Indoor Pollution

INFORMATION ON INDOOR AIR POLLUTION

Involuntary smokers have been shown to have decreased
respiratory function and increased respiratory illness.

DUST, POLLEN, AND OTHER POLLUTANTS:

Allergies are an over reaction of the immune system to foreign substances. When the body overreacts to common substances such as dust, fibers, animal dander, pollen, molds etc. it puts undue stress on the bodies immune system making you more susceptible to dangerous attacks by harmful viruses, bacteria, molds, and fungi etc. Many people suffer from allergy symptoms that unknowingly drain their energy and take a toll on their immune system. (Particulate air pollution measuring half the EPA accepted levels is responsible for an estimated 60,000 deaths a year, according to a study by EPA & Harvard School of Public Health). CHEMICAL FUMES AND VAPORS:

Indoor air can sometimes exceed "maximum safety levels" that were established for toxic-waste sites. Many of the new synthetic fibers, plastics, insulation materials, glues and other adhesives, solvents, paints, stains, cleaning substances, deodorizers, disinfectants, and various aerosols found in and around the home and office, have been linked to major health problems. In addition Gas ranges, Gas furnaces, and attached garages contribute higher levels of toxic hydrocarbons then would be allowed in an industrial setting by NOSHA , or the EPA. MOLD & FUNGUS:

Mold and fungus can be more than an unsightly nuisance for some have been shown to be pathogenic microorganisms that create or contribute to allergies and can cause many ills, ranging from athlete's foot to the fatal Legionnaire's disease. Most Molds thrive on moisture and organic materials and are often visible around bathroom fixtures but dangerous molds can grow in unseen places like under carpeting, air conditioners, humidifiers and under sinks and can find its way into the air that you breath on a daily basis. Buildings that are placed on cement pads, and built of cement are very prone to mold. Cement holds moisture. TOXIC GASES:

Toxic gases like carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and oxides of nitrogen can be produced by such things as gas stoves, heaters, kerosene heaters, attached garages, fireplaces and electrical appliances. These gases can be fatal in large amounts but in small doses they can inhibit healthy respiration and drain your energy. BACTERIA:

Bacterial infections are common due to the fact that bacteria is so abundant in our environment. The over use and abuse of antibiotics in our society combined with weakened immune systems has led to dangerous antibiotic-resistant bacteria. We are likely to see many more strains of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the future. VIRUSES:

Viral infections are on the rise for similar reasons as mentioned for bacteria. Stronger more resistant viral mutations are occurring every day and weakened immune systems are providing the means for proliferation of many seemingly new viruses that actually have been around for a long time. The Epstein-Barr virus is also known as the mono virus and lies dormant in the body similar to the AIDS virus activating when the immune system is weak. EBV has been linked to the increasing number of cases of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and may be evidence of the immunological deficit that our society is in from over exposure to toxins. SMOKE:

350,000 Americans die each year from smoke related illnesses such as cancers, emphysema, and heart disease. Cigarette smoke ages the lungs and respiratory system and contains over 3,000 toxic chemicals and gases. Passive smoking has been linked to increased cancer, heart disease and lung disease. ODORS:

Besides being annoying odors have been shown to have a direct affect on emotions. The olfactory nerves are closely tied in with the endocrine system which controls our emotional state. The same way the smell of a particular perfume may bring back the memory of a special night , offensive odors (even ones which you may have grown accustom to) can dramatically influence the way you feel and act. Spray deodorants only cover up odors and add to the indoor pollution problem. OUTDOOR POLLUTION:

If that weren't enough most of the outdoor air pollution unfortunately finds its way indoors. 98% of our air pollution is made up of five major pollutants, carbon monoxide, sulfur oxides, hydrocarbons, particulate mater and nitrogen oxides.