Save Energy. Save Money. Save The Environment. Whitepaper: Reducing Allergens and Improving Your Overall Indoor Air Quality Written By: Mark Cannella Founder & Chief Technical Officer Pro Energy Consultants
Introduction Breathing is something you usually do without thinking. But when that process becomes difficult, it s almost impossible to forget. There are millions of Americans with allergies, asthma or some other concern that affects their breathing, and one of the primary places a person can be affected is in their own home! In fact, some people blame the growing amount of time we spend in our homes (an average of 90%) on our increasing sensitivity to pollutants in the air. The difference between the air inside your home and the air outside is much greater than one typically assumes: indoor air tends to be two to five times more polluted! The items that we keep in our home, as well as different materials and systems, can release pollutants into the air and cause anything from a short-term annoyance to life-threatening diseases. How do these pollutants get into my home? There are many sources of indoor air pollution in any home. The relative importance of any single source depends on how much of a given pollutant it emits and how hazardous those emissions are. In some cases, factors such as how old the source is and whether it is properly maintained are significant Some sources, such as building materials, furnishings, and household products like air fresheners, release pollutants more or less continuously. Other sources, related to activities carried out in the home, release pollutants intermittently. High pollutant concentrations can remain in the air for long periods after some of these activities. (Source: Environmental Protection Agency) Pollutant Sources Indoor air pollutants can include a variety of chemicals and airborne particles, and their sources vary from secondhand smoke and combustion byproducts to household cleaners and paint. Pollutants particularly important to allergies and asthma include: Combustion pollutants: Combustion pollutants are byproducts of burning materials, and can be a gas or actual particles in the air. The major sources are unvented fuel-burning appliances like space heaters, woodstoves, gas stoves or dryers. 1
Secondhand smoke: This can particularly affect children, who have shown more severe asthma symptoms with exposure, and increased risk of ear infections or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): VOCs are chemicals found in certain home-related items like paint, pesticides, building materials or furnishings, and air fresheners. They can irritate your eyes, nose & throat, or cause serious damage to your organs. Dust mites and Pet Dander: Both are capable of triggering asthma symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, tightness in the chest and breathing problems. Mold: Breathing molds or even skin contact with them can cause irritation and trigger asthma attacks. Cutting these sources will improve your home s air quality and lessen your risk of getting sick. However, there will always be pollutants in the air, and that s where some other strategies will help. The Importance of Ventilation Homeowners typically aren t aware that after you clean and remove pollutant sources, taking some additional steps can make your battle for healthy breathing more effective. The most important reason that the air inside a home can be five times more polluted is the fact that it is trapped indoors. Concentrations of pollutants increase because they have nowhere to go if a home is not properly ventilated. Opening a window seems like a simple action, but allowing outdoor air into the home disperses the pollutants to a healthier level. Exhaust fans can also improve ventilation: they help to remove the polluted air inside your home and encourage outdoor air to enter. This seems backwards, as most people believe exhaust fans just remove air. However, it is basic science: Air moves from high pressure to low pressure, so if you are trying to remove air from your home, outdoor air will find a way in to keep that pressure equal. Typically, it finds its way in through cracks around windows and doors. If you use exhaust fans, or would like to install one, make sure they exhaust directly outside instead of into an attic or basement (this can create high levels of moisture and encourage mold growth). The air in your home is two to five times more polluted than outdoor air. Weatherization A growing issue today with rising energy costs: Homeowners, in an attempt to save money and energy, can actually make their home too tight! By sealing air leaks, it can trap the indoor pollutants inside with no way to exit or disperse, and reduce a home s ventilation levels. If you notice changes in your health after completing efficiency projects, and have minimized pollution sources within the home, you may need to add some form of increased ventilation. The best way to find out is to hire an energy professional, because they will be able to use their 2
equipment (specifically, a blower door) and tell you exactly what your home s air exchange rate is and compare that to the recommended level. Humidity Humidity can greatly impact the concentration levels of pollutants in the home. Moist conditions are ideal for mold growth and dust mites, and can discourage air movement. It is best to keep a home s humidity between 30% and 50%, and levels can be tracked by purchasing a humidity gauge. Humidity can be increased by cooking, showering, or even watering your plants too often. Opening a window is the easiest way to lower the humidity, as long as it is drier outside. Otherwise, you can use exhaust fans, dehumidifiers, or air conditioners in the summer. Breathe Green & Easy! By taking this information and putting it into action, you can significantly improve your indoor air quality, and improve the health of your entire family. Remember, professional energy consultants can help you better understand how your home works, which can impact important issues like indoor air quality as well as energy efficiency. For additional information on indoor air quality, pollutant sources and additional steps you can take to improve the air you breathe, you can visit the websites listed below. Environmental Protection Agency http://www.epa.gov/iaq/homes/index.html WebMD http://www.webmd.com/health-ehome-9/indoor-air-quality Colorado State University http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/consumer/09938.html American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology www.aaaai.org American Lung Association http://www.lung.org/healthy-air/home/healthy-air-at-home/prevent-problems.html 3
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