Carbon Monoxide
Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a combustion pollutant that
is a leading cause of poising deaths. CO-related non-fire deaths are often
caused by heating and cooking equipment that is malfunctioning. Specific types
of equipment related to CO deaths are gas-fueled space heaters, gas-fueled
furnaces, charcoal grills, gas-fueled ranges, portable kerosene heaters, and
wood stoves.
The risk of unintentional CO deaths usually occurs
in the young (4 years and younger) and the elderly (75 years and older). CO is
an odorless, colourless gas that can cause illness and death. CO is created
when carbon is not completely burned off and causes the following common
symptoms:
·
Headache
·
Dizziness
·
Weakness
·
Nausea
·
Vomiting
·
Chest Pain
·
Confusion
Any home with any fuel-burning appliance that is
not vented properly, and is not maintained properly, can be a potential source
of CO. Follow these tips when using gas-fueled equipment:
·
Never use gas-powered
equipment, charcoal grills, hibachis, lanterns, or portable stoves in enclosed
areas.
·
Install a CO monitor.
Near the sleeping areas and near your heating system.
·
Use vented appliances
when possible.
·
Make sure your gas
heater has a built-in safety device.
·
Use appliances that
have electronic ignitions instead of pilot lights.
·
Use the proper fuel in
kerosene appliances.
·
Use an exhaust fan to
vent to the outdoors over gas stoves.
·
Have a trained
professional inspect your equipment yearly.
·
Do not idle your car
in the garage.
For more information on Carbon Monoxide poisoning,
please visit https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/air-quality/indoor-air-contaminants/keep-carbon-monoxide-out-your-home.html
Ozone
Breathing in ozone can damage lungs, small amounts
can result in chest pain, coughing, shortness of breath, and throat irritation.
I can also worsen chronic respiratory diseases like asthma.
Ozone comes from outside of the home and is
naturally occurring. It is also created by the exposure of polluted air to
ultraviolet light sources (like the sun, or your tanning bed). Ozone that is
created outside may enter the home and react with surfaces inside that can
create additional pollutants.
For more information on Ozone (O3)
please visit https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/air-quality/indoor-air-contaminants/ozone.html
Environmental Tobacco Smoke
Environmental Tobacco Smoke (AKA ETS; second-hand
smoke) is a combination of two things:
·
Smoke from the burning
tobacco
·
Smoke that is exhaled
by the smoker
Second-hand smoke can trigger asthma; can irritate
eyes, nose, and throat, can cause ear infections in children, respiratory
illnesses, and lung cancer.
If you are a smoker, smoke outside, smoke near a
ventilation fan (like your range exhaust fan which should be exhausting outside),
open a window, do not smoke near children.
For more information on second hand smoke please
visit https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/smoking-tobacco/avoid-second-hand-smoke/second-hand-smoke/dangers-second-hand-smoke.html
Volatile Organic Compounds
There are many chemicals used as ingredients in the
products we use in our modern homes. Many of these organic chemicals vaporize
and become gases at normal room temperature – these are known as VOCs.
Some examples of what creates these VOCs are:
·
Paints (look for
paints that are low VOC, usually marked on the label)
·
Varnishes
·
Waxes
·
Many cleaning and
disinfecting products
·
Cosmetics
·
Degreasing agents
·
Hobby products
Some of the common VOCs you would find in your home
would include toluene, styrene, xylenes, and trichloroethylene.
Theses chemicals can be emitted from the following
sources:
·
Aerosol products
·
Dry-cleaned clothing,
·
Paints
·
Varnishes
·
Glues
·
Art Supplies
·
Cleaners / Spot
removers
·
Floor wax / polishes
·
And even air
fresheners
Health effects due to the exposure of these
chemicals varies. Lowering the levels of VOCs in your home can be accomplished
by the following:
·
Use all products
according to the directions.
·
Have good ventilation
when using products.
·
Properly dispose of
old or unneeded chemicals
·
Purchase limited
quantities of the product.
·
Minimize your exposure
to products that contain methylene chloride, benzene, or
Perchlorethylene.
Formaldehyde is a prominent VOC found in many
household products and construction materials. These products include:
·
Glues used in pressed
wood
·
Preservatives in
paints, coatings, and cosmetics
·
Coatings in fabrics
and draperies
·
Finishes on paper
products
·
And some insulation
products like Urea-Formaldehyde (UF) foam insulation
The levels of formaldehyde increase when these
products are installed but drop after time.
In recent years, major sources in modern homes come
from pressed wood products made using adhesives that contain UF resins –
medium-density fiberboard contains a higher resin-to-wood ratio than any other
product.
Formaldehyde is a colourless, strong smelling gas,
it can cause watery eyes; burning sensations in the eyes, nose, and throat;
nausea; coughing, chest tightness, wheezing; skin rashes, and allergic
reactions – it may also be a cause of cancer. You can use the following tips to
avoid the exposure to formaldehyde:
·
Use pressed wood
products that are labeled ANSI A208.1-1993
·
Use particleboard
flooring that is marked with ANSI grades PBU, D2, or D3
·
Use medium-density
fibreboard that are labeled ANSI A208.2-1994
·
Use hardwood plywood
labeled ANSI/HPVA HP-1-1994
·
Use furniture or
cabinets that have a high percentage of the surface that is laminated or coated
·
Use products that are
not made with UF glues, lumber, or metal
·
Avoid the use of UF
foam insulation
·
Wash durable-press
fabrics before using them (ex: curtains)
·
Proper ventilation of
the home (ex: opening windows, HRV)
·
Seal the surfaces of
products that contain formaldehyde-containing products (ex: coat with paint,
varnish, or a layer of vinyl or polyurethane-like materials)
·
Remove products that
release formaldehyde from the home
For more information please visit https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/air-quality/indoor-air-contaminants/volatile-organic-compounds.html
Radon
Radon is a colourless, odorless gas that occurs
naturally in soil and rock and is created by the decay of uranium.
For more information please visit: https://avelarhomeinspection.com/radon-how-it-could-be-affecting-you-right-now/
and https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/health-risks-safety/radiation/radon.html
Pesticides, how can they effect you?
The effects of pesticides can vary with the product
being used, but the effects from most products will be on your eyes,
nose/sinuses, and throats; there are some more severe consequences that may
effect the central nervous system and kidneys and risks of cancer are possible.
Pesticides are made of both inert and active organic compounds that can
contribute to higher levels of organic compounds in the indoor air.
It is important to use pesticides properly, as
described by the manufacture. Products containing cyclodiene pesticides are
commonly misapplied. Symptoms include headaches, dizziness, muscle twitching,
weakness, tingling sensations, and nausea. There are also concerns that these
pesticides cause long-term damage to the liver and central nervous system and
increases the likelihood of cancer
For more information on pesticides please visit https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/consumer-product-safety/pesticides-pest-management/public.html
Here are some best practices when it comes to
pesticides:
·
Store them away from
children in a secure location
·
Read the label and
follow all the directions exactly
·
Remove children, pets,
and toys from areas before applying
·
Properly close the
package and make sure that the container is not accessible
·
Keep pesticides in the
original container
·
Keep rodent or insect
baits in a secure location
·
Use child-resistant
packaging properly by closing the container tightly after using
·
Let children know that
it is poison and that it is not food.
·
Keep poison control
telephone number handy (http://www.ontariopoisoncentre.ca/ and
1-800-268-9017)
