Lite Initiatives

Posts Tagged ‘Mayb’

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Families living in big states with big cities like California and Texas often worry about the negative effects air pollution will have on the health of not only themselves but their loved ones. Many laws have been passed, and rules and regulations put into effect to help control air pollution in big cities like Houston and Los Angeles, but the truth is that pollutant levels can still be quite toxic. Many concerned citizens have made the switch to hybrid cars, written letters, signed petitions and eliminated the use of pesticides amongst other important measures, but air pollution is still a daily concern. What most people don’t realize is that air pollution is also a dangerous home security concern. In fact, indoor air has been shown to contain higher concentrations of hazardous pollutants than outdoor air in many cases. How can this be? There are several contributing factors that most families never think of.

In areas like California and Texas, keeping the heat out and the cool air or air conditioning in is a prime concern most of the year. Today, most homes are built with this in mind and features like storm windows, insulation, caulk, weather-stripping, and more are meant to keep every bit of cool air from seeping out. The downside is that natural ventilation is severely limited and the result can be a toxic level of pollutant buildup in the air. Not to mention, running an air conditioning unit, or especially a heating unit which uses kerosene, gas, wood or coal can fill the air with even more toxins. While families may feel more comfortable with the cooler temperature, they are creating a hazard which can lead to immediate symptoms and/or long term damage.

Air pollution is the most likely to affect children, the elderly, and pregnant women. These demographics are also those who spend the most time in the home. While most people have a smoke detector and maybe even a carbon monoxide or radon detector as part of their existing home security system, there is no way to detect each and every harmful element of air pollution that may enter the home. Activities like of course smoking, and cooking, heating the home, or even bathing can release dangerous chemicals and toxins. The easiest way to help eliminate some of the risk is to ventilate the home continually whether with a ventilation system or simply by opening the windows, especially when engaging in such activities. If opening the windows, be sure they feature safety latches to maintain good home security against not only air pollutants, but would-be intruders.

It can be a challenge to know which immediate physical symptoms might indicated air pollution inside the home, but they key to recognizing a problem is investigating a persistent symptom. A person who suddenly develops, for example, headaches, exhaustion, runny eyes or nose, a scratchy throat, asthma or another breathing disorder that is persistent and constant might be a victim of overexposure to air pollutants. Long term affects can include serious breathing disorders and even cancer. Families in California and Texas should take action today to create a safe home environment in which every family member can breathe easy.