Indoor Air Quality - Health and Wellness Concerns INTRODUCTION SEASONAL STRESSORS There are many factors which affect our lives at work, away from work, in buildings, in our homes, and outside buildings. Understanding those factors and how they interrelate can help us adapt to our environment. It is to our advantage to do so. In our scientifically based culture we readily attempt to assign a cause and affect to everything including health difficulties without understanding the complete picture. Obviously, it can be very frustrating to not be in control of our daily lives and especially when it comes to our health. The relationships between air quality, both outdoor and indoor, and our health does not have to be a mystery. The following paragraphs will highlight basic factors that we all should know so we can learn to live healthier lives both indoors and outdoors. This information will also help us to understand those who do have health disadvantages and how we can improve their quality of life as well. Take time to understand the seasonal changes that Spokane and Eastern Washington experience which may cause or aggravate health concerns. For example, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has rated Spokane as a "non-attainment area" for meeting airborne Particulate Matter (PM 10 ) pollution standards. Furthermore, the Spokane Air Pollution Control Authority (SCAPCA) reports a trend that the number of "good" air days are decreasing and the number of "moderate" air days are increasing. Think about it. That is not good news. Remember that outside air conditions affect us indoors both in our homes and in district buildings. Consider the following seasonal changes and how they apply to you: ALL SEASONS: industrial vehicle emissions, particulates (PM 10 ) from dust on paved and unpaved roads and particulates from tire and brake wear. AUGUST THROUGH NOVEMBER: low humidity and related dusty conditions, dust from agri-businesses, smoke from grass burnings and forest fires. DECEMBER THROUGH FEBRUARY: dust / particulates from wood burning fireplaces, road de-icers and traction sand. APRIL THROUGH JUNE: pollens and dust from agribusinesses. Page 1 of 7
WHO'S SUSCEPTIBLE Any building occupant whether student, teacher, or staff who Spends extended periods of time indoors can be affected by poor IAQ. Furthermore, some occupants may be particularly susceptible/allergic to effects of indoor air contaminants. For example: Allergic or asthmatic individuals. People with respiratory disease. People whose immune systems are suppressed due to chemo or radiation-therapy, disease, or other causes. Contact lens wearers. Some other groups are particularly vulnerable to exposures of certain pollutants or pollutant mixtures. Those groups include: People with heart disease may be more affected by exposure at lower levels of carbon monoxide than healthy individuals. Children and adults exposed to Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) are at higher risk of respiratory illnesses. The district buildings are smoke free but other indoor areas frequented may not be (e.g., home, restaurant). Those exposed to significant levels of nitrogen dioxide (vehicle emissions) are at higher risk from respiratory infections. VARYING SENSITIVITY HEALTH SYMPTOMS Because of varying sensitivity among people, one individual may react to a particular IAQ problem while surrounding occupants have no ill effects. Symptoms that are limited to only one or few persons can also occur when only their area experiences the airborne pollutant. In other cases, concerns may be widespread. In addition to different degrees of reaction, an indoor air pollutant or problem can trigger different reactions in different people. The effects of IAQ problems are often non-specific symptoms rather than clearly defined illnesses. Symptoms commonly attributed to IAQ problems include: Headache, fatigue, and shortness of breath. Sinus congestion, coughing, and sneezing. Eye, nose, throat, and skin irritation. Page 2 of 7
Dizziness and nausea. All of these symptoms, however, may also be caused by other factors, and are not necessarily due to air quality deficiencies. OTHER STRESSORS IRRITANTS, ALLERGENS, AND TRIGGERS Environmental stressors such as improper lighting, noise, vibration, overcrowding, ergonomic stressors, and job-related psychosocial problems (e.g., job stress) can also produce symptoms that are similar to those associated with poor air quality. If you or someone you know is susceptible to environmental stressors you should become aware of the irritants, allergens, or triggers which can adversely affect you (them) and may be in the air you breath. These substances or events can set off a negative reaction in your lungs, sinuses, or other body organs. Reactions can be to a singular exposure, a combination exposure, or a series of exposures to one or several substances. Understanding your susceptibility to those substances or events is essential in keeping yourself healthy and comfortable. The term "trigger" is commonly used when addressing an asthma episode but most irritants and allergens can also be "triggers." Examples of these substances or events include: Cold air. Smoke---from tobacco, wood, leaves, vehicle exhaust, etc. Perfume, deodorant, paint, hair spray, or any objectionable odor, gas, or fume. Allergens (i.e., particles that cause allergies) such as dust mites, pollens (e.g., grass, trees, flowers, weeds), molds, vehicle or industrial emissions, animal dander (i.e., tiny scales or particles that fall off hair, feathers, or skin of pets). Common cold, influenza (i.e., flu), and other respiratory illnesses. Page 3 of 7
Others include too low or too high of humidity (e.g., 35% to 60% humidity is comfortable for most people), excessive heat, or too much air conditioning. If so affected, learn the "triggers" which affect you and then control our exposure for better health. Most people living in Spokane could benefit by adding humidity to the air during the winter heating season - 30 to 35 percent is recommended or consult your doctor. CONTROLLING TRIGGERS AT HOME Evaluate conditions at home that may be "triggers" to ill health or discomfort. Another possibility is that certain home conditions or practices may be predisposing you to getting sick more frequently. For example, if you are allergic to cat dander and you still keep a cat as a pet you are likely to suffer ill-health regardless of air quality at work or HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter in your home. Ask for your family's help in reducing exposure to all irritants, allergens, and triggers; they may feel better too. Use fewer complex chemicals to clean with and consider the following cleaning alternatives suggested by the American Lung Association: Cedar chips instead of moth balls. Vinegar, salt and water instead of ammonia-based cleaners. One part lemon juice to two parts olive or vegetable oil to use instead of furniture or floor polish. Use water, baking soda and elbow grease instead of toilet or oven cleaners. Air out freshly dry-cleaned clothes before storing. Frequently clean and change the water of humidifiers and vaporizers to prevent mold, mildew, and bacterial growth. Sanitize with a 10 per cent solution of household bleach and cool water, and then let air dry. Tightly seal all lids on paints, solvents, polishes, stains, and store them in a separate building or well ventilated space. Dispose of unneeded chemicals as soon as possible. Page 4 of 7
CONTROLLING TRIGGERS AT WORK See S71.21.5 for a list of chemical hazards in the work place which may be an irritant, allergen, or trigger. The strategy in dealing with these substances is to eliminate, reduce, or control their use. The district Hazard Communication (HAZCOM) video, regulations and procedures in section S80.50 provides detailed information on how to control hazardous chemicals. Everyone responds differently to chemicals so do your part in controlling exposure. Other sources of pollutants (and potential triggers) are listed in the table on page S70.22.2. Page 5 of 7
CHEMICAL HAZARDS IN THE WORK PLACE Custodial Supply Room Kitchen Chemistry and Biology Labs Art Room Journalism/Photography Room Drama Department Property Room Office Supply Cabinet Teacher Work Room Floor cleaner/wax Drain cleaner Bleaches and disinfectants Ammonia Deodorizing cleaners Toilet bowl cleaner Air freshener Carpet and rug shampoo Window cleaner Furniture polish Disinfectants and soaps Oven cleaners Acetone Acids Alcohols and bases Benzenes Chromium Heavy metals Formalin Ether Staining solutions Glue/epoxy Ceramic glazes Paints and inks Paint thinner and solvents Shellac/fixative Inks and glues Photographic chemicals Paints Paint thinner and solvents Wood stains/varnish Cosmetics/make-up Furniture polish Glues Ditto and typewriter correction fluid Glues Ditto and typewriter correction fluid Page 6 of 7
Professional-Technical Areas and Photocopy/Duplication Area Classrooms Automotive batteries Photocopy machine cleaners, inks, and toners Ditto machine fluid and cleanser Gasoline, antifreeze and oil Wood stains/varnish Wood stains/varnish Page 7 of 7