Indoor Air Pollution - EPA Calls it an Urgent Environmental Problem

Poor indoor air quality could affect your respiratory health

Published - July, 12, 2007
Kate S. Peabody
kpeabody@pnj.com

Just last week, you dusted off the mahogany desk in your home office, but days later, your work area is again layered with powdered grime.

Experts say this could be the result of poor indoor air quality. Left unchecked over time, it could adversely affect your respiratory health.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air pollution is one of the five most urgent environmental problems in the United States. But many people are unaware of the health risks lurking in their homes.

And if you are an asthma or allergy sufferer, you could be a little more vulnerable, according to Stephen Metzler, environmental supervisor for the Escambia County Health Department, Environmental Health Division.

And dust is not the only airborne irritant that causes problems — pollen, mold, mildew and tobacco smoke are some of the other culprits...

...Gulf Breeze resident David Stukey, an allergy sufferer, knows about the discomfort poor air quality can cause for people with respiratory problems, and has taken measures regularly to keep the air in his home relatively allergen-free.

In the early spring, Stukey, 33, hired a professional team to clean his ventilation system.

"They came in, cleaned my air duct system and my filter," Stukey said. "The result was that the air in my home was noticeable clearer."...