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A HEALTHY HOME

Whether it's home, school, or work, Americans spend nearly 90% of our time indoors. Indoor pollutant levels can be two to five times higher than that of the outdoors. To avoid negative health impacts, we must protect indoor environmental quality. A healthy home should not expose occupants to lead dust, fiberglass, or asbestos particles. Other health problems come from exposure to radon, carbon monoxide (CO) or mold. In addition to mitigating specific issues like radon or lead, key actions for good indoor air quality include adequate ventilation and filtration, moisture management, and avoiding materials that off-gas volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Lead dust is found in some paints used before 1978 and interferes with brain development, especially in children. Fiberglass is found in insulation and health effects from exposure vary based on the fiber size and type of exposure from skin, eye and upper respiratory tract irritation to asthma aggravation. Asbestos is found in old pipe insulation and in some old floor tiles and sheet flooring and can cause lung disease and cancer. Avoid disturbing these materials during remodeling, and engage expert help if they must be disturbed.

Radon is a radioactive gas common in Minnesota soil that can lead to lung cancer – it can be mitigated fairly easily. CO is a toxic combustion gas. Mold exacerbates respiratory health issues like allergies and asthma and is frequently found in finished basements, and may be found elsewhere in homes with poor moisture management or insulation problems. Tobacco smoke is also a serious indoor air pollutant that causes cancer.

VOCs are pollutant gasses that can be released from building materials over the entire lifetime of the product including during application, storage, and removal. VOCs are found in paints & coatings, adhesives, furniture, composite wood products, carpet, flooring, and other products. Exposure to VOCs can irritate eyes, nose, throat, and skin, cause allergies, or aggravate asthma. Respiratory problems, headaches, nausea, and organ and central nervous system damage are side effects of excessive exposure to VOCs.

Tobacco smoke,and moisture and mold are hazardous to indoor air quality.

Use the Minnesota Green Communities' "Choosing a Healthy Home Checklist" to identify and assess the exterior and interior of your home.

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