column one : clean air quest--an inside job : when it comes to human health, pollution in homes and offices may be the greatest threat.

Since the Clean Air Act was passed by Congress in 1970, the state has formed political, economic and technological forces to eliminate the healthy sky --
Threatening air pollution.
Billions of dollars have been spent to control emissions from motor vehicles, factories, refineries and power plants.
More stringent standards are planned.
However, there is growing scientific evidence that, in all efforts to restore the blue sky in the country\'s most smoking cities, indoor contaminants may be the most common air pollution threat when it comes to human health.
Concentration of some toxic cancer
The mutant pollutants found indoors are 100 times more than those found outdoors.
They far exceed the federal Clean Air Act\'s restrictions on the same pollutants in outdoor air.
From tobacco smoke and radioactive radon gas to daily necessities such as molds, fungi, combustion products and air fresheners and pesticides, people are exposed at home, offices and vehicles for thousands of chemical and biological agents.
Combine these episodes with the fact that most people spend 80% to 90% of their time on increasingly stressful energy --
The problem of indoor pollution is particularly prominent in efficient buildings.
How to worry is still an open question.
In addition to the serious effects of indoor pollutants such as asbestos, lead and carbon monoxide, there is little knowledge about the health threat posed by other pollutants common in homes and offices.
Nevertheless, scientists say that the risk is also increasing as indoor exposure increases, which is a reasonable conclusion.
\"There is sufficient evidence to conclude that indoor air pollution is a major part of public exposure to air pollution and can cause serious acute and chronic health risks,\" said the U. S.
The Environmental Protection Agency said in a report to Congress earlier this year.
Some researchers have estimated that indoor pollution could be one of the top ten causes of death in the United States.
For years, scientists have called on the Environmental Protection Agency to pay more attention to indoor pollution.
Their request was almost unsuccessful.
During the Reagan administration, EPA\'s demand for research funds has been reduced again and again, and the Bush administration only allowed a modest increase.
Although EPA staff estimate that indoor air pollution research costs $20 million a year ---
Senate Majority Leader George J. Mitchell (D-Me. )and Rep.
Kennedy (D-Mass. )--
The Bush administration spent only $2 this year. 68 million.
The Bush administration opposes Mitchell and Kennedy bills, which are scheduled to vote next year.
Nevertheless, even with limited funding, EPA has called for research to determine the health impact of indoor pollution.
It is also seeking ways to reduce indoor contaminants, as well as joint efforts by the government and industry to develop a voluntary project to improve building ventilation standards and building design, improved operation and maintenance of heating, air conditioning and ventilation systems.
In a report released earlier this month, EPA compared the risks of 20 different environmental issues.
The report says radon, indoor air pollution and pesticide residues in food pose the biggest health risks, but the federal spending on these issues is minimal.
The study said that the risk of leakage of toxic dumps and underground gasoline tanks was much smaller, but it received most of the money and attention from the EPA.
\"We focus on big visible sources, chemical plants, refineries and outdoor air, but the real touch is the little things under your nose,\" said Lance Wallace, authority for indoor pollution.
EPA scientist Wallace pioneered a study aimed at determining \"total exposure\" of all sources of pollutants outdoors and indoors.
S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that indoor pollution can cost \"tens of billions\" of dollars a year when health care spending and productivity losses are added together.
According to the Consumer Federation of America, the cost is as high as $100 billion a year.
The dazzling list of organic compounds in home products constitutes a catalogue of indoor pollution threats :-
Asbestos found in cement and insulation can cause lung cancer or asbestosis, a chronic lung disease.
Large amount of asbestos
Schools and public buildings are implementing plans to reduce emissions.
In July, the EPA banned most of the remaining use of asbestos. -
Lead hinders the intellectual and emotional development of children, and as the old paint deteriorates or falls off during the renovation process, lead can be found in the old pipes and household dust. -
Radon, a radioactive gas that invades houses through cracks in the foundation, is the second largest cause of lung cancer in the country.
It may exist at levels that EPA sees as unsafe as up to 12 million of the United States. S. homes;
In Southern California, the level is generally lower than the EPA guidelines. -
Formaldehyde may be cancer in humans.
Flow out of foam insulation, plywood and granular plates. -
Benzene is a known human carcinogenic substance found in cigarette smoke and gasoline. -
Sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide and fine particulate matter that may cause the kerosene heater and the undischarged or poorly maintained gas appliance to emit respiratory diseases. -
Known chemicals of animal carcinogens or toxic substances are often used in air fresheners, shoe oils, paints, printed materials, household cleaners, solvents, moth balls and dry-The clothes are cleaned. -
It is estimated that 84% of the population in the United StatesS.
Family pesticides are used in families, many of which have never been tested to determine their health impact.
The World Health Organization estimates that up to 30% of new and rebuilt buildings may be plagued by indoor air quality problems. -
This estimate was confirmed by a large number of \"sick buildings\" disease reports, including government staff at EPA headquarters in Washington.
In California alone, there are 700 sick construction reports every year.
Researchers at the EPA believe-
Based on available data--
Indoor pollution, including
Tobacco smoke can kill 11,400 people a year.
Exposure to radon can lead to additional deaths of between 3,000 and 20,000 people.
A scientist, Harriet Burch of the University of Michigan, estimates that as many as 30,000 people die each year, because of the strong growth of Legion bacteria in a poorly maintained hospital system, for hot water, heating, air conditioning and ventilation.
But even if indoor contaminants cause much less cancer than EPA estimates, it remains a concern.
Many researchers believe that the biggest and most expensive problems caused by indoor pollution are likely to be chronic, non-
Cancer, but weakened the health impact, resulting in an increase in medical costs, absenteeism and reduced productivity in the workplace.
Few people today say that efforts to control outdoor air pollution are unimportant or must stop.
But more and more scientists say the threat of indoor pollution to human health cannot be ignored.
\"If we measure what we measure indoors outdoors, there will be a lot of shades and cries to clean the outdoor air,\" Wallace said . \".
Compared to spending on other environmental health issues, the importance of state and federal early indoor air pollution programs dwarfs.
In California, although radon is related to the number of workers exposed to hazardous chemicals
Cancer risk, ranked second from the bottom of government spending on 25 environmental issues, as it did two years ago.
Similarly, all other indoor air pollution ranks fourth in the cancer risk list, but expenditure ranks 11 out of 25 environmental issues.
As early as 1981, the National Academy of Sciences described indoor air pollution as a potential major human health problem.
It calls for an extensive
Extensive research work.
But it was not until 1985 that the level of indoor pollution threats became apparent. A five-
The EPA\'s annual study surveyed 600 people in six cities to find out that they were exposed to 20 different chemicals, some of which were related to cancer and birth defects.
The researchers were shocked by the discovery.
It does not matter whether the study participants live in the Los Angeles area next to the refinery or in the original rural environment.
The indoor concentration of the 20 compounds studied was almost always 10 times higher or more than outdoor.
Peak concentrations in some households are 200 to 500 times higher than outdoors.
Indoor source blood samples and breath tests showed that the system of participants from rural areas contained as many chemical contaminants as urban residents-
The fact, the researchers say, can only point to indoor pollution sources common to each household.
The findings of this study leave some questions that still have to be addressed: is higher exposure indoors a certain risk?
What are the cumulative and synergistic effects (if any) found in the home that are simultaneously exposed to over 600 building materials and home product compounds?
Are health risks too high, or are they compared to everyday risks that most people take for granted, like driving on a highway?
As asbestos has proven, does it take years for serious health effects to emerge?
Is it reasonable to assume that because high doses of some contaminants can have unquestionable adverse health effects on animals
The level of exposure most people experience indoors is also harmful?
It is clear that the elderly, young children and those with respiratory diseases or chemical sensitivity are particularly vulnerable to indoor contaminants.
For example, studies in the United States and the United Kingdom have found that children exposed to high concentrations of carbon dioxide are combustion products emitted by kerosene heaters and gas appliances, compared with unexposed children, the incidence of respiratory diseases is more than double that of the former.
Their symptoms include fever, chest pain, cough, breathing, chest cold, doctor
Doctor, diagnosed with bronchitis.
Was diagnosed with pneumonia and asthma
Benzene is a known human carcinogenic substance that is much higher indoors than outside.
The EPA found 71 in Los Angeles.
2% of benzene was exposed indoors.
Benzene is released from synthetic fibers, plastics and some clean solutions.
This is also found in gasoline smoke and cigarette smoke.
Wallace said 37 participants in the air pollution exposure study were filled with gasoline in their tank
Repair pumps breathe twice as much benzene in two to five hours after filling the gas tank as the other 300 participants who did not fill their own tank.
But Wallace added, \"the most important thing about exposure to benzene is cigarettes.
\"Compared with non-smoking families, cigarette smoke benzene content in smoking families is 30% to 50% higher.
Smokers and people around them are exposed to about 4,600 chemicals in cigarette smoke, some of which are cancercausing.
Various studies have estimated that environmental tobacco smoke can cause 5,000 deaths per year among non-smokers.
In fact, James L. , a scientist at the EPA
Repace said that the risk of indoor air pollution from Tobacco Smoke to non-smokers is almost twice that of radon gas, and is more than a hundred times higher than the total mortality rate for all cancers
Causing harmful outdoor air pollutants, regulated by the EPA under the Clean Air Act.
Scientists pointed out that a 1985 study published in the American Journal of Public Health showed that deaths from leukemia and lymphoma \"increased significantly\" among people who were exposed to parental smoking during childhood \".
According to Burge, 200,000 people enter the emergency room every year due to allergies, of which a third person is believed to be caused by microbial contaminants found indoors, director of the University of Michigan\'s Ann Arbor allergy research laboratory.
\"We know there is microbial contamination.
\"We know that it can cause disease, and there is no doubt that it can cause a lot of loss to society on weekdays,\" Burge said . \".
Sources of hazardous biological contaminants can thrive in poorly maintained or poorly designed building ventilation systems.
If the water does not remain at a temperature of at least 113 degrees Fahrenheit, they can also breed in the hot water system.
Porous insulating materials and filters, coupled with excessive humidity, are ideal growth media for microorganisms.
Formaldehyde is widely used in building materials and furniture and can cause irritation of eyes, nose and throat, cough, rash, headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting and nosebleeds.
It also causes nasal cancer in mice and is therefore suspected to be a carcinogenic substance in humans.
Generally speaking, the newer the building materials or furniture, the higher the formaldehyde gas emissions.
The problem is exacerbated by high temperatures and humidity.
The most stressful today.
Wood products manufacturers have taken steps to reduce the formaldehyde concentration to an acceptable level, even in mobile houses that have had the biggest problems.
But the researchers continued to find
Multiple differences in emissions of the same product produced by different manufacturers.
Carpet manufacturers stopped using formaldehyde in 1981.
There is also a particularly noteworthy issue, which can produce cancer in animals, is widely used in paint remover and propellant in aerosol painting, and can affect oxygen absorption in the blood like carbon monoxide.
About a billion pounds are produced each year, half of which are used in consumer goods.
\"I think we have a full right to focus on some of the consumer goods used,\" said John Gilman of the California Department of Health Services, referring to.
Air fresheners used in rooms, cars, diaper barrels and toilets are also worrying.
Many of these products use p-
Chlorhexene or citene, both of which are found to cause cancer in animals.
Wallace of the EPA said his study found that of the 45 indoor air organic chemicals, these two are the biggest cancer risks.
There is, if any, a lot of scientific uncertainty about the long-term impact.
Long term contact p-
It may be, but the Environmental Protection Bureau says
Basic consumer goods containing the chemical.
While the actual health threats of many indoor contaminants are not clear, in many cases it is quite simple to reduce or eliminate exposure to them.
It may include obvious behavioral changes like quitting smoking (
Or smoking outdoors only)
Or ensure that the ventilation system is properly maintained and operated.
John Holmes, head of research at the California Air Resources Commission, said: \"In order to cut spending significantly, you don\'t have to go to the woods to eat nuts and berries . \".
A nasa study found that common family plants could help.
Studies have shown that flower trees, spider plants, and Golden caves absorb formaldehyde most, while flowers such as African chrysanthemum and chrysanthemum most reduce benzene content.
Bamboo palms, Ivy League, peace lily, momin-
The study says the tongue of the law and the Chinese evergreen tree have also proved to be effective air purifiers.
Consumers can replace those that release toxic chemicals with safer products and carefully follow instructions for the use and storage of pesticides, paints and solvents.
\"In many cases, we see steps that individuals should or should not take to reduce their exposure indoors, it will depend on their own choice, said Robert axrad, director of the EPA Indoor Air Division for air pollution.
\"These health risks have always existed.
We just haven\'t realized it yet. \"Said Holmes.
\"But slowly, we got results from a huge experiment.
As the risks become clear, society will take action to reduce or severely limit them, at least on a selective basis.
\"In the concentration of some air pollutants, air pollution sources were found to be 100 times higher indoors than outdoors.
Scientists say there is much to be learned about the health impact of indoor air pollution.
But they agree that the higher the level of indoor pollution, the greater the risk of health.
Here is a list of common air pollutants in homes and offices and what can be done to reduce exposure.
The PM-EPA Information Center provides a brochure \"Insider: A Guide to indoor pollution\"
211B, 401 South West Street, Washington, D. C. C. 20460; phone: (202)382-2080.
Source of uranium-Radon
Soil and rocks under the house.
There are no immediate symptoms of health effects, but it is estimated that 10% of lung cancer deaths will occur.
Smokers are at higher risk.
The national average household level is 1.
5 cups per liter.
Steps to reduce radon exposure testing.
Get professional advice on planning and implementing Radon
Measures to reduce if necessary.
Ventilation crawl space.
Smoking increases the harm of radon to health, so stop smoking and prevent others from smoking outdoors.
Smoke sources for cigarettes, tubes and cigars.
Effects of eye, nose and throat stimulation on health; pneumonia.
Increased risk of respiratory and ear infections in children.
It can lead to lung cancer and heart disease.
Particle levels in homes without smokers are usually the same as outdoors.
The particle level of a family of one or more smokers may be several times higher than the outdoor level.
Steps to reduce exposure stop smoking and prevent others from smoking outdoors.
Environmental tobacco smoke contains a variety of compounds, including benzying, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide and formaldehyde.
Biological products (
House dust, insect parts, cat saliva, bacteria and mold; viruses)
Wet or damp walls, ceilings, carpets and furniture;
Poor maintenance of humidifier, dehumidifier and air conditioner; bedding; household pets.
Health affects eye, nose and throat irritation, shortness of breath, dizziness, lethargy, fever, digestive problems, asthma, flu and other infectious diseases.
The content of indoor pollen and fungi is lower than that of outdoor (
Except where there are Indoor fungal sources).
The indoor mite content is higher than outdoor.
Steps to reduce exposure install and use fans ventilated to the outdoors in the kitchen and bathroom.
Ventilate the clothes dryer outdoors.
Airy loft and crawl space.
Clean the cool mist and ultrasonic humidifier every day and use only distilled water in it.
The water plate is often empty in humidi.
Clean, dry or remove water-Carpet damage
The basement is used as a living area only if it is leak-proof and has enough ventilation.
If necessary, use a dehumidifier to keep the humidity between 30% and 40%.
Kerosene and gas heaters that are not discharged;
Leaking chimneys and furnaces;
Remove from the wood stove and fireplace; gas stoves;
Exhaust of the car attached to the garage;
Environmental tobacco smoke.
Effects of visual impairment and coordination on health; headaches; fatigue; confusion; nausea. Flu-
Just as the symptoms are obvious after leaving home.
It\'s fatal at high concentrations.
The average household level changed from 0. 5 to 5 ppm.
Floors near Wells
The adjusted gas stove is usually 5 to 15 ppm, and it may be 30 ppm or higher near the poorly adjusted gas stove.
Steps to reduce exposure keep gas appliances properly adjusted.
Ventilate the outdoor heater and stove to the outside.
Use appropriate fuel in kerosene space heaters;
Start refueling from outside.
Use only in Wells-Ventilation area.
Install and use exhaust fans that are discharged outdoors through a gas stove.
Select a wood stove with suitable size and pollution control device;
Make sure the doors on the wood stove fit closely.
Annual inspection, cleaning and adjustment-
Central heating system (
Stoves, smoke pipes and chimneys).
Fix any leaks.
Do not idle cars in the garage.
Non-discharge kerosene heaters, non-discharge gas stoves and heaters;
Environmental tobacco smoke;
Underground Garage or attached garage; fireplaces.
Effects of eye, nose and throat stimulation on health;
It may lead to impaired lung function and respiratory diseases.
The average household level without a burning device is about half of the outdoor level.
In households with gas stoves, the average concentration is more than 24-
Hour cycle from. 01 ppm to . 13 ppm.
Kerosene heaters and unventilated gas space heaters may produce an indoor level of 0. 1 ppm to 0. 5 ppm.
For steps to reduce exposure see steps under carbon monoxide contaminants for inhalation of particle source fireplaces, firewood stoves, kerosene heaters; humidifiers;
Environmental tobacco smoke.
Effects of eye, nose and throat stimulation on health;
Respiratory infection and Mao Zhi inflammationlung cancer.
The impact of environmental tobacco smoke is listed above.
Particle levels in the home are usually the same as outdoors.
Steps to reduce exposure to ventilated kerosene space heaters and all outdoor furnaces;
When using unventilated space heaters, keep the doors open for the rest of the house.
Select a suitable wood stove with a pollution control device;
Make sure all the doors on the wood stove fit closely.
Annual inspection of central heating system (
Stoves, smoke pipes and chimneys).
Fix any leaks found.
Replace the filter on the central heating and cooling system and air purifier according to the manufacturer\'s instructions.
Source of paint, paint remover and other solvents;
Spray, detergent and disinfectant;
Insect repellent and air freshener;
Fuel and automotive products stored; hobby supplies; dry-The clothes are cleaned.
Effects of eye, nose and throat stimulation on health;
Headache, loss of coordination, nausea;
Damage of liver, kidney and central nervous system;
Some organic matter may cause cancer.
The average content of several organic substances in the room is 2 to 5 times higher than that outside.
During and after certain activities such as paint stripping, the level may be 1,000 times that of the outdoor average.
Steps to reduce exposure please follow the manufacturer\'s instructions carefully.
Used outdoors or in a well
Ventilated place.
Safely discard and dispose of anything that is not used or rarely usedUsed containerIf dry-
After cleaning, the clothes have a strong smell. please dry or replace the dry cleaning personnel.
Maintain good indoor ventilation;
Minimize the use of air fresheners.
Keep clothes tightly sealed in the well with insect repellent containing paradichlorobenzene-
Ventilation area.
Consider the use of Cedar crumbs as insect repellent (
If you are not sensitive to snow oil. )
Formaldehyde, pollutant (
Organic compounds)
Source by wood product (
Board, cardboard, plywood)
Furniture made of pressed wood products;
Thermal insulation of Formaldehyde foam (known as UFFI).
Curtains, carpets, other textiles and glue may contribute.
There are also burning sources and environmental tobacco smoke.
Effects of eye, nose and throat stimulation on health;
Asthma, cough, fatigue, rash, severe allergic reactions.
May cause cancer.
It may also cause the impact listed under household products.
The average concentration of old houses without UFFI is usually less than 0. 1 ppm.
Families with large quantities of newly suppressed wood products can reach a level greater than 0. 3 ppm.
The steps to reduce exposure use suppressed wood products with lower formaldehyde emissions. (
Manufacturers have reduced formaldehyde in these products in recent years).
Paint or polyurethane coating on Pressed wood products. (
Please follow the manufacturer\'s instructions carefully when applying. )Use air-
Adjust and dehumidifier to maintain a gentle temperature and reduce humidity levels.
Increase ventilation, especially in new homes.
Sale of pollutant pesticide source products that kill family and garden pests.
Stimulation of health effects on eyes, nose and throat;
Damage to the central nervous system and kidneyscancer.
Preliminary studies have shown that pesticide residues are common in some families.
Steps to reduce exposure use in strict accordance with manufacturer\'s instructions.
Mix or dilute outdoors.
Recommended quantity only.
Increase ventilation when using indoors. Use non-
Chemical methods control pests if possible.
If you are using the pest control company, please choose carefully.
Do not store unwanted pesticides at home;
Safely handle containers that are not needed.
Insulating material with fragile or damaged source of pollutant asbestos, fire-
Sound insulation or sound insulation materials.
There is no direct impact on health.
Cancer in the chest and abdomen and other lung diseases.
Smokers are at higher risk of asbestosinduced cancer.
In homes where asbestos-containing materials are deteriorating or damaged, it is found that levels in houses are rising.
Seek professional advice to find problems.
Do not disturb materials suspected of containing asbestos.
Asbestos removal or cleaning using certified contractors.
When replacing wooden door washers that may contain asbestos, please follow the appropriate procedures.
The pollutant source hot faucet of CH 2 (
The chlorine in the water is combined with organic solids to form methane, which will evaporate when heated).
There is no direct impact on health.
The level of the family varies.
Steps to reduce exposure use warm water instead of hot water when shower.
Place the activated carbon filter on the shower head. Source: U. S.