. Kennedy Federal Bldg. Boston, MA 02203 617-565-3232 Region 2 EPA 26 Federal Plaza New York, NY 10278 212-264-2517 Region 3 EPA 841 Chestnut Building Philadelphia, PA 19107 215-597-9090 215-597-4084 (radon) Region 4 EPA 345 Courtland Street NE Atlanta, CA 30365 404-347-2864 Region 5 EPA 230 S. Dearborn Street Chicago^ IL 60604 312-886-6054 Region 6 EPA Allied Bank Tower 1445 Ross Avenue Dallas, TX 75202 214-655-7214 Region 7 EPA 726 Minnesota Avenue Kansas City, KS 66101 913-236-2893_____________ Region 8 EPA 999 18th Street, Suite 500 Denver, CO 80202 303-293-1750 Region 9 EPA 215 Fremont Street San Franrisca CA 94105 415-974-8381 Region 10 EPA 1200 Sixth Avenue Seattle, WA 98101 206-442-4226 Connecticut, Maine. Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohia Wisconsin Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Texas Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, American Samoa, Guam, Trust Territories of the Pacific Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington i 30 ABD00296186 ft PRIVATE SECTOR . CONTACTS ome of the private 5sector organizations that have information for the public on indoor air quality issues are: American Institute of Architects 1350 New York Avenue NW Washington, DC 20006 American Gas Association 1515 Wilson Boulevard Arlington, VA 22209 OTHER FEDERAL AGENCIES Bonneville Power Administration Portland, OR 97208 General Services Administration 18th and F Streets NW Washington, DC 20450 Office of Conservation and Renewable Energy U.S. Department of Energy 1000 Independence Avenue SW Washington, DC 20585 National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Hazard Evaluations and Technical Assistance Branch (R-9) Division of Surveillance, Hazard Evaluations and Field Studies US. Department of Health and Human Services 4676 Columbia Parkway Cincinnati, Ohio 45226 Office on Smoking and Health U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Rockville, MD 20857 Office on Energy and the Environment U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Washington, DC 20410 Occupational Safety and Health Administration U.S. Department of Labor 200 Constitution Avenue NW Washington, DC 20210 Your local lung association or American Lung Association 1740 Broadway New York, NY 10019 STATE AND LOCAL AGENCIES American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers our questions or 1791 Tullie Circle NE Kconcerns about Atlanta, CA 30329 indoor air problems can frequently be Building Owners and answered most readily bMyanagers Association the government agencie1s2i5n0 Eye Street NW, Suite 200 your state or local govern Washington, DC 20005 ment. Responsibilities for indoor air quality issues are Consumer Federation of usually divided among many America different agencies. You will 1424 16th Street NW Suite 604 often find that calling or Washington, DC 20036 writing the agencies respon sible for health or air quality Edison Electric Institute control is the best way to 1111 19th Street NW start getting information Washington, DC 20036 from your state or local government. The EPA Safe Buildings Alliance publication, Directory of State Metropolitan Square Indoor Air Contacts, lists state 655 15th Street, NW agency contacts and is avail Suite 12 able at the EPA address listed Washington, DC 20005 on page 29. National Association of Home Builders Technology and Codes Department 15th and M Streets NW Washington, DC 20005 Tennessee Valley Authority Industrial Hygiene Branch 328 Multipurpose Building Muscle Shoals, AL 35660 World Health Organization Publications Center 49 Sheridan Avenue Albany, NY 12210 31 ABD00296187 GLOSSARY Acid aerosol. Acidic liquid or solid particles that are small enough to become airborne. High concentrations of acid aerosols can be irritating to the lungs and have been associated with some respiratory diseases, such as asthma. Allergen. A substance capable of causing an allergic reac tion because of an individ ual's sensitivity to that substance. Allergic rhinitis. Inflammation of the mucous membranes in the nose. Animal dander. Tiny scales of animal skin. Breathing zone. The area of a room in which occupants breathe as they stand, sit, or lie down. Building-related illness. Term that refers to a discrete, iden tifiable disease or illness. Can be traced to a specific pollutant or source within a building. (Contrast with "Sick building syndrome.") Chemical Sensitivity. Evidence suggests that some people can develop health problems characterized by effects such as dizziness, eye and throat irritation, chest tightness, and nasal congestion that appear whenever they are exposed to certain chemicals. People may react to even trace amounts of chemicals to which they have become "sensitized^ Fungi. Any of a group of parasitic lower plants that lack chlorophyll, including molds and mildews. Humidifier fever. A respiratory illness that may be caused by exposure to toxins from microorganisms found in wet or moist areas in humidifiers and air condi tioners. Also called air condi tioner or ventilation fever. Hypersensitivity pneumonitis. A group of respiratory diseases, including humi difier fever, that involve inflammation of the lungs. Most forms of hypersen sitivity pneumonitis are thought to be caused by an allergic reaction triggered by repeated exposures to biological contaminants. Humidifier fever may be an exception, distinguished from other forms of pneumonitis by the fact that it does not appear to involve an allergic reaction. Organic compounds. Chemi cals that contain carbon. Volatile organic compounds vaporize at room tempera ture and pressure. They are found in many indoor sources, including many common household products and building materials. Picocurte. A unit for measur ing radioactivity, often expressed as picocuries per liter of air. Polycyhc aromatic hydrocar bons. A group of organic compounds. Some are known to be potent human carcinogens. Pressed wood products. A group of materials used in building and furniture con struction that are made from wood veneers, particles, or fibers bonded together with an adhesive under heat and pressure. Radon and radon decay pro ducts. Radon is a radioactive gas formed in the decay of uranium. The radon decay products (also called radon daughters or progeny) are particles that can be breathed into the lung where they continue to release radiation as they further decay. Sick building syndrome. Term that refers to a set of symp toms that affect a number of building occupants during the time they spend in the building and diminish or go away during periods when they leave the building. Can not be traced to specific pollutants or sources within the building. (Contrast with "Building-related illness.") Ventilation rate. The rate at which outside air enters and leaves a building. Expressed in one of two ways: the number of changes of out side air per unit of time (air changes per hour, or "ach") or the rate at which a volume of outside air enters per unit of time (cubic feet per minute, or"cfm"). Information provided in this booklet is based upon current scientific and technical understanding of the issues presented and is reflective of the jurisdictional boundaries established by the statutes governing the co-authoring agencies. Following the advice given will not necessarily provide complete protection in all situations or against all health hazards that may be caused by indoor air pollution. This document is in the public domain. It may be reproduced in part or in whole by an individual or organization without permission. If it is reproduced, however, EPA would appreciate knowing how it is used. Write the Indoor Air Division. Office of Air and Radiation, US. Envi ronmental Protection Agency Washington, DC 20460. Design: Bems tt Kay, Ltd. Paper Sculptures: David Doggett. Kathleen Carson 32 ' i wnvtRNMtN? Pft:NT!NO .Jl)-