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A LOOK AT
SOURCE-SPECIFIC CONTROLS
RADON (Rn)
The most common source of indoor
radon is uranium in the soil or rock on which homes are built. As uranium
naturally breaks down, it releases radon gas which is a colorless, odorless,
radioactive gas. Radon gas enters homes through dirt floors, cracks in
concrete walls and floors, floor drains, and sumps. When radon becomes trapped
in buildings and concentrations build up indoors, exposure to radon becomes a
concern.
Any home may have a radon problem. This
means new and old homes, well-sealed and drafty homes, and homes with or
without basements.
Sometimes radon enters the home through
well water. In a small number of homes, the building materials can give off
radon, too. However, building materials rarely cause radon problems by
themselves.
Health Effects of Radon
The predominant health effect associated
with exposure to elevated levels of radon is lung cancer. Research suggests
that swallowing water with high radon levels may pose risks, too, although
these are believed to be much lower than those from breathing air containing
radon. Major health organizations (like the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, the American Lung Association (ALA), and the American Medical
Association) agree with estimates that radon causes thousands of preventable
lung cancer deaths each year. EPA estimates that radon causes about 14,000
deaths per year in the United States--however, this number could range from
7,000 to 30,000 deaths per year. If you smoke and your home has high radon
levels, your risk of lung cancer is especially high.
Reducing Exposure to Radon
in Homes
Measure levels of radon in
your home.
You can't see radon, but it's not hard to
find out if you have a radon problem in your home. Testing is easy and should
only take a little of your time.
There are many kinds of inexpensive,
do-it-yourself radon test kits you can get through the mail and in hardware
stores and other retail outlets. Make sure you buy a test kit that has passed
EPA's testing program or is state-certified. These kits will usually display
the phrase "Meets EPA Requirements." If you prefer, or if you are
buying or selling a home, you can hire a trained contractor to do the testing
for you. EPA's voluntary National Radon
Proficiency Program (RPP) evaluated testing (measurement) contractors. A
contractor who had met EPA's requirements carried an EPA-generated RPP
identification card. EPA provided a list of companies and individual
contractors on this web site which was also available to state radon offices.
You should call your state radon office to obtain a list of qualified
contractors in your area.You can also contact either the National
Environmental Health Association (NEHA) - http://www.neha.org
or the National Radon Safety Board (NRSB) - http://www.nrsb.org
for a list of proficient radon measurement and/or mitigation contractors.
Refer to the EPA guidelines
on how to test and interpret your test results.
You can learn more about radon through
EPA's publications, A
Citizen's Guide to Radon: The Guide to Protecting Yourself and Your Family
From Radon and Home
Buyer's and Seller's Guide to Radon, which are also available from
your state radon office.
Learn about radon reduction
methods.
Ways to reduce radon in your home are
discussed in EPA's Consumer's
Guide to Radon Reduction. You can get a copy from your state radon
office. There are simple solutions to radon problems in homes. Thousands of
homeowners have already fixed radon problems. Lowering high radon levels
requires technical knowledge and special skills. You should use a contractor
who is trained to fix radon problems.
A trained radon reduction contractor can
study the problem in your home and help you pick the correct treatment method.
Check with your state radon office for names of qualified or state-certified
radon-reduction contractors in your area.
Stop smoking and discourage
smoking in your home.
Scientific evidence indicates that smoking
combined with radon is an especially serious health risk. Stop smoking and
lower your radon level to reduce lung cancer risk.
Treat radon-contaminated
well water.
While radon in water is not a problem in
homes served by most public water supplies, it has been found in well water.
If you've tested the air in your home and found a radon problem, and you have
a well, contact a lab certified to measure radiation in water to have your
water tested. Radon problems in water can be readily fixed. Call your state
radon office or the EPA Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791) for more
information.
ENVIRONMENTAL
TOBACCO SMOKE (ETS)
Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) is the
mixture of smoke that comes from the burning end of a cigarette, pipe, or
cigar, and smoke exhaled by the smoker. It is a complex mixture of over 4,000
compounds, more than 40 of which are known to cause cancer in humans or
animals and many of which are strong irritants. ETS is often referred to as
"secondhand smoke" and exposure to ETS is often called "passive
smoking."
Health Effects of
Environmental Tobacco Smoke
In 1992, EPA completed a major
assessment of the respiratory health risks of ETS (Respiratory Health Effects
of Passive Smoking: Lung Cancer and Other Disorders EPA/600/6-90/006F). The
report concludes that exposure to ETS is responsible for approximately 3,000
lung cancer deaths each year in nonsmoking adults and impairs the respiratory
health of hundreds of thousands of children.
Infants and young children whose parents
smoke in their presence are at increased risk of lower respiratory tract
infections (pneumonia and bronchitis) and are more likely to have symptoms of
respiratory irritation like cough, excess phlegm, and wheeze. EPA estimates
that passive smoking annually causes between 150,000 and 300,000 lower
respiratory tract infections in infants and children under 18 months of age,
resulting in between 7,500 and 15,000 hospitalizations each year. These
children may also have a build-up of fluid in the middle ear, which can lead
to ear infections. Older children who have been exposed to secondhand smoke
may have slightly reduced lung function.
Asthmatic children are especially at
risk. EPA estimates that exposure to secondhand smoke increases the number of
episodes and severity of symptoms in hundreds of thousands of asthmatic
children, and may cause thousands of nonasth-matic children to develop the
disease each year. EPA estimates that between 200,000 and 1,000,000 asthmatic
children have their condition made worse by exposure to secondhand smoke each
year. Exposure to secondhand smoke causes eye, nose, and throat irritation. It
may affect the cardiovascular system and some studies have linked exposure to
secondhand smoke with the onset of chest pain. For publications about ETS, go
to the IAQ Publications page, or contact EPA's Indoor Air Quality Information
Clearinghouse (IAQ INFO), 800-438-4318 or (703) 356-4020.
Reducing Exposure to
Environmental Tobacco Smoke
Don't smoke at home or
permit others to do so. 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
- non-smokers' exposure to environmental tobacco smoke.
If smoking indoors cannot be
avoided, increase ventilation in the area where smoking takes place.
Open windows or use exhaust fans.
Ventilation, a common method of reducing exposure 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 environmental tobacco smoke can
also increase energy costs substantially. Consequently, the most effective way
to reduce exposure to environmental tobacco smoke in the home is to eliminate
smoking there.
Do not smoke if children are
present, particularly infants and toddlers.
Children are particularly susceptible to
the effects of passive smoking. Do not allow baby-sitters or others who work
in your home to smoke indoors. Discourage others from smoking around children.
Find out about the smoking policies of the day care center providers, schools,
and other care givers for your children. The policy should protect children
from exposure to ETS.
Biological contaminants include
bacteria, molds, mildew, viruses, animal dander and cat saliva, house dust
mites, cockroaches, and pollen. There are many sources of these pollutants.
Pollens originate from plants; viruses are transmitted by people and animals;
bacteria are carried by people, animals, and soil and plant debris; and
household pets are sources of saliva and animal dander. The protein in urine
from rats and mice is a potent allergen. When it dries, it can become
airborne. Contaminated central air handling systems can become breeding
grounds for mold, mildew, and other sources of biological contaminants and can
then distribute these contaminants through the home.
By controlling the relative humidity
level in a home, the growth of some sources of biologicals can be minimized. A
relative humidity of 30-50 percent is generally recommended for homes.
Standing water, water-damaged materials, or wet surfaces also serve as a
breeding ground for molds, mildews, bacteria, and insects. House dust mites,
the source of one of the most powerful biological allergens, grow in damp,
warm environments.
Health Effects From
Biological Contaminants
Some biological contaminants trigger
allergic reactions, including hypersensitivity pneumonitis, allergic rhinitis,
and some types of asthma. Infectious illnesses, such as influenza, measles,
and chicken pox are transmitted through the air. Molds and mildews release
disease-causing toxins. Symptoms of health problems caused by biological
pollutants include sneezing, watery eyes, coughing, shortness of breath,
dizziness, lethargy, fever, and digestive problems.
Allergic reactions occur only after
repeated exposure to a specific biological allergen. However, that reaction
may occur immediately upon re-exposure or after multiple exposures over time.
As a result, people who have noticed only mild allergic reactions, or no
reactions at all, may suddenly find themselves very sensitive to particular
allergens.
Some diseases, like humidifier fever,
are associated with exposure to toxins from microorganisms that can grow in
large building ventilation systems. However, these diseases can also be traced
to microorganisms that grow in home heating and cooling systems and
humidifiers. Children, elderly people, and people with breathing problems,
allergies, and lung diseases are particularly susceptible to disease-causing
biological agents in the indoor air.
Reducing Exposure to
Biological Contaminants
Install and use exhaust fans
that are vented to the outdoors in kitchens and bathrooms and vent clothes
dryers outdoors.
These actions can eliminate much of the
moisture that builds up from everyday activities. There are exhaust fans on
the market that produce little noise, an important consideration for some
people. Another benefit to using kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans is that
they can reduce levels of organic pollutants that vaporize from hot water used
in showers and dishwashers.
Ventilate the attic and
crawl spaces to prevent moisture build-up.
Keeping humidity levels in these areas
below 50 percent can prevent water condensation on building materials.
If using cool mist or
ultrasonic humidifiers, clean appliances according to manufacturer's
instructions and refill with fresh water daily.
Because these humidifiers can become
breeding grounds for biological contaminants, they have the potential for
causing diseases such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis and humidifier fever.
Evaporation trays in air conditioners, dehumidifiers, and refrigerators should
also be cleaned frequently.
Thoroughly clean and dry
water-damaged carpets and building materials (within 24 hours if possible) or
consider removal and replacement.
Water-damaged carpets and building
materials can harbor mold and bacteria. It is very difficult to completely rid
such materials of biological contaminants.
Keep the house clean. House
dust mites, pollens, animal dander, and other allergy-causing agents can be
reduced, although not eliminated, through regular cleaning.
People who are allergic to these pollutants
should use allergen-proof mattress encasements, wash bedding in hot (130
degrees farenheit) water, and avoid room furnishings that accumulate dust,
especially if they cannot be washed in hot water. Allergic individuals should
also leave the house while it is being vacuumed because vacuuming can actually
increase airborne levels of mite allergens and other biological contaminants.
Using central vacuum systems that are vented to the outdoors or vacuums with
high efficiency filters may also be of help.
Take steps to minimize
biological pollutants in basements.
Clean and disinfect the basement floor
drain regularly. Do not finish a basement below ground level 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.
To learn more about biological
pollutants, read Biological Pollutants in Your Home issued by the U.S.
Consumer Product Safety Commission and the American Lung Association. For
contact information, see the section, "Where to Go For Additional
Information."
In addition to environmental tobacco
smoke, other sources of combustion products are unvented kerosene and gas
space heaters, woodstoves, fireplaces, and gas stoves. The major pollutants
released are carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and particles. Unvented
kerosene heaters may also generate acid aerosols.
Combustion gases and particles also come
from chimneys and flues that are improperly installed or maintained and
cracked furnace heat exchangers. Pollutants from fireplaces and woodstoves
with no dedicated outdoor air supply can be "back-drafted" from the
chimney into the living space, particularly in weatherized homes.
Health Effects of Combustion
Products
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a
colorless, odorless gas that interferes with the delivery of oxygen throughout
the body. At high concentrations it can cause unconsciousness and death. Lower
concentrations can cause a range of symptoms from headaches, dizziness,
weakness, nausea, confusion, and disorientation, to fatigue in healthy people
and episodes of increased chest pain in people with chronic heart disease. The
symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are sometimes confused with the flu or
food poisoning. Fetuses, infants, 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 (NO2)
is a colorless, odorless gas that irritates the mucous membranes in the eye,
nose, and throat and causes shortness of breath after exposure to high
concentrations. There is evidence that high concentrations or continued
exposure to low levels of nitrogen dioxide increases the risk of respiratory
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.
Particles, released when
fuels are incompletely burned, can lodge in the lungs and irritate or damage
lung tissue. A number of pollutants, including radon 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-burning unvented space heaters.
Consider potential effects of indoor air
pollution if you 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 indicator of maladjustment and increased pollutant emissions.
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 greatly reduces exposure to pollutants during cooking. Improper
adjustment, often indicated by a persistent yellow-tipped flame, causes
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, consider
buying one with pilotless ignition because it does not have a pilot light that
burns continuously. Never use a gas stove to heat your home. Always make
certain the flue in your gas fireplace is open when the fireplace is in use.
Keep woodstove emissions to
a minimum. Choose properly 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 putting 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 instructions in the CPSC, ALA,
and EPA booklet, Asbestos in Your Home, to avoid creating an asbestos problem.
New gaskets are made of fiberglass.)
Have central air handling
systems, including furnaces, flues, and chimneys, inspected annually
andpromptly repair cracks or damaged parts.
Blocked, leaking, or damaged chimneys or
flues 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
frequently to change the filter. If manufacturer's instructions are not
readily available, change filters once every month or two during periods of
use. Proper maintenance is important even for new furnaces because they can
also corrode and leak combustion gases, including carbon monoxide.
Read the booklet What You Should Know
About Combustion Appliances and Indoor Air Pollution to learn more about
combustion pollutants. The booklet is available by contacting CPSC,
EPA's IAQ INFO Clearinghouse, or your local ALA. (See "Where to Go for
Additional Information" for contact information.)
Organic chemicals are widely used as
ingredients in household products. Paints, varnishes, and wax all contain
organic solvents, as do many cleaning, disinfecting, cosmetic, degreasing, and
hobby products. Fuels are made up of organic chemicals. All of these products
can release organic compounds while you are using them, and, to some degree,
when they are stored.
EPA's Total Exposure Assessment
Methodology (TEAM) studies found levels of about a dozen common organic
pollutants to be 2 to 5 times higher inside homes than outside, regardless of
whether the homes were located in rural or highly industrial areas. Additional
TEAM studies indicate that while people are using products containing organic
chemicals, they can expose themselves and others to very high pollutant
levels, and elevated concentrations can persist in the air long after the
activity is completed.
Health Effects of Household
Chemicals
The ability of organic chemicals to
cause health effects varies greatly, from those that are highly toxic, to
those with no known health effect. As with other pollutants, the extent and
nature of the health effect will depend on many factors including level of
exposure and length of time exposed. Eye and respiratory tract irritation,
headaches, dizziness, visual disorders, and memory impairment are among the
immediate symptoms 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 usually 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.
Reducing Exposure to
Household Chemicals
Follow label instructions
carefully.
Potentially hazardous products often have
warnings aimed at reducing exposure of the user. For example, if a label says
to use the product in a well-ventilated area, go outdoors or in areas equipped
with an exhaust fan to use it. Otherwise, open up windows to provide the
maximum amount of outdoor air possible.
Throw away partially full
containers of old or unneeded chemicals safely.
Because gases can leak even from closed
containers, this single step could help lower concentrations of organic
chemicals in your home. (Be sure that materials you decide to keep are stored
not only in a well-ventilated area but are also safely out of reach of
children.) Do not simply toss these unwanted products in the garbage can. Find
out if your local government or any organization in your community sponsors
special days for the collection of toxic household wastes. If such days are
available, use them to dispose of the unwanted containers safely. If no such
collection days are available, think about organizing one.
Buy limited quantities.
If you use products only occasionally or
seasonally, such as paints, paint strippers, and kerosene for space heaters or
gasoline for lawn mowers, buy only as much as you will use right away.
Keep exposure to emissions
from products containing methylene chloride to a minimum.
Consumer products that contain methylene
chloride include paint strippers, adhesive removers, and aerosol spray
paints. Methylene chloride is known to cause cancer in animals. Also,
methylene chloride is converted to carbon monoxide in the body and can cause
symptoms associated with exposure to carbon monoxide. Carefully read the
labels containing health hazard information and cautions on the proper use of
these products. Use products that contain methylene chloride outdoors when
possible; use indoors only if the area is well ventilated.
Keep exposure to benzene to
a minimum.
Benzene is a known human carcinogen. The
main indoor sources of this chemical are environmental tobacco smoke, stored
fuels and paint supplies, and automobile emissions in attached garages.
Actions that will reduce benzene exposure include eliminating smoking within
the home, providing for maximum ventilation during painting, and discarding
paint supplies and special fuels that will not be used immediately.
Keep exposure to
perchloroethylene emissions from newly dry-cleaned materials to a minimum.
Perchloroethylene is the chemical most
widely used in dry cleaning. In laboratory studies, it has been shown to cause
cancer in animals. Recent studies indicate that people breathe low levels of
this chemical both in homes where dry-cleaned goods are stored and as they
wear dry-cleaned clothing. Dry cleaners recapture the perchloroethylene during
the dry-cleaning process so they can save money by re-using it, and they
remove more of the chemical during the pressing and finishing processes. Some
dry cleaners, however, do not remove as much perchloroethylene as possible all
of the time. Taking steps to minimize your exposure to this chemical is
prudent. If dry-cleaned goods have a strong chemical odor when you pick them
up, do not accept them until they have been properly dried. If goods with a
chemical odor are returned to you on subsequent visits, try a different dry
cleaner.
Formaldehyde is an important chemical
used widely by industry to manufacture building materials and numerous
household products. It is also a by-product of combustion and certain other
natural processes. Thus, it may be present in substantial concentrations both
indoors and outdoors.
Sources of formaldehyde in the home
include building materials, smoking, 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 adhesives, and as a preservative in some paints and coating products.
In homes, the most significant sources
of formaldehyde are likely to be pressed wood products made using adhesives
that contain urea-formaldehyde (UF) resins. Pressed wood products made for
indoor use include: particleboard (used as subflooring and shelving and in
cabinetry and furniture); hardwood plywood paneling (used for decorative wall
covering and used in cabinets and furniture); and medium density fiberboard
(used for drawer fronts, cabinets, and furniture tops). Medium density
fiberboard contains a higher resin-to-wood ratio than any other UF pressed
wood product and is generally recognized as being the highest
formaldehyde-emitting pressed wood product.
Other pressed wood products, such as
softwood plywood and flake or oriented strandboard, are produced for exterior
construction use and contain the dark, or red/black-colored
phenol-formaldehyde (PF) resin. Although formaldehyde is present in both types
of resins, pressed woods that contain PF resin generally emit formaldehyde at
considerably lower rates than those containing UF resin.
Since 1985, the Department of Housing
and Urban Development (HUD) has permitted only the use of plywood and
particleboard that conform to specified formaldehyde emission limits in the
construction of prefabricated and mobile homes. In the past, some of these
homes had elevated levels of formaldehyde because of the large amount of
high-emitting pressed wood products used in their construction and because of
their relatively small interior space.
The rate at which products like pressed
wood or textiles release formaldehyde can change. Formaldehyde emissions will
generally decrease as products age. When the products are new, high indoor
temperatures or humidity can cause increased release of formaldehyde from
these products.
During the 1970s, many homeowners had
urea-formaldehyde foam insulation (UFFI) installed in the wall cavities of
their homes as an energy conservation measure. However, many of these homes
were found to have relatively high indoor concentrations of formaldehyde soon
after the UFFI installation. Few 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 formaldehyde now.
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
attacks in people with asthma. There is evidence that some people can develop
a sensitivity to formaldehyde. It has also been shown to cause cancer in
animals and may cause cancer in humans.
Reducing Exposure to
Formaldehyde in Homes
Ask about the formaldehyde
content of pressed wood products,including building materials, cabinetry, and
furniture before you purchase them.
If you experience adverse reactions to
formaldehyde, you may want to avoid the use of pressed wood products and other
formaldehyde-emitting goods. Even if you do not experience such reactions, you
may wish to reduce your exposure as much as possible by purchasing
exterior-grade products, which emit less formaldehyde. For further information
on formaldehyde and consumer products, call the EPA Toxic Substance Control
Act (TSCA) assistance line (202-554-1404).
Some studies suggest that coating pressed
wood products with polyurethane may reduce formaldehyde emissions for some
period of time. To be effective, any such coating must cover all surfaces and
edges and remain intact. Increase the ventilation and carefully follow the
manufacturernstructions while applying these coatings. (If you are sensitive
to formaldehyde, check the label contents before purchasing coating products
to avoid buying products that contain formaldehyde, as they will emit the
chemical for a short time after application.) Maintain moderate temperature
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
conditioning to control humidity and to maintain a moderate temperature can
help reduce formaldehyde emissions. (Drain and clean dehumidifier collection
trays frequently so that they do not become a breeding ground for
microorganisms.) Increasing the rate of ventilation in your home will also
help in reducing formaldehyde levels.
According to a recent survey, 75 percent
of U.S. households used at least one pesticide product indoors during the past
year. Products used most often are insecticides and disinfectants. Another
study suggests that 80 percent of most people's exposure to pesticides 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 contaminated soil or dust that floats or is
tracked in from outside, stored pesticide containers, and household surfaces
that collect and then release the pesticides. Pesticides used in and around
the home include products to control insects (insecticides), termites (termiticides),
rodents (rodenticides), fungi (fungicides), and microbes (disinfectants). They
are sold as sprays, liquids, sticks, powders, crystals, balls, and foggers.
In 1990, the American Association of
Poison Control Centers reported that some 79,000 children were involved in
common household pesticide poisonings or exposures. In households with
children under five years old, almost one-half stored at least one pesticide
product within reach of children.
EPA registers pesticides for use and
requires manufacturers to put information on the label about when and how to
use the pesticide. It is important to remember that the "-cide" in
pesticides means "to kill." These products can be dangerous if
not used properly.
In addition to the active ingredient,
pesticides are also made up of ingredients that 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.
Health Effects From
Pesticides
Both the active and inert ingredients in
pesticides can be organic compounds; therefore, both could add to the levels
of airborne organics inside homes. Both types of ingredients can cause the
effects discussed in this document under "Household Products,"
however, as with other household products, there is insufficient understanding
at present about what pesticide concentrations are necessary to produce these
effects.
Exposure to high levels of cyclodiene
pesticides, commonly associated with misapplication, 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
an increased risk of cancer.
There is no further sale or commercial
use permitted for the following cyclodiene or related pesticides: chlordane,
aldrin, dieldrin, and heptachlor. The only exception is the use of heptachlor
by utility companies to control fire ants in underground cable boxes.
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 training and
are certified, never use a pesticide that is restricted to use by
state-certified pest control operators. Such pesticides are simply too
dangerous for application by a noncertified person. Use only the pesticides
approved for use by the general public and then only in recommended amounts;
increasing the amount does not offer more protection against pests and can be
harmful to you and your plants and pets.
Ventilate the area well
after pesticide use.
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 and pets outside when applying pesticides to them.
Use nonchemical methods of
pest control when possible.
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. Depending 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 thuringiensis, for the control
of gypsy moths; selection of disease-resistant plants; and frequent washing of
indoor plants and 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 appropriately
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 inspection of your home and get
a written control program for evaluation before you sign a contract. The
control program should list specific names of pests to be controlled 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
directions on the label or on special household hazardous waste collection
days. If there are no such collection days in your community, work with others
to organize them.
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 the effects, if any, of long-term human exposure to
paradichlorobenzene. 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
deodorants). Proper ventilation and basic household cleanliness will go a long
way toward preventing unpleasant odors.
Call the National Pesticide
Telecommunications Network (NPTN).
EPA sponsors the NPTN (800-858-PEST) to
answer your questions about pesticides and to provide selected EPA
publications on pesticides.
Asbestos is a mineral fiber that has
been used commonly in a variety of building construction materials for
insulation and as a fire-retardant. EPA and CPSC have banned several asbestos
products. Manufacturers have also voluntarily limited uses of asbestos. Today,
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. Improper 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, meso-thelioma (a
cancer of the chest and abdominal 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 asbestos-related diseases
were exposed to elevated concentrations 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 Your Home,
issued by CPSC, the ALA, and EPA. To contact these organizations, see the
section, "Where to Go For More Information."
If you think your home may
have asbestos, don't panic!
Usually it is best to leave asbestos
material that is in good condition alone. Generally, material in good
condition will not release asbestos fiber. There is no danger unless fibers
are released and inhaled into the lungs.
Do not cut, rip, or sand
asbestos-containing materials.
Leave undamaged materials alone and, to the
extent possible, prevent them from being damaged, disturbed, or touched.
Periodically inspect for damage or deterioration. Discard damaged or worn
asbestos gloves, stove-top pads, or ironing board covers. Check with local
health, environmental, or other appropriate officials to find out about proper
handling and disposal procedures.
If asbestos material is more than slightly
damaged, or if you are going to make changes in your home that might disturb
it, repair or removal by a professional is needed. Before you have your house
remodeled, find out whether asbestos materials are present.
When you need to remove or
clean up asbestos, use a professionally trained contractor.
Select a contractor only after careful
discussion of the problems in your home and the steps the contractor will take
to clean up or remove them. Consider the option of sealing off the materials
instead of removing them.
Call EPA's 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 EPA's asbestos
programs.
Lead has long been recognized as a
harmful environmental pollutant. In late 1991, the Secretary of the Department
of Health and Human Services called lead the "number one
environmental threat to the health of children in the United States."
There are many ways in which humans are exposed to lead: through air, drinking
water, food, contaminated soil, deteriorating paint, and dust. Airborne lead
enters the body when an individual breathes or swallows lead particles or dust
once it has settled. Before it was known how harmful lead could be, it was
used in paint, gasoline, water pipes, and many other products.
Old lead-based paint is the most
significant source of lead exposure in the U.S. today. Harmful exposures to
lead can be created when lead-based paint is improperly removed from surfaces
by dry scraping, sanding, or open-flame burning. High concentrations of
airborne lead particles in homes can also result from lead dust from outdoor
sources, including contaminated soil tracked inside, and use of lead in
certain indoor activities such as soldering and stained-glass making.
Health Effects of Exposure
to Lead
Lead affects practically all systems
within the body. At high levels it can cause convulsions, coma, and even
death. Lower levels of lead can adversely affect the brain, central nervous
system, blood cells, and kidneys.
The effects of lead exposure on fetuses
and young children can be severe. They include delays in physical and mental
development, lower IQ levels, shortened attention spans, and increased
behavioral problems. 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 sensitive to the damaging
effects of lead. Children may 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.
Get your child tested for lead exposure.
To find out where to do this, call your doctor or local health clinic. For
more information on health effects, get a copy of the Centers for Disease
Control's, Preventing Lead Poisoning in Young Children (October 1991).
Ways to Reduce Exposure to
Lead
Keep areas where children
play as dust-free and clean as possible.
Mop floors and wipe window ledges and
chewable surfaces such as cribs with a solution of powdered automatic
dishwasher detergent in warm water. (Dishwasher detergents are recommended
because of their high content of phosphate.) Most multi-purpose cleaners will
not remove lead in ordinary dust. Wash toys and stuffed animals regularly.
Make sure that children wash their hands before meals, nap time, and bedtime.
Reduce the risk from
lead-based paint.
Most homes built before 1960 contain
heavily leaded paint. Some homes built as recently as 1978 may also contain
lead paint. This paint could be on window frames, walls, the outside of homes,
or other surfaces. Do not burn painted wood since it may contain lead.
Leave lead-based paint
undisturbed if it is in good condition - do not sand or burn off paint that
may contain lead.
Lead paint in good condition is usually not
a problem except in places where painted surfaces rub against each other and
create dust (for example, opening a window).
Do not remove lead paint
yourself.
Individuals have been poisoned by scraping
or sanding lead paint because these activities generate large amounts of lead
dust. Consult your state health or housing department for suggestions on which
private laboratories or public agencies may be able to help test your home for
lead in paint. Home test kits cannot detect small amounts of lead under some
conditions. Hire a person with special training for correcting lead paint
problems to remove lead-based paint. Occupants, especially children and
pregnant women, should leave the building until all work is finished and
clean-up is done.
For additional information dealing with
lead-based paint abatement contact the Department of Housing and Urban
Development for the following two documents: Comprehensive and Workable Plan
for the Abatement of Lead-Based Paint in Privately Owned Housing: Report to
Congress (December 7, 1990) and Lead-Based Paint: Interim Guidelines for
Hazard Identification and Abatement in Public and Indian Housing (September
1990).
Do not bring lead dust into
the home.
If you work in construction, demolition,
painting, with batteries, in a radiator repair shop or lead factory, or your
hobby involves lead, you may unknowingly bring lead into your home on your
hands or clothes. You may also be tracking in lead from soil around your home.
Soil very close to homes may be contaminated from lead paint on the outside of
the building. Soil by roads and highways may be contaminated from years of
exhaust fumes from cars and trucks that used leaded gas. Use door mats to wipe
your feet before entering the home. If you work with lead in your job or a
hobby, change your clothes before you go home and wash these clothes
separately. Encourage your children to play in sand and grassy areas instead
of dirt which sticks to fingers and toys. Try to keep your children from
eating dirt, and make sure they wash their hands when they come inside.
Find out about lead in
drinking water.
Most well and city water does not usually
contain lead. Water usually picks up lead inside the home from household
plumbing that is made with lead materials. The only way to know if there is
lead in drinking water is to have it tested. Contact the local health
department or the water supplier to find out how to get the water tested. Send
for the EPA pamphlet, Lead and Your Drinking Water, for more information about
what you can do if you have lead in your drinking water. Call EPA's Safe
Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791) for more information.
Eat right.
A child who gets enough iron and calcium
will absorb less lead. Foods rich in iron include eggs, red meats, and beans.
Dairy products are high in calcium. Do not store food or liquid in lead
crystal glassware or imported or old pottery. If you reuse old plastic bags to
store or carry food, keep the printing on the outside of the bag.
You can get a brochure, Lead Poisoning
and Your Children, and more information by calling the National Lead
Information Center, 800-LEAD-FYI.
In recent years, a number of consumers
have associated a variety of symptoms with the installation of new carpet.
Scientists have not been able to determine whether the chemicals emitted by
new carpets are responsible. If you are installing new carpet, you may wish to
take the following steps:
- Talk to your carpet retailer. Ask for
information on emissions from carpet.
- Ask the retailer to unroll and air
out the carpet in a well-ventilated area before installation.
- Ask for low-emitting adhesives if
adhesives are needed.
- Consider leaving the premises during
and immediately after carpet installation. You may wish to schedule the
installation when most family members or office workers are out.
- Be sure the retailer requires the
installer to follow the Carpet and Rug Institute's installation
guidelines.
- Open doors and windows. Increasing
the amount of fresh air in the home will reduce exposure to most chemicals
released from carpet. During and after installation, use window fans, room
air conditioners, or other mechanical ventilation equipment you may have
installed in your house, to exhaust fumes to the outdoors. Keep them
running for 48 to 72 hours after the new carpet is installed.
- Contact your carpet retailer if
objectionable odors persist.
- Follow the manufacturer's
instructions for proper carpet maintenance.
United States Environmental Protection
Agency and the
United States Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Radiation and Indoor Air
DISCLAIMER
Information provided in this
booklet is based on 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.
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