What are some examples of common indoor air pollutants affecting children?
Why should I be concerned about indoor air quality?
- Environmental Tobacco Smoke, ETS (second-hand smoke)
- Household cleaners (alone or in combination with other products)
- Odorless, colorless gases such as carbon monoxide and radon
- Chemicals in new carpets
- Formaldehyde in building materials and furniture
- Molds and mildew
- Dust mites, pet dander and cockroaches can cause illnesses and make allergies and asthma worse.
- Combustion appliances such as wood burning stoves, fireplaces, kerosene heaters, and/or gas stoves
- Children spend an estimated 90% of their time indoors.
- Beginning in the 1970's homes were constructed with more "air-tight" designs, allowing for less air circulation. Some pollutants can become trapped inside and build to dangerous levels, while other indoor air pollutants are dangerous in small amounts.
How can I reduce indoor air pollutants?
- Never smoke around a child.
- Be a smart consumer! Read labels for warnings. Purchase the right product for the job, the least toxic chemical to do the job and buy the smallest amount necessary.
- Prevent insect pests from coming into your home by emptying garbage frequently and storing food promptly.
- Repair leaking facets and clean up standing water immediately to reduce pests and prevent mold and mildew.
- Keep fireplace dampers clean and gas burning appliances in good repair.
- Have appliances inspected by your local gas company. Wood stoves and fireplaces need to be checked every year.
- Purchase a carbon monoxide detector and keep it in good working order.
- Keep carpets clean and maintain the filter on your vacuum as the manufacturer recommends.
- Maintain the humidity in your home between 40%-60%. Increased humidity provides an environment for mold to form.
- If you have visible mold, obtain professional advice on how to remove it properly and do not allow children to play or sleep in the affected area.
- Dispose of hazardous material properly. Call your local health department for information regarding hazardous waste collections.
Children's Environmental Health