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Indoor air quality
- First and secondhand smoke
- Radon
- Carbon monoxide
- Organic vapors or volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
- Mold
COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
This respiratory illness primarily affects
people over age 45 and has no known
cure. COPD includes chronic bronchitis and
emphysema. It is a serious health threat for
New Englanders and likely affects as many
as 24 million Americans nationally. Chronic
coughing, chest tightness and breathlessness
of COPD make everyday activities
diffi cult because even simple actions put too much strain on damaged lungs.
The best way to prevent COPD is to avoid smoking. While smoking is the
primary cause of COPD, air pollution can play a signifi cant role in both
causing the disease and making it worse. Air pollution irritates the lungs
and contributes to the total overall burden. Individuals with respiratory
diseases like COPD are especially sensitive to air pollution. Exposure to
air pollution may aggravate symptoms and make it diffi cult to breathe.
Exhaust from cars, trucks, and power plants reacts with sunlight on hot
summer days to create ozone and emit tiny or fi ne particles, both of which
contribute to air pollution or smog. Air quality in New England is closely
tied to temperature and precipitation - the hotter and drier the summer, the higher
the concentration of regional pollutants.
People who are living with COPD need to pay careful attention to the air
quality. When levels of pollution are unhealthy, slow down your activities and
consider postponing outdoor activities. Throughout the summer, listen for
radio or television announcements by meteorologists about "Ozone Action
Days" designated by EPA New England or your state. An Ozone Action Day
is announced when ozone is predicted to exceed national health standards.
On these days it's especially important to try to reduce pollution production.
Action
you can take: Early detection can help prevent further lung damage and alter
the progress of the disease. Your healthcare provider can perform a simple
test using a spirometer to determine if you have COPD.
First and secondhand smoke
First and secondhand smoke comes
from a burning cigarette, cigar, or
pipe, or from an exhaling smoker.
Not only is secondhand smoke an
asthma trigger but those exposed
to it tend to have more ear and
respiratory infections such as bronchitis,
pneumonia, respiratory and
ear infections. EPA estimates that
secondhand smoke is responsible
for about 3,000 lung cancer deaths
each year among nonsmokers in
the U.S. About 800 of these are
estimated to be from exposure
to secondhand smoke at home,
and 2,200 deaths are from exposure
in work or social situations.
Smoking greatly increases the risk
of lung and heart disease. In addition,
smokers, and former smokers,
EPA estimates that
secondhand smoke is
responsible for about
3,000 lung cancer deaths
each year among nonsmokers
in the U.S.
are at greater respiratory risk from
other exposures such as asbestos
and radon. Smoking also is associated
with an increased risk for Sudden
Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Consider quitting smoking today!
Action you can take:
Take the smoke-free pledge.
Radon
Radon is a naturally
occurring radioactive
gas that can seep into
your home through
cracks or holes in the
basement walls and floor.
Radon gas is colorless, odorless
and tasteless. Much of the New
England region has elevated levels of
radon due to high amounts of granite
bedrock. Risk depends on how much
and how long you have been exposed
to radon gas, which is believed to
be the second leading cause of lung
cancer after smoking.
Test your home for radon. Radon test kits are available at hardware stores. If the level exceeds the standard, have a professional help you design a plan to vent the gas to the outside. Look in the phone book under “radon” for professionals in your area. While radon test kits are available at hardware stores, they also can be purchased through the National Safety Council at a discounted rate. For information on these discounted test kits go to www.nsc.org/ issues/radon/radonkitcoupons.pdf or to www.epa.gov/radon and look for the link to the discounted test kits.
Carbon
monoxide (CO)
Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colorless,
odorless, tasteless gas produced by
incomplete burning of fuels such as
gas, oil, propane or wood. People with
anemia or with a history of heart
or respiratory disease can be
especially sensitive to CO exposure.
Depending on the
level and length of exposure,
carbon monoxide can
cause shortness of breath,
nausea, headaches, dizziness,
impairment of vision
and coordination, mental
confusion, fainting or even death.
To prevent CO poisoning:
Organic vapors or
volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
Organic vapors or volatile organic
compounds (VOCs) are found in many household products, including:
paints; paint strippers and other
solvents; wood preservatives; aerosol
sprays; cleansers and disinfectants;
moth repellents and air fresheners;
stored fuels and automotive
products; hobby supplies; and drycleaned
clothing.
VOCs vary in their potential to
affect health. Possible health effects
of exposure include: irritation to eyes,
nose and throat; damage to the liver,
kidneys and central nervous system;
and cancer.
Look for safer alternatives and choose environmentally friendly products. If you must use products with VOCs, reduce your exposure by ventilating work areas and buying only the amount of product that you need. Take care to dispose of any unused products as directed and in a safe manner (for example, take advantage of municipal household hazardouswaste
collection days).
Mold
Mold thrives in moist environments.
Mold spores, which are found almost
everywhere in our environment, need moisture to germinate.
If mold spores from the air land on
a wet surface in your home, they
may just need a day or two to grow.
Potential health effects and symptoms
associated with mold exposure
include allergic reactions, asthma
and other respiratory complaints.
For more information on mold, go to:
www.cdc.gov/health/mold.html
The key to controlling mold problems in your home is to control moisture! Fix leaks. Dry water-damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours. Reduce indoor humidity (to 30%-60% ) by:
If mold is in your home, killing it with bleach or cleaner is not enough. The mold itself has to be removed.
To remove mold from hard surfaces, scrub it with a detergent cleaner and water. Be sure to wear safety gear such as goggles, gloves and a mask. After removing the mold, take care to dry the surface completely! Certain mold-damaged, non-washable items may have to be thrown away or treated by a specialist. For more information, go to www.cdc.gov/health/mold.html