How Clean is Your Air?
Tuesday, October 30th, 2007
by Dr. Trevor Holly Cates
Not many people realize that the Air in our homes is often 2 – 5 times more toxic than outdoor air, even in heavily populated cities. Offgassing (release of toxic chemicals into the air) occurs from just about everything in our home and office: toys, mattresses, kitchen appliances, shoes, computers, carpet, clothes, tablecloths, shower curtains, and more. Any chemical you smell can make its way into your bloodstream by diffusing through your lungs and skin into your blood and then through your organs. So, that can often be a good indicator, but it’s important to remember that we often become accustom to the smells around us and then no longer notice them. This is a nice thing that nature provided for us except when your home is filled with polluted air.
Many people develop symptoms or illnesses when they move into a new or newly renovated home.
Some of the symptoms to look for include: headaches, depression, dizziness, confusion, and nausea. These can be due to the high amount of formaldehyde from insulation, pressed board furniture, siding material, sofas and mattresses or phenols in plywood. Carpets also outgas more than a dozen chemicals when new and then provide a breeding ground for mold and collection of dust.
So what do we do about it? (more…)