Carefully read the labels containing health hazard information and cautions on the proper use of these products. Use products that contain me- thylene chloride outdoors when possible; use in- doors Only if the area is well ventilated. Benzene is a known hu- man carcinogen. The main indoor sources of this chemical are environmen- tal tobacco smoke, stored fuels and paint supplies, and automobile emissions in attached garages.
Ac- tions that will reduce ben- zene exposure include eliminating smoking within the home, provid- ing for maximum ventila- tion during painting, and discarding paint supplies and special fuels that will not be used immediately. Perchloroethylene is the chemical most widely used in dry cleaning. In laboratory studies, it has been shown to cause can- cer in animals.
Recent studies indicate that people breathe low levels of this chemical both in homes where dry-cleaned goods are stored and as they wear dry-cleaned clothing. Dry cleaners re- capture the perchloroeth- ylene during the dry-' cleaning process so they can save money by re- using it, and they remove more of the chemical dur- ing the pres'sing and fin- ishing processes. Taking steps to minimize your exposure to this chemical is prudent. If dry-cleaned goods have a strong chemical odor when you pick them up, do not ac- cept them until they have been properly dried.
If goods with a chemical odor are returned to you on subsequent visits, try a different dry cleaner. It is also a by- product of combustion and certain other natural processes. Thus, it may be present in substantial con- centrations both indoors and outdoors. Sources of formalde- hyde in the home include building materials, smok- ing, household products, and the use of unvented, fuel-burning appliances, like gas stoves or kerosene space heaters.
Formalde- hyde, by itself or in combi- nation with other chemi- cals, serves a number of purposes in manufactured products. For example, it is used to add permanent- press qualities to clothing and draperies, as a com- ponent of glues and adhe- sives, and as a preserva- tive in some paints and coating products. In homes, the most sig- nificant sources of formal- dehyde are likely to be pressed wood products made using adhesives that contain urea-formalde- hyde UF resins. Pressed wood products made for indoor use include: Medium density fiber- board contains a higher resin-to-wood ratio than any other UF pressed wood product and is gen- erally recognized as being the highest formaldehyde- emitting pressed wood product.
Although formaldehyde is present in both types of resins, pressed woods that contain PF resin generally emit formaldehyde at con- siderably lower rates than those containing UF resin. Since , the Depart- ment of Housing and Ur- ban Development HUD has permitted only the use of plywood and particle- board that conform to specified formaldehyde emission limits in the con- struction of prefabricated and mobile homes. In the past, some of these homes had elevated levels of formaldehyde because of the large amount of high- emitting pressed wood products used in their construction and because of their relatively small interior space.
The rate at which prod- ucts like pressed wood or textiles release formalde- hyde can change. Formal- dehyde emissions will generally decrease as products age. When the products are new, high in- door temperatures or hu- midity can cause increased release of formaldehyde from these products. During the s, many homeowners had urea- formaldehyde foam insulation UFFI installed in the wall cavities of their homes as an energy con- servation measure.
How- ever, many of these homes were found to have rela- tively high indoor concen- trations of formaldehyde soon after the UFFI instal- lation. Few homes are now being insulated with this product. However, it is not necessarily true that the ef- fects noted occur at the pollutant concentration levels typically found in the home.
In many cases, our understanding of the pollutants and their health effects is too limited to determine the levels at which the listed effects could occur. Earth and rock beneath home; well water; building materials. No imme- diate symptoms. Esti- mated to contribute to be- tween 7, and 30, lung cancer deaths each year.
Smokers are at higher risk of developing radon-induced lung cancer. Based on a national residential radon survey completed in , the average in- door radon level is 1. The average outdoor level is about 0. Steps to Reduce Exposure: Cigarette, pipe, and cigar smoking. Eye, nose, and throat irritation; head- aches; lung cancer; may contribute to heart dis- ease.
Specifically for chil- dren, increased risk of lower respiratory tract in- fections, such as bronchitis and pneumonia, and ear infections; build-up of fluid in the middle ear; increased severity and fre- quency of asthma epi- sodes; decreased lung function. Particle levels in homes without smokers or other strong particle sources are the same as, or lower than, those outdoors. Homes with one or more smokers rnay have particle levels several times higher than outdoor levels. Open windows or use exhaust fans. Sources; Wet or, moist walls, ceilings, carpets, and furniture; poorly maintained humidifiers, dehumidifiers, and air conditioners; bedding; household pets.
Eye, nose, and throat irritation; shortness of breath; dizzi- ness; lethargy; fever; di- gestive problems. Can cause asthma; humidifier fever; influenza and other Infectious diseases. Indoor 1" levels of pollen and fungi are lower than outdoor levels except where in- door sources of fungi are present. Indoor levels of dust mites aye higher than outdoor levels. Use delnjrnidif iers, if necessary, to maintain humidity between percent. Unvented kero- sene and gas space heat- ers; leaking chimneys and furnaces; back-drafting from furnaces, gas water heaters, woodstoves, and fireplaces; gas stoves.
Au- tomobile exhaust from at- tached garages. Environ- mental tobacco smoke. At low con- centrations, fatigue in healthy people and chest pain in people with heart disease. At higher concen- trations, impaired vision and coordination; head- aches; dizziness; confu- sion; nausea. Can cause flu-like symptoms that clear up after leaving home. Fatal at very high concentrations. Average levels in homes without gas stoves vary from 0. Levels near properly ad- justed gas stoves are often 5 to 15 ppm and those near poorly adjusted stoves may be 30 ppm or higher.
Make certain that doors on all woodstoves fit tightly. Repair any leaks promptly. Kerosene heaters, unvented gas stoves and heaters. Eye, nose, and throat irritation. May cause impaired lung func- tion and increased respira- tofy infections in young children. Average level in homes without combustion appliances is about half that of out- doors. In homes with gas stoves, kerosene heaters, or unvented gas space heaters, indoor levels of- ten exceed outdoor levels. See steps under carbon monoxide. Household prod- ucts including: Eye, nose, and throat irritation; head- aches, loss of coordina- tion, nausea; damage to liver, kidney, and central nervous system.
Some or- ganics can cause cancer in animals; some are sus- pected or known to cause cancer in humans. Studies have found that levels of several organics average 2 to 5 times higher indoors than outdoors. During and for several hours immedi- ately after certain activi- ties, such as paint strip- ping, levels may be 1, times background outdoor levels. Fire- places, woodstoves, and kerosene heaters. Eye, nose, and throat irritation; respi- ratory infections and bron- chitis; lung cancer.
Effects attributable to environ- mental tobacco smoke are listed elsewhere. Particle levels in homes without smoking or other strong particle sources are the same as, or lower than, outdoor levels. Pressed wood products hardwood ply- wood wall paneling, par- ticleboard, fiberboard and furniture made with these pressed wood products. Urea-formaldehyde foam insulation UFFI. Com- bustion sources and envi-. Durable press drapes, other textiles, and glues. Eye, nose, and throat irritation; wheezing and coughing; fatigue; skin rash; severe allergic reactions.
May also cause other effects listed under "organic gases. Average concentrations in older homes without UEFI are generally well below 0. In homes with sig- nificant amounts of new pressed wood products, levels can be greater than 0. Also, products used on lawns i jppd gardens that drift or are tracked inside the Health Effects: Irritation to eye, nose, and throat; damage to central nervous system and kidney; in- creased risk of cancer. Prelimi- nary research shows wide- spread presence of pesti- cide residues. Take plants or pets out- doors when applying pesticides to them.
Deteriorating, damaged, or disturbed in- sulation, fireproofing, acoustical materials, and floor tiles. No imme- diate symptoms, but long- term risk of chest and ab- dominal cancers and lung diseases. Smokers are at higher risk of developing asbestos-induced lung cancer. Elevated levels can occur in homes where asbestos-containing materials are damaged or disturbed.
Lead-based p'aint, contaminated soil, dust, and drinking water. Lead af- fects practically all sys- tems within the body. Lower levels of lead can cause adverse health effects on the cen- tral nervous system, kid- ney, and blood cells. Blood lead levels as low as 10! In general, phenol-formaldehyde wood products emit less formal- dehyde than wood products made with urea-formaldehyde.
Health Effects of Formaldehyde Formaldehyde, a colorless, pungent-smelling gas, can cause watery eyes, burn- ing sensations in the eyes and throat, nausea, and difficulty in breathing in some humans exposed at elevated levels above 0.
High concentrations may trig- ger attacks in people with asthma. There is evidence that some people can de- velop a sensitivity to formaldehyde. It has also been shown to cause can- cer in animals and may cause cancer in humans. If you experience adverse reactions to formaldehyde, you may want to avoid the use of pressed wood products and other form- aldehyde-emitting goods. Even if you do not experi- ence such reactions, you may wish to reduce your exposure as much as pos- sible by purchasing exte- rior-grade products, which emit less formalde- hyde.
Some studies suggest that coating pressed wood products with polyure- thane may reduce form- aldehyde emissions for some period of time. To be effective, any such coating must cover all sur- faces and edges and remain in- tact. In- crease the ventilation and carefully fol- " low the manufacturer's instruc- tions while applying these coatings.
If you are sensi- tive to formaldehyde, check the label contents before purchasing coating products to avoid buying products that contain formaldehyde, as they will emit the chemical for a short time after applica- tion. The rate at which formal- dehyde is released is ac- celerated by heat and may also depend somewhat on the humidity level. There- fore, the use of dehumidi- fiers and air conditioning to control humidity and to maintain a moderate tem- perature can help reduce formaldehyde emissions.
In laboratory studies, it has been shown to cause can- cer in animals. Some studies suggest that coating pressed wood products with polyure- thane may reduce form- aldehyde emissions for some period of time. Prelimi- nary research shows wide- spread presence of pesti- cide residues. Most homes built before contain heavily leaded paint. Dishwasher detergents are recommended because of their high content of phosphate.
Drain and clean dehu- midifier collection trays frequently so that they do not become a breeding ground for microorgan- isms. Increasing the rate of ventilation in your home will also help in re- ducing formaldehyde levels. Products used most often are insecticides and disinfectants.
Another study suggests that percent of most people's exposure to pesticides occurs indoors and that measurable levels of up to a dozen pesticides have been found in the air in- side homes. The amount of pesticides found in homes appears to be greater than can be ex- plained by recent pesticide use in those households; other possible sources in- clude contaminated soil or dust that floats or is tracked in from outside, stored pesticide contain- ers, and household sur- faces that collect and then release the pesticides. Pesticides used in and around the home include products to control insects insecticides , termites termiticides , rodents rodenticides , fungi fun- gicides , and microbes disinfectants.
They are sold as sprays, liquids, sticks, powders, crystals, balls, and foggers. In , the American Association of Poison Control Centers reported that some 79, children were involved in common household pesticide poi- sonings or exposures. In households -with children under five years old, al- most one-half stored at least one pesticide product within reach of children. It is im- portant to remember that the "-cide" in pesticides means "to kill. In addition to the active ingredient, pesticides are also made up of ingredi- ents that are used to carry the active agent.
Health Effects From Pesticides Both the active and inert ingredients in pesticides can be organic com- pounds; therefore, both could add to the levels of airborne organics inside homes. Both types of in- gredients can cause the effects discussed in this booklet under "Household Products. Exposure to high levels of cyclodiene pesticides, commonly associated with misapplication, has pro- duced various symptoms, including headaches, diz- ziness, muscle twitching, weakness, tingling sensa- tions, and nausea.
In addi- tion, EPA is concerned that cyclodienes might cause long-term damage to the liver and the central nervous system, as well as an increased risk of cancer. There is no further sale or commercial use permit- ted for the following cy- clodiene or related pesti- cides: The only exception is the use of heptachlor by util- ity companies to control fire ants in underground cable boxes. It is illegal to use any pesti- cide in any manner in- consistent with the direc- tions on its label. Unless you have had spe- cial training and are certi- fied, never use a pesticide that is restricted to use by state-certified pest control operators.
Such pesticides are simply too dangerous for application by a noncertified person.
Use only the pesticides ap- proved for use by the gen- eral public and then only in recommended amounts; increasing the amount does not offer more pro- tection against pests and can be harmful to you and your plants and pets. Mix or dilute pesticides outdoors or in a well-ven- tilated area and only in the amounts that will be im- mediately needed.
If pos- sible, take plants and pets outside when applying pesticides to them. Since pesticides can be found far from the site of their original application, it is prudent to reduce the use of chemical pesticides outdoors as well as in- doors. Depending on the site and pest to be con- trolled, one or more of the following steps can be ef- fective: Termite damage can be reduced or prevented by making certain that wooden building materi- als do not come into direct contact with the soil and by storing firewood away from the home. By appro- priately fertilizing, water- ing, and aerating lawns, the need for chemical pes- ticide treatments of lawns can be dramatically re- duced.
Ask for an inspection of your home and get a writ- ten control program for evaluation before you sign a contract. The control program should list spe- cific names of pests to be controlled and chemicals to be used; it should also reflect any of your safety concerns. Insist on a proven record of compe- tence and customer satis- faction.
If you have unused or par- tially used pesticide con- tainers you want to get rid of, dispose of them ac- cording to the directions on the label or on special household hazardous waste collection days. If there are no such collec- tion days in your commu- nity, work with others to organize them. One pesticide often found in the home is paradichlo- robenzene, a commonly used active ingredient in moth repellents.
EPA requires that products containing paradichlo- robenzene bear warnings such as "avoid breathing vapors" to warn users of potential short-term toxic effects. Paradichlorobenzene is also the key active ingredi- ent in many air fresheners in fact, some labels for moth repellents recom- mend that these same products be used as air fresheners or deodorants. Proper ventilation and ba- sic household cleanliness will go a long way toward preventing unpleasant odors. There are simple steps people can take to prevent, reduce, or control pest infestations.
Such techniques can become part of an overall pest management program sometimes called "integrated" pest management that relies on many techniques, not just chemicals. ASBESTOS Asbestos is a min- eral fiber that has been used com- monly in a variety of building construction ma- terials for insulation and as a fire-retardant. Manufacturers have also voluntarily limited uses of asbestos. Today, asbestos is most commonly found in older homes, in pipe and furnace insulation materials, asbestos shingles, millboard, tex- tured paints and other coating materials, and floor tiles.
Elevated concentrations of airborne asbestos can occur after asbestos-con- taining materials are dis- turbed by cutting, sanding or other remodeling activi- ties. Improper attempts to remove these materials can release asbestos fibers into the air in homes, in- creasing asbestos levels and endangering people living in those homes. Health Effects of Asbestos The most dangerous as- bestos fibers are too small to be visible.
After they are inhaled, they can re- main and accumulate in the lungs. Asbestos can cause lung cancer, meso- thelioma a cancer of the chest and abdominal lin- ings , and asbestosis irre- versible lung scarring that can be fatal. Symptoms of these diseases do not show up until many years after exposure began.
Usually it is best to leave asbestos material that is in good condition alone. Generally, material in good condition will not release asbestos fiber. There is no danger unless fibers are released and in- haled into the lungs. Leave undamaged materi- als alone and, to the extent possible, prevent them from being damaged, dis- turbed, or touched. Peri- odically inspect for dam- age or deterioration. Dis- card damaged or worn asbestos gloves, stove-top pads, or ironing board covers.
Check with local health, environmental, or other appropriate officials to find out about proper handling and disposal procedures. If asbestos material is more than slightly dam- aged, or if you are going to make changes in your home that might disturb it, repair or removal by a professional is needed. Before you have your house remodeled, find out whether asbestos materi- als are present.
Select a contractor only after careful discussion of the problems in your home and the steps the contractor will take to clean up or remove them. Consider the option of sealing off the materials instead of removing them. Call EPA'sTSCA assis- tance line to find out whether your state has a training and certification program for asbestos removal contrac- tors and for information on EPA's asbestos pro- grams.
LEAD Lead has long been recognized as a harmful environ- mental pollutant. In late , the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services called lead the "number one en- vironmental threat to the health of children in the United States. Airborne lead enters the body when an individual breathes or swallows lead particles or dust once it has settled. Before it was known how harmful lead could be, it was used in paint, gaso- line, water pipes, and many other products.
Old lead-based paint is the most significant source of lead exposure in the U.
Harmful expo- sures to lead can be cre- ated when lead-based paint is improperly re- moved from surfaces by dry scraping, sanding, or open-flame burning. High concentrations of airborne lead particles in homes can also result from lead dust from outdoor sources, including con- taminated soil tracked in- side, and use of lead in certain indoor activities such as soldering and stained-glass making. Health Effects of Exposure to Lead Lead affects practically all systems within the body. At high levels it can cause convulsions, coma, and even death.
The effects of lead expo- sure on fetuses and young children can be severe. They include delays in physical and mental de- velopment, lower IQ lev- els, shortened attention spans, and increased behavioral problems. Fetuses, infants, and chil- dren are more vulnerable to lead exposure than adults since lead is more easily absorbed into grow- ing bodies, and the tissues of small children are more sensitive to the damaging effects of lead. Children may have higher expo- sures since they are more likely to get lead dust on their hands and then put their fingers or other lead- contaminated objects into their mouths.
Get your child tested for lead exposure. To find out where to do this, call your doctor or local health clinic. Mop floors and wipe win- dow ledges and chewable surfaces such as cribs with a solution of powdered automatic dishwasher de- tergent in warm water. Dishwasher detergents are recommended because of their high content of phosphate.
Most multi- purpose cleaners will not remove lead in ordinary dust. Wash toys and stuffed animals regularly. Make sure that children wash their hands before meals, nap time, and bed- time. Most homes built before contain heavily leaded paint. Some homes built as recently as may also contain lead paint. This paint could be on window frames, walls, the outside of homes, or other surfaces. Do not burn painted wood since it may contain lead. Lead paint in good condi- tion is usually not a prob- lem except in places where painted surfaces rub against each other and create dust for example, opening a window.
Individuals have been poisoned by scraping or sanding lead paint be- cause these activities gen- erate large amounts of lead dust. Consult your state health or housing de- partment for suggestions on which private laborato- ries or public agencies may be able to help test your home for lead in paint. Home test kits can- not detect small amounts of lead under some condi- tions. Hire a person with special training for cor- recting lead paint prob- lems to remove lead-based paint. Occupants, espe- cially children and preg- Do not remove lead-based paint by scraping, sanding, or burning it off.
Such removal techniques can result in lead levels in the air that are 10 to times higher than normal. For additional informa- tion dealing with lead- based paint abatement contact the Department of Housing and Urban De- velopment for the follow- ing two documents: If you work in construc- tion, demolition, painting, with batteries, in a radia- tor repair shop or lead fac- tory, or your hobby in- volves lead, you may un- knowingly bring lead into your home on your hands or clothes. You may also be tracking in lead from soil around your home. Soil very close to homes may be contaminated from lead paint on the outside of the building.
Soil by roads and high- ways may be contami- nated from years of ex- haust fumes from cars and trucks that used leaded gas. Use door mats to wipe your feet before en- tering the home. If you work with lead in your job or a hobby, change your clothes before you go home and wash these clothes separately.
En- courage your children to play in sand and grassy areas instead of dirt which sticks to fingers and toys. Try to keep your children from eating dirt, and make sure they wash their hands when they come inside. Most well and city water does not usually contain lead. Water usually picks up lead inside the home from household plumbing that is made with lead ma- terials.
The only way to know if there is lead in drinking water is to have it tested. Send for the EPA pamphlet, Lead and Your Drinking Water, for more information about what you can do if you have lead in your drinking wa- ter. A child who gets enough iron and calcium will ab- sorb less lead.
Foods rich in iron include eggs, red meats, and beans. Dairy products are high in cal- cium. Do not store food or liquid in lead crystal glass- ware or imported or old pottery. If you reuse old plastic bags to store or carry food, keep the print- ing on the outside of the bag. Talk both about purchasing building mat- erials and. Particular care should be given in such homes to preventing the build-up of indoor air pollutants to high levels.
Here are a few impor- tant actions that can make a difference: First, use exterior-grade pressed wood products made with phenol-formaldehyde resin in floors, cabinetry, and wall surfaces. Or, as an alternative, consider using solid wood prod- ucts. Secondly, if you plan to install wall-to-wall car- pet on concrete in contact with the ground, espe- cially concrete in base- ments, make sure that an effective moisture barrier is installed prior to install- ing the carpet.
Do not per- manently adhere carpet to concrete with adhesives so that the carpet can be re- moved if it becomes wet. Air that enters the home through the foundation can contain more moisture than is generated from all occupant activities. Advanced designs of new homes are starting to fea- ture mechanical systems that bring outdoor air into the home. Some of these designs include energy- efficient heat recovery ventilators also known as air-to-air heat exchangers.
Combustion gases, includ- ing carbon monoxide, and particles can be back- drafted from the chimney or flue into the living space if the combustion appliance is not properly vented or does not receive enough supply air. Back- drafting can be a particu- lar problem in weather- ized or tightly constructed homes, installing a dedi- cated outdoor air supply for the combustion appli- aji.
Indoor air quality problems are not limited to homes. In fact, many office buildings have significant air pollu- tion sources. Some of these buildings may be inadequately ventilated. For example, mechanical ventilation systems may not be designed or oper- ated to provide adequate amounts of outdoor air.
Finally, people generally have less control over the indoor environment in their offices than they do in their homes. As a re- sult, there has been an in- crease in the incidence of reported health problems. These are called building-related illnesses. Sometimes, however, building occupants experi- ence symptoms that do not fit the pattern of any particular illness and are difficult to trace to any specific source.
This phe- nomenon has been labeled sick building syndrome. People may complain of one or more of the follow- ing symptoms: Poor lighting, noise, vibration, thermal discom- fort, and psychological stress may also cause, or contribute to, these symp- toms. There is no single man- ner in which these health problems appear. In some cases, problems begin as workers enter their offices and diminish as workers leave; other times, symp- toms continue until the illness is treated. Some- times there are outbreaks of illness among many workers in a single build- ing; in other cases, health symptoms show up only in individual workers.
In the opinion of some World Health Organiza- tion experts, up to 30 per- cent of new or remodeled commercial buildings may have unusually high rates of health and comfort complaints from occu- pants that may potentially be related to indoor air quality. Three major reasons for poor indoor air quality in office buildings are the presence of indoor air pol- lution sources; poorly de- signed, maintained, or op- erated ventilation systems; and uses of the building that were unanticipated or poorly planned for when the building was designed or renovated.
Sources of Office Air Pollution As with homes, the most important factor influenc- ing indoor air quality is the presence of pollutant sources. Commonly found office pollutants and their sources include environ- mental tobacco smoke; as- bestos from insulating and fire-retardant building supplies; formaldehyde from pressed wood prod- ucts; other organics from building materials, carpet, and other office furnish- ings, cleaning materials and activities, restroom air fresheners, paints, adhe- sives, copying machines, and photography and print shops; biological contaminants from dirty ventilation systems or wa- ter-damaged walls, ceil- ings, and carpets; and pes- ticides from pest manage- ment practices.
Ventilation Systems Mechanical ventilation systems in large buildings are designed and operated not only to heat and cool the air, but also to draw in and circulate outdoor air. If they are poorly de- signed, operated, or main- tained, however, ventila- tion systems can contrib- ute to indoor air problems in several ways. For example, problems arise when, in an effort to save energy, ventilation systems are not used to bring in adequate amounts of outdoor air.
Inadequate ventilation also occurs if the air sup- ply and return vents within each room are blocked or placed in such a way that outdoor air does,not actually reach the breathing zone of building occupants.
Use of the Building Indoor air pollutants can be circulated from por- tions of the building used for specialized purposes, such as restaurants, print shops, and dry-cleaning stores, into offices in the same building. Carbon monoxide and other com- ponents of automobile ex- haust can be drawn from underground parking ga- rages through stairwells and elevator shafts into office spaces. In addition, buildings originally designed for one purpose may end up being converted to use as office space.
If not properly modified during building renova- tions, the room partitions and ventilation system can contribute to indoor air quality problems by re- stricting air recirculation or by providing an inad- equate supply of outdoor air. Building Air Quality BAQ is simply written, yet provides comprehen- sive information for iden- tifying, correcting, and preventing indoor air quality problems.
BAQ also provides supporting information such as when and how to select outside technical assistance, how to communicate with oth- ers regarding indoor air issues, and where to find additional sources of in- formation.
Box , Pittsburgh, PA ; stock or call These inves- tigations may start with written questionnaires and telephone consulta- tions in which building investigators assess the history of occupant symp- toms and building opera- tion procedures. In some cases, these inquiries may quickly uncover the prob- lem and on-site visits are unnecessary. Because taking measurements of pollut- ants at the very low levels often found in office buildings is expensive and may not yield information readily useful in identify- ing problem sources, in- vestigators may not take many measurements.
The process of solving indoor air quality problems that result in health and com- fort complaints can be a slow one, involving sev- eral trial solutions before successful remedial ac- tions are identified. Dis- tributes EPA publications, answers questions on the phone, and makes refer- rals to other nonprofit and governmental organiza- tions. Callers may order an information package. To speak to an information specialist, call Operates Monday to Friday from 8: National Pesticides Tele- communications Network National toll-free number: Provides information about pesti- cides to the general public and the medical, veteri- nary, and professional communities.
Provides information on regulations under both the Resources Conservation and Recovery Act includ- ing solid and hazardous waste issues and the Superfund law. Provides information on regulations under the Safe Drinking Water Act, lead and radon in drinking water, filter information, and a list of state drinking water offices. Recorded information is available 24 hours a day when calling from a touch-tone phone. Opera- tors are on duty Monday to Friday from Provides consumer information on conservation and renewable energy in residences.
Responsibilities for indoor air quality issues are usually divided among many different agencies. Calling or writ- ing the agencies responsible for health or air quality control is the best way to start getting information from your state or local government. EPA's IAQ Information Clearinghouse, , can provide the names of a variety of organizations that have information on all of the issues discussed in this publication.
High concentra- tions of acid aerosols can be irritating to the lungs and have been associated with some respiratory dis- eases, such as asthma. Animal dander Tiny scales of animal skin. Allergen A substance capable of causing an allergic reac- tion because of an individual's sensitivity to that substance. Allergic rhinitis Inflammation of the mu- cous membranes in the nose that is caused by an allergic reaction.
Building-related illness A discrete, identifiable disease or illness that can be traced to a specific pol- lutant or source within a building. Contrast with "Sick building syn- drome". Chemical sensitization Evidence suggests that some people may develop health problems character- ized by effects such as diz- ziness, eye and throat irri- tation, chest tightness, and nasal congestion that ap- pear whenever they are exposed to certain chemi- cals.
People may react to even trace amounts of chemicals to which they have become "sensitized. Fungi Any of a group of para- sitic lower plants that lack chlorophyll, including molds and mildews. Humidifier fever A respiratory illness caused by exposure to tox- ins from microorganisms found in wet or moist ar- eas in humidifiers and air conditioners. Also called air conditioner or ventila- tion fever.
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis A group of respiratory diseases that cause inflam- mation of the lung spe- cifically granulomatous cells. Statistical News Release Schedule. Code of Ethics Training. Overview Overview Home sellers face a variety of state and local environmental-disclosure requirements for radon, asbestos, lead-based paint, mold, and other potential dangers. When it comes to these matters, real estate professionals must disclose all known material physical defects on the property. In California, practitioners also have a duty to visually inspect the property.
Latest on this topic. Property Condition Disclosure Highlights: Executive Summary — First Quarter EPA is taking action to address lead contamination across America. Ruling Upheld over Sewer Access. Federal Lead-Based Paint Disclosure. Quiz about lead-based paint hazards. New Lead Risk Reduction Credit. Lead Paint Bill Introduced. A bill by Rep. The EPA is in the process of determining if they will move forward with a proposed regulation on how renovation, repair and painting NAR has been working with the U. NAR, as part of the Commercial Properties Coalition, recently filed the latest in a series of comment letters relating to efforts by the Occupants of some retrofitted buildings are finding that mold and bacteria can thrive in some otherwise ideal environments.