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Prepared by: The Consumer Product
Safety Commission (CPSC), and
The American Lung Association, The Christmas Seal People
Biological
Pollutants in Your Home
This booklet will help you
understand:
- what indoor biological
pollution is;
- whether your home or lifestyle
promotes its development; and,
- how to control its growth and
buildup.
Outdoor air pollution in cities is a major health problem. Much effort and
money continues to be spent cleaning up pollution in the outdoor air. But
air pollution can be a problem where you least expect it, in the place you
may have thought was safest--your home. Many ordinary activities such as
cooking, heating, cooling, cleaning, and redecorating can cause the
release and spread of indoor pollutants at home. Studies have shown that
the air in our homes can be even more polluted than outdoor air.
Many Americans spend up to 90
percent of their time indoors, often at home. Therefore, breathing clean
indoor air can have an important impact on health. People who are inside a
great deal may be at greater risk of developing health problems, or having
problems made worse by indoor air pollutants. These people include
infants, young children, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses.
What Are Biological Pollutants?
Biological pollutants are or were
living organisms. They promote poor indoor air quality and may be a major
cause of days lost from work or school, and of doctor and hospital visits.
Some can even damage surfaces inside and outside your house. Biological
pollutants can travel through the air and are often invisible.
Some
common indoor biological pollutants are:
Some of these substances are in
every home. It is impossible to get rid of them all. Even a spotless home
may permit the growth of biological pollutants. Two conditions are
essential to support biological growth: nutrients and moisture. These
conditions can be found in many locations, such as bathrooms, damp or
flooded basements, wet appliances (such as humidifiers or air
conditioners), and even some carpets and furniture.
Modern materials and construction
techniques may reduce the amount of outside air brought into buildings
which may result in high moisture levels inside. Using humidifiers,
unvented heaters, and air conditioners in our homes has increased the
chances of moisture forming on interior surfaces. This encourages the
growth of certain biological pollutants.
The Scope Of The Problem
Most information about sources
and health effects of biological pollutants is based on studies of large
office buildings and two surveys of homes in northern U.S. and Canada.
These surveys show that 30% to 50% of all structures have damp conditions
which may encourage the growth and buildup of biological pollutants. This
percentage is likely to be higher in warm, moist climates.
Some diseases or illnesses have
been linked with biological pollutants in the indoor environment. However,
many of them also have causes unrelated to the indoor environment.
Therefore, we do not know how many health problems relate only to poor
indoor air.
Health Effects Of Biological
Pollutants
All of us are exposed to
biological pollutants. However, the effects on our health depend upon the
type and amount of biological pollution and the individual person. Some
people do not experience health reactions from certain biological
pollutants, while others may experience one or more of the following
reactions:
-
Allergic
-
Infectious
-
Toxic
Except for the spread of
infections indoors, ALLERGIC REACTIONS may be the most common
health problem with indoor air quality in homes. They are often connected
with animal dander (mostly from cats and dogs), with house dust mites
(microscopic animals living in household dust), and with pollen. Allergic
reactions can range from mildly uncomfortable to life-threatening, as in a
severe asthma attack. Some common signs and symptoms are:
Health experts are especially
concerned about people with asthma.
These people have very sensitive airways that can react to various
irritants, making breathing difficult. The number of people who have
asthma has greatly increased in recent years. The number of people with
asthma has gone up by 59 percent since 1970, to a total of 9.6 million
people. Asthma in children under 15 years of age has increased 41 percent
in the same period, to a total of 2.6 million children. The number of
deaths from asthma is up by 68 percent since 1979, to a total of almost
4,400 deaths per year.
INFECTIOUS DISEASES caused
by bacteria and viruses, such as flu, measles, chicken pox, and
tuberculosis, may be spread indoors. Most infectious diseases pass from
person to person through physical contact. Crowded conditions with poor
air circulation can promote this spread. Some bacteria and viruses thrive
in buildings and circulate through indoor ventilation systems. For
example, the bacterium causing Legionnaire's disease, a serious and
sometimes lethal infection, and Pontiac Fever, a flu-like illness, have
circulated in some large buildings.
Talking To Your Doctor
Are you concerned about the
effects on your health that may be related to biological pollutants in
your home? Before you discuss your concerns with your doctor, you should
know the answers to the following questions. This information can help the
doctor determine whether your health problems may be related to biological
pollution.
-
Does anyone in the family have
frequent headaches, fevers, itchy watery eyes, a stuffy nose, dry
throat, or a cough? Does anyone complain of feeling tired or dizzy all
the time? Is anyone wheezing or having difficulties breathing on a
regular basis?
-
Did these symptoms appear
after you moved to a new or different home?
-
Do the symptoms disappear when
you go to school or the office or go away on a trip, and return when
you come back?
-
Have you recently remodeled
your home or done any energy conservation work, such as installing
insulation, storm windows, or weather stripping? Did your symptoms
occur during or after these activities?
-
Does your home feel humid? Can
you see moisture on the windows or on other surfaces, such as walls
and ceilings?
-
What is the usual temperature
in your home? Is it very hot or cold?
-
Have you recently had water
damage?
-
Is your basement wet or damp?
-
Is there any obvious mold or
mildew?
-
Does any part of your home
have a musty or moldy odor?
-
Is the air stale?
-
Do you have pets?
-
Do your house plants show
signs of mold?
-
Do you have air conditioners
or humidifiers that have not been properly cleaned?
-
Does your home have
cockroaches or rodents?
TOXIC REACTIONS are the
least studied and understood health problem caused by some biological air
pollutants in the home. Toxins can damage a variety of organs and tissues
in the body, including the liver, the central nervous system, the
digestive tract, and the immune system.
Coping With the Problem
Checking Your Home
There is no simple and cheap way
to sample the air in your home to determine the level of all biological
pollutants. Experts suggest that sampling for biological pollutants is not
a useful problem-solving tool. Even if you had your home tested, it is
almost impossible to know which biological pollutants cause various
symptoms or health problems. The amount of most biological substances
required to cause disease is unknown and varies from one person to the
next.
Does this make the problem sound
hopeless? On the contrary, you can take several simple, practical actions
to help remove sources of biological pollutants, to help get rid of
pollutants, and to prevent their return.
Self-Inspection: A Walk
Through Your Home
Begin by touring your household.
Follow your nose, and use your eyes. Two major factors help create
conditions for biological pollutants to grow: nutrients and constant
moisture with poor air circulation.
-
Dust and construction
materials, such as wood, wallboard, and insulation, contain nutrients
that allow biological pollutants to grow. Firewood also is a source of
moisture, fungi, and bugs.
-
Appliances such as
humidifiers, kerosene and gas heaters, and gas stoves add moisture to
the air.
-
A musty odor, moisture on hard
surfaces, or even water stains, may be caused by:
- Air-conditioning units
- Basements, attics, and crawlspaces
- Bathrooms
- Carpets
- Heating and air-conditioning ducts
- Humidifiers
and dehumidifiers
- Refrigerator drip pans
What You Can Do About Biological
Pollutants
Before you give away the family
pet or move, there are less drastic steps that can be taken to reduce
potential problems. Properly cleaning and maintaining your home can help
reduce the problem and may avoid interrupting your normal routine. People
who have health problems such as asthma, or are allergic, may need to do
this and more. Discuss this with your doctor.
Moisture Control
Water in your home can come from
many sources. Water can enter your home by leaking or by seeping through
basement floors. Showers or even cooking can add moisture to the air in
your home. The amount of moisture that the air in your home can hold
depends on the temperature of the air. As the temperature goes down, the
air is able to hold less moisture. This is why, in cold weather, moisture
condenses on cold surfaces (for example, drops of water form on the inside
of a window). This moisture can encourage biological pollutants to grow.
There are many ways to control
moisture in your home:
-
Fix leaks and seepage. If
water is entering the house from the outside, your options range from
simple landscaping to extensive excavation and waterproofing. (The
ground should slope away from the house.) Water in the basement can
result from the lack of gutters or a water flow toward the house.
Water leaks in pipes or around tubs and sinks can provide a place for
biological pollutants to grow.
-
Put a plastic cover over dirt
in crawlspaces to prevent moisture from coming in from the ground. Be
sure crawlspaces are well-
ventilated.
-
Use exhaust fans in bathrooms
and kitchens to remove moisture to the outside (not into the attic).
Vent your clothes dryer to the
outside.
-
Turn off certain appliances
(such as humidifiers or kerosene heaters) if you notice moisture on
windows and other surfaces.
-
Use dehumidifiers and air
conditioners, especially in hot, humid climates, to reduce moisture in
the air, but be sure that the appliances themselves don't become
sources of biological pollutants.
-
Raise the temperature of cold
surfaces where moisture condenses. Use insulation or storm windows. (A
storm window installed on the inside works better than one installed
on the outside.) Open doors between rooms (especially doors to closets
which may be colder than the rooms) to increase circulation.
Circulation carries heat to the cold surfaces. Increase air
circulation by using fans and by moving furniture from wall corners to
promote air and heat circulation. Be sure that your house has a source
of fresh air and can expel excessive moisture from the home.
-
Pay special attention to
carpet on concrete floors. Carpet can absorb moisture and serve as a
place for biological pollutants to grow. Use area rugs which can be
taken up and washed often. In certain climates, if carpet is to be
installed over a concrete floor, it may be necessary to use a vapor
barrier (plastic sheeting) over the concrete and cover that with
sub-flooring (insulation covered with plywood) to prevent a moisture
problem.
-
Moisture problems and their
solutions differ from one climate to another. The Northeast is cold
and wet; the Southwest is hot and dry; the South is hot and wet; and
the Western Mountain states are cold and dry. All of these regions can
have moisture problems. For example, evaporative coolers used in the
Southwest can encourage the growth of biological pollutants. In other
hot regions, the use of air conditioners which cool the air too
quickly may prevent the air conditioners from running long enough to
remove excess moisture from the air. The types of construction and
weatherization for the different climates can lead to different
problems and solutions.
Maintain And Clean All
Appliances That Come In Contact With Water
-
Have major appliances, such as
furnaces, heat pumps and central air conditioners, inspected and
cleaned regularly by a professional, especially before seasonal use.
Change filters on heating and cooling systems according to
manufacturer's directions. (In general, change filters monthly during
use.) When first turning on the heating or air conditioning at the
start of the season, consider leaving your home until it airs out.
-
Have window or wall
air-conditioning units cleaned and serviced regularly by a
professional, especially before the cooling season. Air conditioners
can help reduce the entry of allergy-causing pollen. But they may also
become a source of biological pollutants if not properly maintained.
Clean the coils and incline the drain pans according to manufacturer's
instructions, so water cannot collect in pools.
-
Have furnace-attached
humidifiers cleaned and serviced regularly by a professional,
especially before the heating season.
-
Follow manufacturer's
instructions when using any type of humidifier. Experts differ on the
benefits of using humidifiers. If you do use a portable humidifier
(approximately 1 to 2 gallon tanks), be sure to empty its tank every
day and refill with distilled or demineralized water, or even fresh
tap water if the other types of water are unavailable. For larger
portable humidifiers, change the water as recommended by the
manufacturer. Unplug the appliance before cleaning. Every third day,
clean all surfaces coming in contact with water with a 3% solution of
hydrogen peroxide, using a brush to loosen deposits. Some
manufacturers recommend using diluted household bleach for cleaning
and maintenance, generally in a solution of one-half cup bleach to one
gallon water. When using any household chemical, rinse well to remove
all traces of chemical before refilling humidifier.
-
Empty dehumidifiers daily and
clean often. If possible, have the appliance drip directly into a
drain. Follow manufacturer's instructions for cleaning and
maintenance. Always disconnect the appliance before cleaning.
-
Clean refrigerator drip pans
regularly according to manufacturer's instructions. If refrigerator
and freezer doors don't seal properly, moisture may build up and mold
can grow. Remove any mold on door gaskets and replace faulty gaskets.
Clean Surfaces
-
Clean mold surfaces, such as
showers and kitchen counters.
-
Remove meld from walls,
ceilings, floors, and paneling. Do not simply cover mold with paint,
stain, varnish, or a moisture-proof
sealer, as it may resurface.
-
Replace moldy shower curtains,
or remove them and scrub well with a household cleaner and rinse
before re-changing them.
Dust Control
Controlling dust is very
important for people who are allergic to animal dander and mites. You
cannot see mites, but you can either remove their favorite breeding
grounds or keep these areas dry and clean. Dust mites can thrive in sofas,
stuffed chairs, carpets, and bedding. Open shelves, fabric wallpaper,
knickknacks, and Venetian blinds are also sources of dust mites. Dust
mites live deep in the carpet and are not removed by vacuuming. Many
doctors suggest that their mite-allergic patients use washable area rugs
rather than wall-to-wall carpet.
-
Always wash bedding in hot
water (at least 1300 F) to kill dust mites. Cold water won't do the
job. Launder bedding at least every 7 to 10 days.
-
Use synthetic or foam rubber
mattress pads and pillows, and plastic mattress covers if you are
allergic. Do not use fuzzy wool blankets, feather or wool-stuffed
comforters, and feather pillows.
-
Clean rooms and closets well;
dust and vacuum often to remove surface dust. Vacuuming and other
cleaning may not remove all animal dander, dust mite material, and
other biological pollutants. Some particles are so small they can pass
through vacuum bags and remain in the air. If you are allergic to
dust, wear a mask when vacuuming or dusting. People who are highly
allergy-prone should not perform these tasks. They may even need to
leave the house when someone else is cleaning.
Before You Move
Protect yourself by inspecting
your potential new home. If you identify problems, have the landlord or
seller correct them before you move in, or even consider moving elsewhere.
-
Have professionals check the
heating and cooling system, including humidifiers and vents. Have duct
lining and insulation
checked for growth.
-
Check for exhaust fans in
bathrooms and kitchens. If there are no vents, do the kitchen and
bathrooms have at least one window a piece? Does the cook top have a
hood vented outside? Does the clothes dryer vent outside? Are all
vents to the outside of the building, not into attics or crawlspaces?
-
Look for obvious mold growth
throughout the house, including attics, basements, and crawlspaces,
and around the foundation. See if there are many plants close to the
house, particularly if they are damp and rotting. They are a potential
source of biological pollutants. Downspouts from roof gutters should
route water away from the building.
-
Look for stains on the walls,
floor or carpet (including any carpet over concrete floors) as
evidence of previous flooding or moisture problems. Is there moisture
on windows and surfaces? Are there signs of leaks or seepage in the
basement?
-
Look for rotted building
materials which may suggest moisture or water damage.
-
If you or anyone else in the
family has a pet allergy, ask if any pets have lived in the home.
-
Examine the design of the
building. Remember that in cold climates, overhanging areas, rooms
over unheated garages, and closets on outside walls may be prone to
problems with biological pollutants.
-
Look for signs of cockroaches.
Where Biological Pollutants May
Be Found In The Home
-
Dirty air conditioners
-
Dirty humidifiers and/or
dehumidifiers
-
Bathroom without vents or
windows
-
Kitchen without vents or
windows
-
Dirty refrigerator drip pans
-
Laundry room with unvented
dryer
-
Unventilated attic
-
Carpet on damp basement floor
-
Bedding
-
Closet on outside wall
-
Dirty heating/air conditioning
system
-
dogs or cats
-
Water damage (around windows,
the roof, or the basement)
Warning! Carefully read
instructions for use and any cautionary labeling on cleaning products
before beginning cleaning procedures.
-
Do not mix any chemical
products. Especially, never mix cleaners containing bleach with any
product (such as ammonia) which does not have instructions for such
mixing. When chemicals are combined, a dangerous gas can sometimes be
formed.
-
Household chemicals may cause
burning or irritation to skin and eyes.
-
Household chemicals may be
harmful if swallowed, or inhaled.
-
Avoid contact with skin, eyes,
mucous membranes and clothing.
-
Avoid breathing vapor. Open
all windows and doors and use an exhaust fan that sends the air
outside.
-
Keep household chemicals out
of reach of children.
-
Rinse treated surface areas
well to remove all traces of chemicals.
Correcting Water Damage
What if damage is already done?
Follow these guidelines for correcting water damage:
-
Throw out mattresses, wicker
furniture, straw baskets and the like that have been water damaged or
contain mold. These cannot be recovered.
-
Discard any water-damaged
furnishings such as carpets, drapes, stuffed toys, upholstered
furniture and ceiling tiles, unless they can be recovered by steam
cleaning or hot water washing and thorough drying.
-
Remove and replace wet
insulation to prevent conditions where biological pollutants can grow.
DISCLAIMER: This
document may be reproduced without change, in whole or in part, without
permission, except for use as advertising material or product endorsement.
Any such reproduction should credit the American Lung Association and the
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The use of all or any part of
this document in a deceptive or inaccurate manner or for purposes of
endorsing a particular product may be subject to appropriate legal action.
Additional Sources of
Information
Contact your local
American
Lung Association for copies of: Indoor Air Pollution Fact Sheets, Air
Pollution in Your Home? and other publications on indoor air
pollution.
Contact the
U.S.
Consumer Product Safety Commission, Washington, D.C. 20207, for copies
of Humidifier Safety Alert.
You may also contact EPA's IAQ
INFO Clearinghouse at 1-800-438-4318 (or (703) 356-4020) for more
information on indoor air quality and to order publications from the list
of
IAQ publications.
Created: March 31, 1997, Last
Modified: March 19, 1998
http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/bio_1.html
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