Healthy Homes Overview 4/24/2017 Healthy Homes Overview Contaminant Free

Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this module you will be able to: Identify some common sources of indoor chemical pollutants Recall the definition of environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), and determine who is most affected Recall the definition of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and identify where they come from Determine what you should do if you have to use products with VOCs

Indoor Chemical Air Pollutants Research has shown indoor exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), formaldehyde, certain volatile organic compounds (VOC’s), and some household products (nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides) can cause asthmatic symptoms.

Indoor Chemical Pollutants Common sources include: Tobacco Vehicle start-up and idling Combustion appliances Particle board Plywood Paneling Carpets

Tobacco Smoke Health Effects Increases the number of episodes and severity of symptoms for children with asthma Risk factor for new cases of asthma in children Responsible for 150,000 to 300,000 lower respiratory tract infections, such as bronchitis and pneumonia, in infants and children less than 18 months of age

ETS Mitigation Don’t smoke around children Smoke outside

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) Sources of VOCs include: Air fresheners Cleaning products Sprays and coatings Formaldehyde Carpets Vinyl floor Drywall Hobby supplies Home maintenance products, e.g. wood preservatives and paint

VOCs Health Effects Eye, nose, throat irritation Headaches, nausea, loss of coordination Liver, kidney, and brain damage Some can cause cancers Child development

VOC Mitigation Don’t use it if you don’t have to If you have to use something with VOCs, use a product that has low VOCs If you do use products with VOCs, be sure to open doors and windows to ventilate

Summary In this module we have discussed: Some common sources of indoor chemical pollutants The definition of environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), and determine who is most affected The definition of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and identify where they come from What you should do if you have to use products with VOCs