WHEN we think of pollution, scenes of litter strewn over land or in waterways immediately flash into our head. More specifically, when we hear of air pollution, we usually think of smoke being emitted from factories, vehicles or any other mediums. However, much more dangerous to our health is air pollution which occurs right within our living quarters.

According to the US EPA, scientific evidence indicates that indoor air can be more seriously polluted than the outdoor air, even in the largest and most industrialized cities. Considering the fact that people spend a significant portion of their time indoors, we need to be more conscious of indoor air pollution.

Health impacts
Indoor air pollution can have serious impacts on our health, these include, irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. These can occur from a single exposure and can be short-term and treatable – sometimes simply eliminating the exposure to the source of the pollution is treatment enough. However, prolonged or repeated exposure can result in serious health implications such as respiratory diseases, heart disease, and cancer.
Within our homes, there are common items that can reduce our indoor air quality. These include:
1.    Carpets: New carpets are made of chemicals that can emit a variety of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and cause health
problems, while older carpets can have dust, dirt, bacteria, mold, and mildew embedded in them.

2.    Broken compact fluorescent lights: If they break, CFLs can emit mercury, a neurotoxin, in small amounts into the air. It is important to note that carpets cannot be fully cleaned of mercury and vacuums should not be used to clean up broken bulbs.

3.    New electronics and other plastic products, e.g. disposal plastic bottles: Products made with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) can emit phthalates, which have been linked to hormonal abnormalities and reproductive problems.

4.    Glues and adhesives: These can emit VOCs, such as acetone or methyl ethyl ketone that can irritate the eyes and affect the nervous system. Adhesives also can emit toxic formaldehyde.

5.    Heating equipment: Especially gas stoves, can produce carbon monoxide, which can cause headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and even death if not ventilated properly. It can also emit nitrogen dioxide and particulates, which can cause respiratory problems and eye, nose, and throat inflammation. Moreover, homes that use primitive means of cooking and heating such as solid fuels (dung, straw, wood) on open fires have high levels of indoor air pollution.

6.    Paints and strippers: Latex paints are a big improvement over oil-based paints because they emit fewer chemical fumes. However, as they dry, all paints can emit VOCs, which can cause headaches, nausea, or dizziness. Paint strippers, adhesive removers, and aerosol spray paints can also contain methylene chloride, which is known to cause cancer.

7.    Upholstered furniture and pressed-wood products (hardwood plywood, wall paneling, particleboard, and fiberboard): When new, many furniture and wood products can emit formaldehyde, a probable carcinogen that can also cause eye, nose, and throat irritation; wheezing and coughing; fatigue; skin rash; and severe allergic reactions.

Dealing with indoor air pollution
The best way to deal with the problem of indoor air pollution, is to keep the home clean and properly ventilated; keep windows open and in the case of new carpeting, air out for a few days before laying them down. Especially when using paints and similar products, ventilation is key; if possible wear a respirator or mask. Pregnant women should especially avoid using paint strippers with methlyene chloride.

For more information, log on to: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/7-sources-of-indoor-air-pollution.html#ixzz2QB3ed18F

Kids Activity: Find the safest path to get the toxic ball of gas out of the house.

You can share ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/o EIT Division, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN or email eit.epaguyana@gmail.com.