Poor indoor air quality can be the result of poor ventilation in buildings,
the use of synthetic building materials and fabrics and the use of personal
care products like perfume and hair spray. Problems are also caused
by a host of everyday pollutants such as mold, dust mites, carbon monoxide,
formaldehyde from flooring, cleaning agents, fibers, pesticides, off gases
and carpet glues. More serious indoor air pollution can be caused by asbestos,
radon or lead particles.
Since we are estimated to spend as much as 75% of our time in homes, offices
and other buildings, the health risks associated with bad indoor air may
be greater than outdoor air. Some people, such as the elderly, infants, urban
dwellers and those with chronic health problems may spend as much as 90%
of their time indoors. Indoor air pollution can cause adverse health effects
ranging from irritation of the eyes, nose and throat to headaches, dizziness
and fatigue. Long-term exposure to major indoor air pollutants like asbestos,
radon, lead particles and second-hand tobacco smoke can result in more serious
problems such as respiratory disease, heart disease, muscle palsy and
cancer.
Depending on the source of your indoor air pollution problem, there are a
variety of solutions. Some may be as simple as cleaning and disinfecting
the problem area and discarding any contaminated materials. For other sources,
an overhaul of your ventilation system may be required. It is first necessary
to determine if you are suffering from symptoms caused by indoor air pollution.
Most agencies will first interview you over the phone to screen out other
concerns.
We deal only with indoor air pollution caused by asbestos, but we can refer you to a number of agencies that can help you deal with other sources of indoor air pollution. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency focuses mainly on schools and daycare centers but can help answer questions about other buildings as well. The EPA can be contacted for more information at 1-800-424-4318 (EST) or 1-800-438-4318 (EST).
The Washington State Department of Health provides technical assistance and information regarding indoor air quality and potentially adverse human exposures, with the exception of occupational exposures. For more information about Washington State Department of Health's indoor air pollution programs call (206) 753-2556.
Information regarding radon, its prevalence, measurement and control is available from the Department's Division of Radiation Protection. Call the Radon Hotline at 1-800-323-9727.
The Seattle/King County Health Department deals with indoor air quality concerns and on-site inspections for low-income homes where indoor air pollution is a problem. They can be reached at (206) 296-4632.
The American Lung Association of Washington provides telephone consultation to the public on all aspects of indoor air quality. They can be reached at (206) 441-5100 or 1-800-732-9339. The MasterHome Environmentalists Association, in partnership with the ALAW, conducts an outreach program concerning indoor air quality issues.
The EPA has a web page devoted to indoor air information located at http://www.epa.gov/ You may also contact the Seattle office of EPA Region 10 at (206) 553-1200 for more information on indoor air quality.
The American Lung Association of Washington is an excellent resource on indoor air quality. They have good information about indoor air problems and common questions such as about air purifiers. Call the ALAW at (206) 441-5100 or 1-800-732-9339.
Updated December 1996
