Health exposure by Chinese Drywall may affect 100,000 homes in the South West states. It comes as a fresh reminder of the indoor threat to millions of Americans that may dwarf the drywall problem. Inhaling high concentrations of Sulfur, CO, sot, fumes, smoke, pollen, dust mites and a host of other toxins, 90% of the day puts lives at risk. Every year American Lung Association blames 335,000 American fatalities on these indoor pollutants.
Bolingbrook, Illinois, Wednesday, April 17, 2009. For years US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), US Health Department and many health organizations have been reporting alarming levels of indoors pollution concentrations that endanger lives, cost money and waste resources. US EPA lists diseases triggered by indoor pollution as:
“Known health effects of indoor pollutants include asthma, cancer, developmental defects and delays, including effects on vision, hearing, growth, intelligence, and learning; and effects on cardiovascular system.” Says US EPA, 2001 publication, “Healthy Buildings, Healthy People.
Known pollution sources include: the way our homes are built, construction materials, heating units, cooking stoves, combustion equipment of any kind, carpet, furniture, paints, glues, caulks, cleaners, air fresheners, even dry cleaned clothes and many other seemingly harmless items.
Studies and statistics about indoor air hazards have been published in many books and websites. But little has been done to rid us of the dangers. The time has come for Americans to recognize the extent of the problem and to face it squarely. In the absence of a comprehensive solution home owners should adopt the available means.
EPA recommends three basic strategies to improve indoor air quality
1. Source Control
2. Improved Ventilation
3. Air cleaners
Source control can be the most efficient and the least expensive. But sources are numerous and we have to begin with the major ones. The way our homes are built is a major source that allows outdoor pollutants in. Keeping outdoor pollution out by sealing the home’s envelope is rather easy and relatively inexpensive. This act saves up to 20% of energy loss as a side benefit. Adjusting combustion equipment and sealing leaky flues eliminates another major source.
A first important step in improving ventilation should be insulating and sealing ducts. This prevents outdoor pollutants from getting sucked in and saves up to 30% of home’s lost energy. Emissions from all other sources can be controlled by air cleaners.
These steps should minimize homeowners’ exposure to indoor pollutants that EPA says “may be 10 to 50 times higher than outdoor exposures “ (U.S. EPA 1998)
For additional information about finding qualified contractors in your area and for receiving Free Guide for “Do It Yourself “ help contact Aladdin Nassar, V. P. Meadowbrook Homes, Inc (MB Homes).
MB Homes is a 30 years homebuilder, and an ENERGY STAR partner with a home improvement department specializing in Green Home Upgrades for health protection and energy savings in accordance with ENERGY STAR recommendations
Contact
Aladdin Nassar, V. P
Meadowbrook Homes, Inc
630 759 – 6944
aladdin@mbhomes.com
