Indoor Air Quality and Toxics Control

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

Since people spend approximately 90% of their time indoors, the risks to health may be greater than ever before due to exposure to indoor air pollution. Pollutant levels from any single source by themselves may not pose significant health risks, but because homes and buildings generally have more than one source of contamination, there can be serious risks from the cumulative effects of multiple sources.

Building Air Quality

• Provide guidance and information regarding indoor air quality concerns, symptoms and complaints.
• Initiate investigations where required.
• Evaluate health impacts and exposure symptoms to chemicals; heavy metals; bioaerosols; off-gassing from furniture, household and commercial products; allergens; odors; and emissions of carbon monoxide and combustion by-products related to cooking, vehicular, heating and fuel burning equipment malfunctions.

Occupational Health

• Provide guidance and information for occupational and work site health concerns.
• Respond to employee work site health concerns regarding potential exposure to toxic materials when employees are reluctant to contact Federal or State Agencies. When appropriate, make referrals to other regulatory agencies.

Asbestos

Asbestos is a mineral fiber that has been used in a variety of building construction materials; it is most commonly found in older homes and buildings. Exposure to asbestos can cause cancer of the lungs, chest and abdominal linings and irreversible lung scarring.

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Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS)

Environmental tobacco smoke, also known as second hand smoke, includes both exhaled mainstream smoke from smokers and sidesteam smoke from the end of a cigarette, cigar, or pipe. Secondhand smoke contains more than 4,000 substances, including over 40 that are linked to cancer.

Combustion Pollutants

Combustion pollutants are byproducts of burning fuels and the oxygen from air. Since air contains approximately 80% nitrogen, a variety of the oxidation products of nitrogen, along with the carbon contained in the fuel being burned, are released into the environment. Soot from poor quality candles can also accumulate rapidly in the home.

Formaldehyde

There are numerous sources of formaldehyde in homes and other buildings. It is an irritating colorless and pungent smelling gas that can cause eye and respiratory irritation and difficulty in breathing.

Household Products

Organic chemicals are widely used in household products; they can be released during use, and under certain circumstances, when stored. These products can expose the user and others to high pollutant levels which can persist in the air long after their use has concluded.

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Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA) Pressure Treated Wood Products

CCA protects wood from deterioration and prolongs the life of outdoor wood structures, such as decks and children’s play equipment. The most toxic part of the CCA pesticide is arsenic.

Main Points:

• If not properly sealed, wood that is pressure-treated with a pesticide known as CCA can leach (release) arsenic.
• Arsenic is easily taken up onto hands from simple contact with the wood surface.
• It is important to prevent exposure because arsenic can cause cancer and other health effects. Young children are most at risk.
• These exposures to arsenic can be greatly reduced. See the recommendations below.

Recommendations:

• Seal existing CCA-treated structures (decks, playscapes) every two years with a sealant such as an oil-based stain.
• Keep children and pets out of under-deck areas where arsenic may have leached in the past.
• Don’t grow edible plants near CCA-treated decks.
• Insert a plastic liner on the inside of CCA-boards used to frame garden beds.
• Follow safe handling guidelines if you use CCA-treated wood in building projects.

Source: Connecticut Department of Public Health Fact Sheet: What You Need To Know About Pesticides Used in Pressure Treated Wood-February 2001