Feature Articles - Housing
Environmental Quality
Ronn Phillips, Arch.D., and Bobbi
Hauptmann, Architectural Studies, College of Human
Environmental Sciences, University of Missouri-Columbia
Environmental Quality is an important quality of life
consideration. Environmental quality can be examined from
indoor air quality, mold, radon, and water supply
perspectives.
Carbon Monoxide: Carbon monoxide is tasteless,
odorless and dangerous to humans, animals, and plants.
Fortunately, there are many visible signs indicating the
presence of carbon monoxide.
- Black soot on or around air registers, flues, burners or access openings to appliances
- Condensation of moisture on inside windows (humidifiers & vaporizers can also cause condensation)
- Dead or dying houseplants and animals
- Abnormal flame characteristics, such as a yellow gas
flame instead of blue, flame rolling out of the front of an
appliance, or flame lifting off the burner
Indoor Air Quality: Indoor pollution sources that
release gases or particles into the air are the primary cause
of indoor air quality problems in homes. 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. High temperature and humidity levels can also increase
concentrations of some pollutants.
Mold: 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. Potential health effects and symptoms associated
with mold exposures include allergic reactions, asthma, and
other respiratory complaints. There is no practical way to
eliminate all molds and mold spores in the indoor environment;
the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.
Water Supply Testing: Household water supplies can
be contaminated with harmful bacteria and in some areas, with
high lead levels. Water testing should occur to minimize the
effects of contaminated water ranging from diarrhea, cramps,
and nausea, to paralysis, brain and spinal cord damage
especially in children, and for pregnant woman, lead
contamination can result in miscarriage.
Radon Testing: Radon is an odorless, colorless, radioactive gas created by the natural breakdown of materials that contain uranium. It accumulates inside homes by migrating through cracks and openings. Whenever you breathe air containing radon, you increase your risk of getting lung cancer - making it important that all homes be tested for the presence of radon.
 |
Site Administrator: |
|
|
|
Last update: Monday, May 18, 2009
