All of us face a variety of risks to our health as we go about our day-to-day lives. Driving in cars, flying in planes, engaging in recreational 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 opportunity to make informed choices. Indoor air pollution is one risk that you can do something about.

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 industrialized cities.  Other research indicates that people spend approximately 90 percent of their time indoors.  Thus, for many people, the risks to health may be greater due to exposure to air pollution indoors 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 effects of indoor air pollution. Such groups include the young, the elderly, and the chronically ill, especially those suffering from respiratory or cardiovascular disease.

Indoor Air Hazards You Should Know About:

• Moisture and biologicals (like molds, mildew and dust mites). Sources include excessive humidity levels, poorly-maintained humidifiers and air conditioners, inadequate ventilation and animal dander.
• Combustion products including carbon monoxide. Sources include unvented fossil-fuel space heaters, unvented gas stoves and ovens, and "backdrafting" from furnaces and water heaters.
• Formaldehyde. Sources include durable press drapes and other textiles, particle-board products such as cabinets and furniture framing, and adhesives.
• Radon. This is a radioactive gas from soil and rock beneath and around the foundation, ground water wells and some building materials.
• Household products and furnishings. These include volatile organic compounds from paints, solvents, air fresheners, hobby supplies, dry cleaned clothing, aerosol sprays, adhesives and fabric additives used in carpeting and furniture.
• Asbestos. Most homes more than 20 years old are likely to have asbestos. Sources include deteriorating, damaged or disturbed pipe insulation, fireproofing or acoustical material and floor tiles.
• Lead. Sources include lead-based paint dust from removing paint by sanding, scraping and burning.
• Particulates. Sources include particles from fireplaces, woodstoves, kerosene heaters, unvented gas space heaters, tobacco smoke, dust and pollen.
• Remodeling byproducts. Remodeling can provide the disturbance that releases such materials as asbestos, lead, formaldehyde and other hazardous materials.

What Causes Indoor Air Problems?

• Unusual and noticeable odors, stale or stuffy air
• Noticeable lack of air movement
• Dirty or faulty central heating or air conditioner equipment
• Damaged flue pipes or chimneys
• Unvented combustion air sources for fossil fuel appliances
• Excessive humidity
• Tightly constructed or remodeled home
• Presence of molds and mildew
• Health reaction after remodeling, weatherizing, using new furniture, use of household or hobby products, or moving into a new home
• Feeling noticeably healthier outside the home

Mold

• Molds, mildew, fungi, bacteria and dust mites are some of the main biological pollutants inside the house
• Mold and mildew are generated in the home and release spores into the air
• Allergic reactions are the most common health problems associated with mold
• Molds and dust mites thrive in areas of high humidity
• Mold grows on organic materials such as paper, textiles, grease, dirt and soap scum
• Mold spores float throughout the house, forming new colonies where they land

How to Control Mold in Your Home

• Prevent mold growth by keeping basements, bathrooms and other rooms clean and dry
• Use a disinfectant to clean surfaces that have mold on them
• If carpeting or furnishings become wet, they must be quickly and thoroughly dried or discarded
• Humidifiers, dehumidifiers and air conditioning condensing units should be regularly cleaned with a disinfectant such as chlorine bleach
• Keep humidity at acceptable levels (less than 50 percent) and make sure there's plenty of ventilation, especially in areas where moisture tends to build up

Improving the Air Quality in Your Home

• Source Control. Usually the most effective way to improve indoor air quality is to eliminate individual sources of pollution or to reduce their emissions.
• Ventilation Improvements. Another approach to lowering the concentrations of indoor air pollutants in your home is to increase the amount of outdoor air coming indoors.
• Opening windows and doors. Operating window or attic fans, when the weather permits, or running a window air conditioner with the vent control open increases the outdoor ventilation rate.
• Air Cleaners and Air Purifiers There are many types and sizes of air cleaners and air purifiers on the market, ranging from relatively inexpensive table-top models to sophisticated and expensive whole-house systems.