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THE
PROBLEM
Sick Building Syndrome
"The term "sick building syndrome" (SBS) is
used to describe situations in which
building occupants experience acute health
and comfort effects that appear to be linked
to time spent in a building, but no specific
illness or cause can be identified."
- EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)
Indoor Air Pollution
"Air pollution contributes to lung disease,
including respiratory tract infections,
asthma, and lung cancer. Lung
disease claims
close to 335,000 lives in America every year
and is the third leading cause of death
in the United States. Over the last
decade, the death rate for lung disease has
risen faster than for almost any other major
disease."
- American Lung Association
"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."
- EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)
"Poor indoor air quality can cause or
contribute to the development of chronic
respiratory diseases such as asthma...
In addition, it can cause headaches, dry
eyes, nasal congestion, nausea and fatigue."
- American Lung Association
"Biological pollutants, including molds,
bacteria, viruses, pollen, dust mites, and
animal dander promote poor indoor air
quality... leading to breathing problems."
- American Lung Association
What Causes Indoor Air Problems?
New construction and tighter homes:
"By tightening up buildings, we may be
transforming them into virtual gas
chambers."
–Dr. George Burch,
Tulane University Medical School
Poor ventilation:
"If too little outdoor air enters a home,
pollutants can accumulate to levels that can
pose health and comfort problems."
- EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)
"Inadequate ventilation can increase indoor
pollutant levels by not bringing in enough
outdoor air to dilute emissions from indoor
sources and by not carrying indoor air
pollutants out of the home.
- EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)
High Humidity:
"High temperature and humidity levels can
also increase concentrations of some
pollutants."
- EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)
Biological Contaminants:
"Biological contaminants include bacteria,
molds, mildew, viruses, animal dander
...Contaminated central air handling systems
can become breeding grounds for mold,
mildew, and other sources of biological
contaminants and can then distribute these
contaminants through the home (See
www.epa.gov/mold
)."
- EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)
How Can I Tell If My Home Has A Problem?
"Be aware of the presence of odors that
signify excessive moisture or mold growths.
If you notice a
musty smell in your house, contact a
qualified inspector to determine the
source." -
www.Moldupdate.com
"Mold growth, which often looks like spots,
can be many different colors, and can
smell musty. If you can see or smell
mold, a health risk may be present."
- CDC (Center for Disease Control)
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!
"Keep
humidity levels low."
- American Lung Association