General Facts
'Most citizens are very likely to have the greatest contact with potentially toxic pollutants not outside but inside the places they usually consider to be essentially unpolluted, such as homes, offices and cars.'
SOURCE: Scientific American Article found at Washington State Department of Ecology'Australians love the great outdoors but, in fact, we spend more than 90% of our time indoors. It has been estimated our unhealthy indoor air quality costs the Australian community $12 billion annually.'
SOURCE: VicHealth 2006 - the Victorian Health Promotion Foundation'The same air pollutants covered by environmental laws outdoors are usually found at much higher levels in the average residence... if truckloads of dust with the same concentration of toxic chemicals found in most carpets were deposited outside, these locations would be considered hazardous waste dumps...'
SOURCE: Scientific American'Since the 1930's our home have been intoxicated with thousands of synthetic chemicals - lass than half have undergone any basic testing for their health and environmental impact.'
SOURCE: Australian Department for Environment and Heritage'Very little is known about the 5 million chemical mixtures & formulations that already exist, but every year thousands of new chemicals are added to the list. There is no toxicological information for 79% of the 48,500 chemicals listed in the inventory of toxic substances.'
SOURCE: Pollack, John K. "The Toxicity of Chemical Mixtures"
Hatfield House Facts
While oil-based paint is drying it emits toxic vapors. Inhaling the toxic vapors during painting while it dries is dangerous and can cause health problems.
SOURCE: Washington Toxics CoalitionAerosol spray paints also contain solvents, often more toxic than those in brush-on paints.
SOURCE: Washington Toxics CoalitionHigh levels of exposure [to xylene, a chemical found in some paints] for short or long periods can cause headaches, lack of muscle coordination, dizziness, confusion, and changes in one's sense of balance.
SOURCE: US Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease RegistryPulmonary edema can result from heavy exposure to cobalt fumes. [Cobalt is used to tint some paints].
SOURCE: US National Library of Medicine Toxicology DatabaseMolds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any substance, providing moisture is present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods.
SOURCE: US Environment Protection Agency'Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. VOCs include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short- and long-term adverse health effects.'
SOURCE: US Environment Protection Agency'OSHA regulates formaldehyde, a specific VOC, as a carcinogen.'
SOURCE: US Environment Protection Agency'Health effects (of some VOCs): Eye, nose, and throat irritation; headaches, loss of coordination, nausea; damage to liver, kidney, and central nervous system. Some organics can cause cancer in animals; some are suspected or known to cause cancer in humans.' US Environment Protection Agency
SOURCE: An Introduction to Indoor Air Quality (US Environment Protection Agency)'If paint is known to be pre-1970, is in poor condition and is accessible to children, it may present a health hazard, and the paint should be tested for the presence of lead.'
SOURCE: Lead Paint Information (Master Painters Australia)'How much mold can make me sick? It depends. For some people, a relatively small number of mould spores can cause health problems. For other people, it may take many more. The basic rule is, if you can see or smell it, take steps to eliminate the excess moisture, and to cleanup and remove the mould.'
SOURCE: Texas Health DepartmentIt was [Lead Paint] used mainly on exterior surfaces and to a lesser extent on interior doors and architraves, especially in undercoats and primers here concentrations of up to 20% lead were commonly used.
SOURCE: Master Painters AustraliaLead makes things taste sweet. The Romans used lead to sweeten their wines. So children and pets are attracted to the taste of lead paint chips and especially to lead dust.
SOURCE: Frequently Asked Questions About Lead (US Environment Protection Agency)Paint with more than 1% lead, or paint containing white lead, was prohibited for domestic use after 1970.
SOURCE: Master Painters Australia
Kempler House Facts
'During manufacture, carpets are treated with chemicals for durability, to prevent staining, to make them fire retardant and to protect them against pests. In addition to this, carpets harbour dust and a whole range of biological pollutants.'
SOURCE: Total Environment Centre - Household'The presence of excessive dust accumulations within a HVAC system can lead to the development of biological contamination. In the course of normal building operations the humidity level within an air conveyance system can vary greatly. High humidity allows moisture to combine with dust and debris in the system, resulting in the growth of microbial contaminations.'
SOURCE: The Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heating (AIRAH)Organic chemicals are widely used as ingredients in household products. Paints, varnishes, and wax all contain organic solvents, as do many cleaning, disinfecting, cosmetic, degreasing, and hobby products. Fuels are made up of organic chemicals.
SOURCE: VOCs US EPAKeep exposure to benzene to a minimum. Benzene is a known human carcinogen. The main indoor sources of this chemical are environmental tobacco smoke, stored fuels and paint supplies, and automobile emissions in attached garages.
SOURCE: VOCs US EPAMoisture can enter the duct system through leaks or if the system has been improperly installed or serviced. Research suggests that condensation on or near cooling coils of air conditioning units is a major factor in moisture contamination of the system. The presence of condensation or high relative humidity is an important indicator of the potential for mold growth on any type of duct.
SOURCE: How to Prevent Duct ContaminationThe only real way to know if your airconditioning system is clean is regular inspection. It is fair to say that new installations would be expected to have a clear period of health of approximately five years, however our industry is no longer in a position to assume these things. Some systems may be fine for 10 years, others one year.
SOURCE: The Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heating (AIRAH)
Walton House Facts
'Workers and others who have been exposed to arsenic over long periods of time, principally by breathing it or ingesting it, can exhibit symptoms that include melanosis, hyperkeratosis, damage to heart and blood vessels; a decrease in both red and white blood cell production; and severe inflammation of the liver.'
SOURCE: The Facts on Arsenic (Darthmouth Toxic Metal Research)'Children can be exposed to arsenic from playground equipment primarily through hand-to-mouth contact when they touch the wood and then place their hands in their mouths.'
SOURCE: CCA-Treated Wood Questions and Answers (US Consumer Product Safety Commission)New studies have found that arsenic leaches out of treated timber and is a health risk.
SOURCE: Kids Enslaved to Poisoned Playgrounds by Timber Lobby (Total Environment Centre)A US study found that the amount of arsenic wiped off a small area of wood, about the size of a four year-old's hand, far exceeds what authorities consider safe.
SOURCE: Kids Enslaved to Poisoned Playgrounds by Timber Lobby (Total Environment Centre)Children can be exposed to arsenic from playground equipment primarily through hand-to-mouth contact when they touch the wood and then place their hands in their mouths.
SOURCE: CCA-Treated Wood Questions and Answers (US Consumer Product Safety Commission)According to the National Academy of Sciences, long-term exposure to arsenic increases the risk of lung, bladder, and skin cancer over a lifetime.
SOURCE: CCA-Treated Wood Questions and Answers (US Consumer Product Safety Commission)'Workers and others who have been exposed to arsenic over long periods of time, principally by breathing it or ingesting it, can exhibit symptoms that include melanosis, hyperkeratosis, damage to heart and blood vessels; a decrease in both red and white blood cell production; and severe inflammation of the liver.'
SOURCE: The Facts on Arsenic (Darthmouth Toxic Metal Research)Several studies have shown that ingestion of inorganic arsenic can increase the risk of skin cancer and cancer in the lungs, bladder, liver, kidney and prostate. Inhalation of inorganic arsenic can cause increase risk of lung cancer.
SOURCE: Frequently Asked Questions About Arsenic (US Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry)'The concern about heavy metals as an indoor air pollutant is greatest in older, deteriorating housing or during rehab or reconstruction projects of older buildings.'
SOURCE: New Medical Journal'Any where wood touches soil is a possible entry into a home for termites.'
SOURCE: US National Agriculture Safety Database'In 1999 Dr John Whitehall, Neonate Paediatrician, Townsville Australia, found 66% of newborn babies had five to six neurotoxic pesticides in their meconium. (Meconium is the first bowel motion formed in the womb).'
SOURCE: National Toxics Network Australia'The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that 10,000-20,000 physician-diagnosed pesticide poisonings occur each year among the approximately 3,380,000 U.S. agricultural workers.'
SOURCE: US National Agriculture Safety Database
Edler House Facts
Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any substance, providing moisture is present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods.
SOURCE: US Environment Protection AgencyAccording to the EPA increased ventilation and air movement can reduce or prevent condensation, a major contributor to mould problems.
SOURCE: US Environment Protection AgencyMolds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions), irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins).
SOURCE: US Environment Protection AgencyVentilate the attic and crawl spaces to prevent moisture build-up. Keeping humidity levels in these areas below 50 percent can prevent water condensation on building materials.
SOURCE: US Environment Protection Agency'How much mold can make me sick? It depends. For some people, a relatively small number of mould spores can cause health problems. For other people, it may take many more. The basic rule is, if you can see or smell it, take steps to eliminate the excess moisture, and to cleanup and remove the mould.'
SOURCE: Californian Department of Health'The risk of current asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis was higher in damp homes. Of the respiratory infections, the risk of common colds was most clearly increased.'
SOURCE: Thorax Online
Moore House Facts
'When unflued gas heaters are operating, indoor air generally exhibits substantially higher levels of nitrogen dioxide, carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide than the highest concentrations measured in ambient air in Australia.'
SOURCE: Department for the Environment and Water ResourcesIn a UGA study, 'In a significant number of houses, pollutant levels abated slowly after the unflued gas heaters were switched off, indicating low ventilation rates'
SOURCE: Department for the Environment and Water Resources'The risk of current asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis was higher in damp homes. Of the respiratory infections, the risk of common colds was most clearly increased.'
SOURCE: Thorax Online'ASTDR has identified dust mites as one of the primary indoor air pollutants associated with asthma exacerbation.'
SOURCE: US Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry'In a study of Baltimore allergy clinic patients, dust mite allergen was found in over 99% of homes occupied by allergic patients'
SOURCE: US Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry'House dust mites, the source of one of the most powerful biological allergens, grow in damp, warm environments.'
SOURCE: US Environment Protection Agency
Adiguzel-Bekir House Facts
Molds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions), irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins).
SOURCE: US Environment Protection AgencyChildren may be more vulnerable to chemical exposures and at greater risk than adults because their bodily systems and brains are still developing; they eat more,drink more and breathe more in proportion to their body size; and their behaviour (such as crawling or the hand to-mouth activities of babies and toddlers) provides greater exposure to chemicals in and around the home.
SOURCE: Total Environment CentreHouse dust mites thrive in warm, humid environments, conditions found at least in parts of most Australian households.
SOURCE: Air Toxics and Indoor Air Quality in AustraliaAlmost certainly, the main human and veterinary health burden of mycotoxin exposure is related to chronic exposure (e.g., cancer induction, kidney toxicity, immune suppression).
SOURCE: MycotoxinsThere is now a large body of evidence indicating an association between exposure to EMF and up to a doubling of risk of childhood leukaemia. Three major pooled analyses have all found an association and the largest and most recent study has also found an association.
SOURCE: Do electric and magnetic fields cause leukaemia?Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any substance, providing moisture is present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods. SOURCE: Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any substance, providing moisture is present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods.
SOURCE: US Environment Protection Agency
Gammon House Facts
'We can now estimate from sampling dust on carpets, upholstery and other surfaces, that each day, the average urban infant will ingest 110 nanograms of benzopyrene (compounds which can cause cancer in animals and is thought to induce cancer in humans)... this is the equivalent to a child smoking three cigarettes a day.'
SOURCE: Scientific American'When unflued gas heaters are operating, indoor air generally exhibits substantially higher levels of nitrogen dioxide, carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide than the highest concentrations measured in ambient air in Australia.'
SOURCE: Department for the Environment and Water ResourcesIt was [Lead Paint] used mainly on exterior surfaces and to a lesser extent on interior doors and architraves, especially in undercoats and primers here concentrations of up to 20% lead were commonly used.
SOURCE: Master Painters Australia'Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. VOCs include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short- and long-term adverse health effects.'
SOURCE: US Environment Protection Agency'If paint is known to be pre-1970, is in poor condition and is accessible to children, it may present a health hazard, and the paint should be tested for the presence of lead.'
SOURCE: Lead Paint Information (Master Painters Australia)Lead makes things taste sweet. The Romans used lead to sweeten their wines. So children and pets are attracted to the taste of lead paint chips and especially to lead dust.
SOURCE: Frequently Asked Questions About Lead (US Environment Protection Agency)Paint with more than 1% lead, or paint containing white lead, was prohibited for domestic use after 1970.
SOURCE: Master Painters Australia'We can now estimate from sampling dust on carpets, upholstery and other surfaces, that each day, the average urban infant will ingest 110 nanograms of benzopyrene (compounds which can cause cancer in animals and is thought to induce cancer in humans)... this is the equivalent to a child smoking three cigarettes a day.'
SOURCE: Scientific American
