“We do not inherit the earth, we borrow it from our children.”
The rising concern of how inevitable the destruction of natural resources and potential risk to human health around the world became evident as society continually progressed with its developmental industries.
This valuable message encourages us to act on a global scale and see how our current actions affect the environment and our health. Safer, healthier and cleaner air is possible if we switch to greener alternatives and continually conduct air quality testing at home.
Our home is always a good place to start to care for both our health and the environment. With EPA guidelines set, we can make sure that indoor air quality testing can properly be conducted in our homes.
What is EPA and why was it created?
July 1970 – President Nixon proposed the reorganization of an environmental body called the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It serves as a response to the inefficiency of environmental regulations in the US.
Water and air pollution became a problem during the 1960’s in which President Nixon saw the importance of the agency’s existence. Smog in New York, the contamination of Lake Erie, and a major oil spill in California – all occurred during his presidency propelling the need for action. The EPA’s objective included monitoring the environment’s biological and physical condition that would enable the country to have environmental baselines.
Part of Richard Nixon’s speech on his State of the Union address pointed out:
“We still think of air as free. But clean air is not free, and neither is clean water. The price tag on pollution control is high. Through our years of past carelessness we incurred a debt to nature, and now that debt is being called.”
The quality of indoor air that individuals breathe every day significantly affects their health. A study conducted by the EPA revealed that almost 93% of the US citizens spend their time indoors, in the comfort of their homes and in automobiles. Indoor air pollution can cause headaches, irritation of the eyes, allergies, and profound health complications such as lung cancer.(Ultimate Air, 2018). The EPA suggests that people should learn to identify air quality problems at home. They can measure the Radon levels and other volatile organic compounds present in the environment. They can also consult professionals from the local regulatory bodies.
EPA Indoor Air Quality Standards and Guidelines are available to the public. The EPA suggested the public buy low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) products, use plants to purify air, and use HEPA filters for good ventilation. VOC can cause irritation of the eyes, nose and throat. It can also cause headaches, nausea, kidneys and liver problems, including damage to the central nervous system. Some of them can cause cancer.
Additionally, in their research they proposed approaches that contribute to sustaining good indoor air quality. One approach given is the pollutant-based approach. This approach identifies the population exposed to indoor air pollution. It focuses on the concentration of pollutants within homes, identifies the risk to health by using Exposure Responsive Functions (ERFs) and notes the backgrounds of morbidity and mortality of the population. This approach takes into account the intensity of exposure, allows professionals to see clusters and determine a strategic health action plan.
How To Test Indoor Air Quality
- Purchase indoor air quality testing equipment such as an air quality monitor – There are several products available on the market that will monitor and provide results on the levels of common pollutants and air quality inside your home. You can also conduct your own test by purchasing test kits such as: Allergen, Mold, Formaldehyde, Organic Vapors and Lead Test Kits. After collecting the samples, you’ll have to send it to the lab for evaluation.
- Install carbon monoxide alarms – Carbon Monoxide is dangerous and deadly. Install the device on the ceiling or on a wall near the floor since carbon monoxide is slightly lighter than air. It’s not advisable to place the detector near a fireplace or other appliance that produces flames.
- Conduct a radon test- Radon is a radioactive gas that is a leading cause of lung cancer. A “Do it Yourself” test can be done or professional testing can be performed by a licensed individual with EPA certification.
These tests can help minimize the long term health effects that are brought about by greenhouse gases.
If you want to improve your indoor air quality, or want to schedule HVAC maintenance, call Pacific Aire at 805-737-2564 or visit htps://www.pacaire.com/make-an-appointment/
Our expert team of technicians at Pacific Aire are professionally and highly trained, dependable and friendly.
To learn more about Pacific Aire’s air quality procedure, go to https://www.pacaire.com/home-air-quality/
We’re happy to take your call and be of service.
