Eagle's Gate - Optimum Wellness & Physical Therapy

Health and Wellness Newsletter - May 2005

How safe is your home

Indoor Air Pollution

By Cindy Roinestad, Eagle's Gate Optimum Wellness and Physical Therapy

Most people are aware that outdoor air pollution can damage their health but may not know that indoor air pollution can also have significant effects.  EPA studies of human exposure to air pollutants indicate that indoor air levels of many pollutants may be 2-5 times and on occasion more than 100 times, higher than outdoor levels.  These levels of indoor air pollution are of particular concern because it is estimated that most people spend as much as 90% of their time indoors.  Unlike outdoor air, indoor air is recycled again and again.  This causes it to trap and build up pollutants.  Common pollutants include dust, mold and spores, pollen, pet dander and smoke.

Over the past several decades, our exposure to indoor air pollutants is believed to have increased due to a variety of factors, including the construction of more tightly sealed buildings, reduced ventilation rated to save energy, the use of synthetic building materials and furnishings, and the use of chemically formulated personal care products, pesticides and household cleaners.

Environmental Tobacco Smoke (Secondhand Smoke)

Children exposed to ETS tend to have more bronchitis, pneumonia, respiratory infections, fluid in the middle ear, and asthma symptoms.  The frequency of infections depends directly on the amount of smoke in the home.

Allergens

Allergens, especially those containing biological matter, such as house dust mites, cockroaches, pet dander, pollen, molds, spores, bacteria, and viruses, are known to cause or aggravate asthma.  Allergic reactions often combine with and seriously aggravate the symptoms of asthma, the common cold, pneumonia, and other conditions.  Allergens also may cause eye, nose and throat irritation, shortness of breath, dizziness, lethargy, and fever.

Volatile Organic Compounds

VOCS are chemicals that can evaporate from substances, such as cleaning products, adhesives, paints, dry-cleaning fluids, and wood preservatives.  VOCs can be emitted from these products into the air and may be trapped indoors, especially in tightly sealed buildings.

Sick Building Syndrome

Sick building syndrome symptoms include headaches, dizziness, sinus congestion, itchy or watery eyes, scratchy throats, nausea, lethargy, and an inability to concentrate.  Sick building syndrome can lead to respiratory infections and can aggravate symptoms associated with allergies and asthma.  It has been estimated that contaminated air results in medical costs of about $1 billion dollars a year and costs employers approximately $60 billion a year in employee sick leave and lost productions.

While most people understand that the air indoors can be up to 5 times as polluted as outdoor air, many are still unsure what to do about it.  There are many air purification systems on the market today.  You want a system that not only filters and removes dust and allergens, but one that has germicidal and ionizing properties as well.  Spend some time to gather information on an air purifier.  Your health and your children's can be changed for the better.

Eagle's Gate Optimum Wellness and Physical Therapy is located in Milliken, CO.  They specialize in Physical Therapy, health and wellness issues, advanced, proactive, economic air purification for home and business, and environmentally safe cleaning supplies.

Eagle's Gate Optimum Wellness and Physical Therapy can be contacted at www.painfreept@aol.com, or 970-587-2494.