How to Improve Your Home's Indoor Air Quality Jul 3, 2008
(ARA) - There's been a lot of attention focused lately on the role indoor air pollution plays in our ability to live a healthy lifestyle. In fact, over the last several years, a growing body of scientific evidence has indicated that the air within homes and other buildings can be more seriously polluted than the outdoor air in even the largest and most industrialized cities. (Harrisburg Daily Register, IL)
'New shower curtain smell dangerous to health, environment Jun 23, 2008
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has identified indoor air pollution as a very important factor in the development of cancer, said Cindy Luppi, Clean Water Action Program director. If we re serious about preventing cancer and other similar health epidemics, we have to clean up the products like shower curtains that contribute to indoor air pollution. (Medford Transcript, MA)
Silent Killers abound in health world Jun 18, 2008
Among the threats that rise to Silent Killer designation: AIDS, asbestos, Aspartame, autoerotic asphyxiation, carbon monoxide, fluoride, gastrointestinal stasis, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, hydrogenated oils, hypothermia, indoor air pollution, inflammation, insulin, kidney disease, migraines, radon and Ritalin. Also, hybrids and electric cars. (OregonLive, OR -- News)
Environmental groups warn vs PVC shower curtains Jun 16, 2008
The group also pointed out that indoor air pollution, such as the release of high levels of these toxic chemicals, is cited by the World Health Organization and American Lung Association as one of the major risks to human health, CHEJ said. "Since people spend a large portion of time in their home, they may be exposed to harmful levels of chemicals released from PVC shower curtains, as well as other PVC consumer and building products," it said. (ABS CBN News)
Smells like a health hazard Jun 14, 2008
A new report says vinyl curtains off-gas a slew of chemicals - more than 100 - known as volatile organic compounds, which are a major contributor to indoor air pollution. The curtains also contain traces of metals such as lead, cadmium and mercury and high levels of phthalates, including one variety that Health Canada has recommended be prohibited in children's toys. (Globe and Mail)
HEALTH NOTES: The sneezing season is upon us Jun 6, 2008
However, indoor air pollution and exposure to hazardous substances in the home are risks we can do something about ... Since studies indicate that people spend approximately 90 percent of their time indoors, for many people, the risks to health from exposure to indoor air pollution may be greater than risks outdoors. (Cohasset Mariner, MA)
Malawi: Carbon Credits Could Fund Development May 30, 2008
"We feel there is also great potential here, as the improved ceramic stove design is made from local materials using local skills; that reduces wood consumption by about 50 percent, and reduces the exposure of women and children to indoor air pollution," Fox said. National health statistics show that around 12,000 Malawians, many of them children, die each year from respiratory problems directly attributed to the smoke produced by cooking on indoor traditional fires, and the new technology would... (allAfrica.com)
Cigarette Smoking Is Being Blamed For The Increasing Incidence Of ... May 30, 2008
In addition to smoking, occupational exposure to carcinogens, indoor air pollution and dietary factors have recently been implicated for causing lung cancer, the release said ... More than 50,000 new lung cancer cases are diagnosed in India every year, with 80% of them in an advanced stage Aside from smoking, lung cancer is caused by occupational exposure to carcinogens, indoor air pollution and diet Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in developed countries. (Daijiworld.com)
Patents are the wrong target May 28, 2008
In poor countries about 45 percent of the cause of disease is related to poor nutrition, indoor air pollution, and lack of proper sanitation. Poverty also impedes access to pharmaceuticals, but not just because of price. (International Herald Tribune)
Young Scientists-in-the-Making Compete for Top Honors at the 57th Annual California State Science Fair May 17, 2008
Here is a sample of the many interesting projects which will be at the Science Fair: -- Indoor Air Pollution: The Pulmonary Effects of Ozone-generating Air Purifiers and Other Household Devices -- Shut Up and Drive: Testing a Driver's Reaction Time While on a Cell Phone -- Are ADHD Students Really That Different. -- Does the Color of Your House Affect the Temperature Inside. (PR Newswire)
Importance Of Retrofitting Existing Housing To Make It More Environmentally Friendly May 8, 2008
6, 2006) Engineers at NIST have developed a database of U.S. residential housing to help conduct nationwide analyses of ventilation, air cleaning or moisture control strategies to reduce indoor air pollution. . (Science Daily)
Pneumonia kills more children: WHO report May 3, 2008
The organisations called on countries to develop plans for controlling the killer disease based on their existing child survival strategies and to focus on using vaccines, increasing breastfeeding rates, using zinc supplementation to manage diarrhoea, reducing indoor air pollution and preventing HIV infection. Sections: | | | | | | | | | The Hindu Group: | | | | Group Sites. (Hindu)
Prevention and control of childhood pneumonia: Bulletin of the World Health Organization May 3, 2008
Environmental factors including overcrowding in homes and exposure to indoor air pollution can also make children more susceptible ... Proven preventive measures, many of which are addressed in the special issue of the Bulletin include immunization, promotion of exclusive breast feeding during the first few months of life, zinc supplementation, control of indoor air pollution, prevention of mother to child HIV transmission and pneumonia prophylaxis in high HIV prevalent areas. (EurekAlert!)
A Small Stove With Big Ambitions Apr 15, 2008
The idea of a cleaner stove is hardly novel in India, where indoor air pollution kills nearly 400,000 people each year, according to the World Health Organization. But in contrast to previous government and philanthropic efforts to simply give away newfangled stoves programs that have proved largely unsustainable throughout Asia BP is relying on commercial gusto to spur product acceptance. (YaleGlobal Online Magazine, CT)
Low-carbon Living Takes Off In The US Apr 11, 2008
6, 2006) Engineers at NIST have developed a database of U.S. residential housing to help conduct nationwide analyses of ventilation, air cleaning or moisture control strategies to reduce indoor air pollution. (Aug. (Science Daily)
Click here to read more. Apr 4, 2008
Shawn Humphrey, assistant professor of economics, and his Doing Development class have been working on solutions to a serious problem for poor villagers--indoor air pollution ... Another Honduran agency will monitor indoor air pollution in the village before and after the stoves are installed ... The World Health Organization estimates that indoor air pollution kills about 1. (Fredericksburg.com, VA)
Passive but dangerous Mar 23, 2008
Second hand smoke is a major source of indoor air pollution. Tobacco smoke is an irritant. (Hindu)
Government study concludes there's less pollution in smoke-free buildings Mar 20, 2008
"This study provides further evidence that indoor smoking causes exposure to harmful levels of indoor air pollution that can lead to cardiovascular and respiratory disease and even death," said Gary Streit, vice chairman of the commission. In the study, officials tested the air in 21 bars, restaurants and casinos in the state from November through January. (Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier)
Houseplant comeback: Easy maintenance and low-light plants are finding their way back into the homes of busy people Feb 22, 2008
According to the results of a research study conducted by NASA scientist B.C. Wolverton nearly 25 years ago, plants are the most efficient and cost-effective method of indoor air pollution abatement. In other words, growing houseplants in your home will result in cleaner air in your home. (Racine Journal Times, WI)
Impact of air pollution focus of lecture series Feb 19, 2008
"The Impact of Indoor Air Pollution on Human Health in the Developing World" will be the topic of a free public lecture at ETSU on Feb. 20, at 7 p.m. in the Ball Hall auditorium ... According to the World Health Organization (WHO), indoor air pollution has been estimated to cause more than 1 ... Indoor fires for heating and cooking are primary causes of indoor air pollution. (East Tennessean, TN)
Home Air Filters May Improve Elders' Heart Health Feb 18, 2008
Indoor air pollution typically comes from heating sources, candles, cooking, nearby traffic and even a neighbour's cigarette smoke, for some apartment dwellers, Loft said. The key finding of the current study, according to the researcher, is that "the level of particles in a regular, normal home actually affects the vascular function in elderly people.". (Planet Ark, United States)
Tuning Up the House Feb 15, 2008
You might improve your attic insulation to prevent the loss of heat in the winter, but go overboard, and you could end up choking on indoor air pollution. Just as a house is more than four walls and a door, energy efficiency should be holistic, with insulation, appliances, lighting and clean electricity all working together. (Time.com)
Be My Green Valentine Feb 12, 2008
Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, contained in traditional cleaning products pollute the air inside your home -- sometimes making indoor air pollution worse than outdoor air pollution. They can also harm the environment and wildlife even after they are thrown away by contaminating soil and water. (ABC News)
Contractor says smoking ban being violated Feb 9, 2008
He said some workers top off the indoor air pollution by throwing cigarette butts into spaces between the walls of the $60 million school. "The walls are full of cigarette butts," he said. (Juneau Empire)
Air pollution makes Delhi kids asthmatic Feb 4, 2008
00004000 "Today indoor air pollution level is becoming a matter of concern in big metros like Delhi, which is triggering asthmatic symptoms among the children residing in those areas," Dr Kumar says ... In the last few years, children's health has also deteriorated due to exposure of air pollutants in indoor environments i.e. indoor air pollution, the survey points out. (India Times, India)
ON THE HOUSE: Is your home making you sick? Jan 23, 2008
Potential sources of indoor air pollution include central heating, cooling and dehumidification systems; household cleaning and maintenance products; outdoor sources such as pesticides; biological contaminants such as animal dander, mold and cockroaches; dry-cleaned clothing; tobacco smoke; formaldehyde from fabrics, pressed wood products and insulation; styrene found in adhesives, foam, lubricants, plastics carpets and insulation; and paint-strippers and removers ... Your best defense against... (Douglas Daily Dispatch, AZ)
Invisible toxins inyour car Jan 14, 2008
"One interesting thing about indoor air pollution is that there are unique chemical reactions going on in the air between and among chemicals," says Ted Schettler, M.D., science director at the Science and Environmental Health Network, a nonprofit group pushing for changes in environmental policy on the local and national levels. "People have done the analysis and found a synthesis of new compounds, some of which are clearly toxic through a variety of mechanisms.". (MSNBC -- Health)
More of this story Dec 22, 2007
According to that organization, indoor air quality in Louisiana restaurants and bars showed that restaurants had eight times more indoor air pollution prior to The Louisiana Smoke-Free Air Act than they do today. Restaurant air quality, according to literature from the organization, has gone from hazardous levels to moderate levels. (Bogalusa Daily News, LA)
Trial into harmful cooking practices begins Dec 11, 2007
Information from KHRS indicates that reducing exposure to indoor air pollution is a critical initiative because globally about three billion people cook with biomass fuels that leads to 1. 6 million deaths a year. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Lung Disease Risk May Be Higher for Female Smokers Nov 17, 2007
Cigarette smoking and exposure to indoor air pollution from burning coal and other fuels are known COPD risk factors, the researchers add, but no research in urban or rural China has investigated the amount that smoking contributes to COPD risk. To measure the relationship and clarify the role of indoor air pollution, the researchers compared 1,743 people with COPD to 1,743 healthy controls matched by age, sex and residence. (MEDLINEplus)
Selling the poor, helping the poor: No contradiction? Nov 16, 2007
Getting to first base Moreover, not only are kerosene and candles barely adequate for reading or detailed work, but the LED systems also eliminate the problems of indoor air pollution, burns and fires. As for flashlight batteries, we all know how long they last. (Why Files)
Pneumonia still kills millions every year Oct 30, 2007
Environmental factors, such as living in crowded homes and exposure to parental smoking or indoor air pollution, may also have a role to play in increasing the children s susceptibility to pneumonia and its severe consequences ... Key prevention measures include promoting adequate nutrition (including breastfeeding and zinc intake), raising immunization rates and reducing indoor air pollution. (Merinews)
Wildfires bring serious health dangers Oct 25, 2007
Smoking and using candles, gas stoves or fireplaces can add to indoor air pollution and vacuuming stirs up particles that are already in the house, so the CDC said to avoid doing those things. All About. (CNN -- Health)
EAGLE POINT, Ore. Five Eagle Point alpaca ranches will participate in the first ever National Alpaca Farm Day on Sept. 29 and 30, a recent press release announced. Alpaca breeders from across the United States and Canada will invite the public Sep 29, 2007
According to the book, for their size, children breathe up to twice as much air as adults, which puts them at a greater risk of developing health problems that come from indoor air pollution. Chapter 1 explains the common causes of indoor air pollution such as smoking, pets, hobbies that use solvent chemicals, household products, new furniture giving off chemicals, paint containing lead and more. (Yreka Siskiyou Daily News, CA)
Indoor air pollution widespread in Asia Sep 15, 2007
Pham Thi Phuong is among an invisible group of Asians threatened by an environmental hazard rarely considered: indoor air pollution ... HANOI, Vietnam (AP) Luong Van Inh is among a neglected group of Asians threatened by an environmental hazard rarely considered: indoor air pollution ... Earlier this year, the WHO for the first time estimated the effects of indoor air pollution on health within individual countries. (Herald Online, SC -- Health)
Support for plans to raise legal age for buying tobacco Sep 13, 2007
Mr Nelson wants smoking to be permitted in designated areas within pubs and clubs, while Ms Cunnison is calling for Scottish Parliament to review the smoking ban and adopt a comprehensive approach to indoor air pollution. MSPs agreed to consider their pleas but former deputy health minister Lewis Macdonald said he did not think the committee would be sympathetic towards the petitions. (The Herald)
Health top concern in picking fireplace Sep 9, 2007
Indoor air pollution in still a concern though. Smoke from burning wood is made up of a mixture of gases and fine particles. (Helena Independent Record)
Smokers' Cough Is Not Just a Smokers' Disease, Study Shows Sep 1, 2007
Although smoking is the most important risk factor in high- income and middle-income countries, low-income nations have more indoor air pollution. To contact the reporter on this story: Angela Cullen in Frankfurt at. (Bloomberg)
Fast Facts - 13 August 2007 Aug 13, 2007
5 Indoor air pollution, caused by open fires for cooking and heating in the home, is the fourth-biggest killer of the world's poor. World Health Organization. (Business Report, South Africa)
How Safe Is Your Printer? Aug 10, 2007
This study, says Charles Weschler, a chemist and indoor air pollution expert at the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, is "very much a first cut.". Though it may be premature to inaugurate the term "office lung," the new study highlights the fact that indoor air pollution can't be taken lightly. (Time.com)
Hewlett-Packard Rebuts 'Office Smog' Laserjet Study Aug 8, 2007
Hewlett-Packard said Friday that it did not agree with the conclusions reached by an Australian study released last week, which blamed for high levels of indoor air pollution. In a statement, Hewlett-Packard said that " a fter a preliminary review of the Queensland University of Technology research on characteristics of office printers, HP does not agree with its conclusion or some of the bold claims the authors have made recently in press reports.". (Fox News)
Firms 'obeying smoking law' Aug 4, 2007
"The smokefree law is working as intended: it is protecting people from toxic tobacco smoke and enabling people to work and socialise, free from the worst form of indoor air pollution.". SMOKING BAN. (BBC News -- UK)
HP Rebuts 'Office Smog' Laserjet Study Aug 4, 2007
Hewlett-Packard said Friday that it did not agree with the conclusions reached by an Australian study released this week, that blamed laserjet printers for high levels of indoor air pollution. In a statement, Hewlett-Packard said that " a fter a preliminary review of the Queensland University of Technology research on particle emission characteristics of office printers, HP does not agree with its conclusion or some of the bold claims the authors have made recently in press reports."... (PC Magazine)
Some top laser printers called office polluters Aug 1, 2007
In one of the first studies of laser printers in a work setting, researchers found that some models are sources of ultra-fine particles that contribute to indoor air pollution ... Neither the state nor federal governments regulate indoor air pollution, even though most people spend about 90 percent of their lives inside buildings ... The study also found that during work hours, printer use caused indoor air pollution to increase fivefold. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Hazard warning on home cleaners Jul 25, 2007
" "At the same time, we back up all of our safety, health and environmental claims with independent laboratory test data, which is available to the public for the asking," the statement said. Brian Sansoni, a spokesman for the Soap and Detergent Association, an industry trade group, responded to criticisms of the use of EGBE in household cleaners. "There is no need to play 'Fear Factor' here. This ingredient usage in cleaning products is not known to be of concern for consumers who use these... (San Francisco Chronicle)
Africa: Continent's Energy Crisis to Take Centre Stage At Lisbon Jul 12, 2007
400,000 Africans, mainly women and children also die every year of respiratory diseases related to the indoor air pollution from using wood and other traditional fuels. According to Commission of the European Communities statement which was released last month in Brussels, the investment needs are huge - according to the World Bank, ensuring 100% access to electricity in Sub-Sahara Africa by 2030 would require an annual investment of - 8. (allAfrica.com)
The wrong type of green Jul 6, 2007
According to the FT, officials have tried to remove figures from a World Bank report that suggest up to 400,000 people in China die each year from outdoor air pollution, 30,000 from indoor air pollution, and 60,000 from water pollution. The government denies it has tried to interfere. (Guardian Unlimited)
Investigating the vapor intrusion problem Jul 5, 2007
Household items such as paint cans, new carpet and even recently dry-cleaned clothes are more often a source of indoor air pollution than vapor intrusion, according to the state health department. Then investigators check contaminant levels in soil vapor, the gas between soil particles. (Newsday)
Pollution facts suppressed by China Jul 5, 2007
Indoor air pollution, mainly from inhaling fumes from coal-burning stoves and cooking oil, were responsible for about 300,000 of the premature deaths. About 60,000 premature deaths were attributed to diarrhoea and cancers caused by polluted water in mainly rural areas. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Pollution Kills 460,000 Chinese a Year - World Bank Jul 4, 2007
The World Bank is also concerned by indoor air pollution, principally breathing in fumes from coal-burning stoves and cooking oil. Its experts estimate that as many as 300,000 Chinese a year die prematurely in this way. (Planet Ark, United States)
WHO: Reducing environmental risks could save millions Jun 14, 2007
In 23 countries, more than 10 percent of deaths can be traced to two risk factors: unsafe drinking water and indoor air pollution caused by the burning of so-called solid fuels -- wood, cow dung or coal for cooking, the WHO said. The report also highlights that more developed countries are not immune to environmental health risks. (Sioux City Journal, IO)
WHO: reducing environmental risks improves health Jun 14, 2007
According to the data, in 23 countries worldwide more than 10 percent of deaths are caused by just two environmental factors: unsafe water, including poor sanitation and hygiene; and indoor air pollution due to solid fuel use for cooking. Around the world, children under five are the main victims and make up 74 percent of deaths due to diarrhea-related disease and lower respiratory infections, caused by unsafe water and indoor air pollution, respectively. (Xinhuanet, China)
Outdoor air may be dirty, but indoor air might be worse Jun 2, 2007
Indoor air pollution affects the same people affected by outdoor pollution: children, the elderly and people with existing respiratory problems. Severe cases can trouble even healthy adults. (AZCentral)
World Energy Solutions, Inc. Continues to Make Strides in the Development of Clean Air Technology May 31, 2007
In recent years, comparative risk studies performed by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have consistently ranked indoor air pollution among the top five environmental risks to people's health. EPA studies of human exposure indicate that the levels for many pollutants may be 2-5 times higher indoors than outdoors. (Primezone Releases)
Let's promote good health instead of treating diseases May 18, 2007
These include the lack of access to safe drinking water, inadequate basic sanitation in household and community, indoor air pollution from cooking and heating using coal or biomass fuel and inadequate waste disposal. Modern hazards, he said, were also related to developments that lacked health and environment safeguards and unsustainable consumption of natural resources. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
United Nations shelves action on indoor hazards May 17, 2007
A United Nations (UN) meeting has failed to agree on an action plan to deal with indoor air pollution the range of hazards related to cooking indoors that is thought to kill more people every year in poor countries than malaria ... "In previous discussions, the problem of indoor air pollution has been basically invisible, perhaps because it is a situation that affects mainly women," says Maria Arce Moreira, a policy adviser to Practical Action, a British pressure group that works on poverty... (Nature News Service)
Essential Oils May 5, 2007
To Create Balance and Harmony. Our nose is a powerful sense that distinguishes between thousands of scents. (Suite101.com)
Fire Protection Apr 29, 2007
This will prevent an indoor air pollution problem and minimize health problems. Kerosene heaters are not usually vented. (SafetyWire.org)
Smoking Ban Clears the Air in Irish Pubs Apr 19, 2007
Within a year of the 2004 ban, the smoke had cleared from Irish pubs, leaving behind an 83% reduction in indoor air pollution, an 80% drop in airborne carcinogens, and substantial respiratory health benefits for bar workers. So found Luke Clancy, M.D., of the Research Institute for a Tobacco Free Society here, and colleagues, in a meticulous pre- and post-ban study of 42 Dublin pubs and 73 pub staff. (MedPage Today)
New rules on the way to let city workers breathe easier Apr 11, 2007
The measure is part of the city's indoor air pollution policy, which has so far been implemented in enclosed parking areas and smoking zones ... He said the administration would withdraw the business permits of building operators who failed to meet the indoor air pollution standard. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- City)
Neglected aircons pose threat to health Apr 10, 2007
Neglecting ventilation facilities results in serious indoor air pollution, and can cause considerable harm to a worker's health. Industry experts said the aerators installed in office buildings could provide ready shelter to various kinds of mildew, acarids and bacteria if they are not cleaned frequently. (People's Daily Online, China)
Know which conditions duct cleaning can help Apr 3, 2007
With the increasing public awareness of indoor air pollution I often get asked if duct cleaning is a good idea. As with most questions, there is usually not a yes or no answer. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Home & Garden)
Wood Stoves May up Lung Cancer Risk in Women Mar 24, 2007
"Among the major sources of indoor air pollution are combustion by-products from heating and cooking," Dr. Jack Siemiatycki, of the University of Montreal, Quebec, and colleagues explain in the American Journal of Epidemiology. "Concern is increasing that use of polluting heating and cooking sources can increase cancer risk.". (MEDLINEplus)
MARLO LEWIS JR.: Unaffordable agenda Mar 24, 2007
Relying on traditional biomass causes daily indoor air pollution many times dirtier than outdoor in the most polluted cities, and kills about 2. 8 million people yearly, mostly women and children. (Washington Times)
Cars ranked by chemical content Mar 22, 2007
"Since the average American spends more than 1.5 hours in a car every day, toxic chemical exposure inside vehicles is a major source of potential indoor air pollution.". The American Chemistry Council, representing the chemical industry, noted that the guide does not actually measure any breakdown of chemicals over time. (MSNBC -- Environment)
