Delaware Healthy Homes

Why should I be concerned with indoor air quality?

• Americans spend about 90% of their time indoors.
• Indoor air pollution is often greater than outdoor air pollution.
• Environmental regulations, intended to protect human health, generally fail to address indoor pollutants.
• Indoor pollutants are virtually unregulated by existing environmental laws.
• Indoor air pollutants may have adverse health effects.

What and where are these pollutant sources?

• Consumer Products
  • Air Fresheners and Deodorizers
  • Cleaners and Disinfectants
  • Laundry Supplies and Dry-cleaned Clothes
  • Moth Repellants and Pesticides
  • Cosmetics and other Personal Care Products
• Building Materials and Furnishings
  • Paints, Varnishes, and Stains
  • Adhesives and Solvents
  • New Carpet and Flooring
  • New Furnishings
  • Combustion Appliances
• Personal Activities
  • Use and storage of chemicals
  • Smoking
  • Hobbies
• Environmental Conditions
  • Mold and Moisture
  • Dust

What are the risks?

• Cancer
  • Smoking in the home increases cancer risk for everyone.
  • Dry-cleaned clothes can release chemicals linked with cancer into the air.
  • Paints and finishes can contain carcinogens including silica and titanium dioxide.
• Respiratory Problems
  • Mold and household dusts can trigger asthma attacks.
  • Formaldehyde and other chemicals released from new flooring and furniture can cause respiratory distress.
• Other Dangers
  • Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas released by combustion appliances.
  • Thousands of people are poisoned in the home each year by misusing products.