By Larry Maraggay
As we view that world today, it is so sad to know that we are surrounded by buildings, factories, passing cars and vehicles and other man- made innovations that emit harmful gases and substances like carbon monoxide, radioactive atomic gas (radon), biological chemicals and other forms of pollutants. With these present problems we question the safety in our homes. Is the air that we used to breathe in our home really healthy or not?
We may think that homes are just an inanimate physical entity that provides as shelter and our basic needs. This only shows that there is only little interaction between the home, what is in it and what is around it. We usually see that our home is physically unchanged over time. In fact, the true nature of our home can be seen as a result of intricate dynamic interactions among its physical, chemical, and biological dimensions. Ecologists have conducted research that may be useful in increasing our understanding. “Building ecology” is proposed as the application of those approaches studied by ecologists, to the built environment while taking considerations the changing and vast system of our homes, its occupants, and the environment as a whole.
The variety of surfaces and the air inside our homes are constantly interacting which is the result of inevitable changes that takes place. For example, we see dirt in our home window pane, we clean the window, then the dirt accumulates again and the process is repeated over again. The dirt is actually a result the interactions between the moisture, biological materials and chemicals. Homes are also designed to respond with the changes that may happen in the environment. In order for us to have an in- depth knowledge if the air in our homes are really safe, let’s tackle about the common pollutants that may be present in our home.
· Carbon Monoxide. Carbon monoxide is considered as one of the most toxic indoor contaminants of air. It is an odorless as well as a colorless gas that is a result of incomplete fossil fuel combustion. Some sources of carbon monoxide are space heaters with the use of fossil fuels, tobacco smoke, central heating furnaces and exhaust from automobiles. If our brain is deprived of oxygen, carbon monoxide may accumulate and may lead to nausea, unconsciousness and even death.
· Asbestos Fibers. In the year 1975, most building contains asbestos such as the floor tiles, taping muds, ceiling tiles, mastics, pipe wrap and other insulation materials. The effect of asbestos normally does not take place unless building materials are disrupted. Prolonged exposure and inhalation of asbestos may cause lung cancer. Asbestos fiber is commonly used in shingles, heating systems, fireproofing, floors and ceilings. When materials containing asbestos is disrupted, its microscopic fibers are release and spreads into the air. The acceptable levels of asbestos in indoor air have been set by U.S. Federal Government.
· Molds and Allergens. The two most common classes of biological chemicals are moisture- induced growth of molds and natural substances dispersed on the air like plant pollen and animal dander. Moisture that accumulates inside our homes may be due to the penetrating water. If cellulosic materials fail to dry within the span of 48 hours, mold mildew can be formed and release allergens in the air. Mold may also grow in wall cavities. Independent Investigators conduct mold testing to prevent conflict of interest ensuring accurate results. Various forms of molds can contain compounds that are toxins like mycotoxins. The main danger of mold growth when we relate to indoor air quality comes from properties of the spore cell wall which are actually allergenic. Molds have the ability to trigger asthma and other respiratory problems in other person.
· Carbon Dioxide is considered as an indoor pollutants released by humans associated with its metabolic activity. High levels of indoor carbon dioxide may cause drowsiness, headaches and lethargy. We, humans, are the basic indoor source of this substance. Indoor levels of carbon dioxide indicate adequate outdoor air ventilation.
As we view that world today, it is so sad to know that we are surrounded by buildings, factories, passing cars and vehicles and other man- made innovations that emit harmful gases and substances like carbon monoxide, radioactive atomic gas (radon), biological chemicals and other forms of pollutants. With these present problems we question the safety in our homes. Is the air that we used to breathe in our home really healthy or not?
We may think that homes are just an inanimate physical entity that provides as shelter and our basic needs. This only shows that there is only little interaction between the home, what is in it and what is around it. We usually see that our home is physically unchanged over time. In fact, the true nature of our home can be seen as a result of intricate dynamic interactions among its physical, chemical, and biological dimensions. Ecologists have conducted research that may be useful in increasing our understanding. “Building ecology” is proposed as the application of those approaches studied by ecologists, to the built environment while taking considerations the changing and vast system of our homes, its occupants, and the environment as a whole.
The variety of surfaces and the air inside our homes are constantly interacting which is the result of inevitable changes that takes place. For example, we see dirt in our home window pane, we clean the window, then the dirt accumulates again and the process is repeated over again. The dirt is actually a result the interactions between the moisture, biological materials and chemicals. Homes are also designed to respond with the changes that may happen in the environment. In order for us to have an in- depth knowledge if the air in our homes are really safe, let’s tackle about the common pollutants that may be present in our home.
· Carbon Monoxide. Carbon monoxide is considered as one of the most toxic indoor contaminants of air. It is an odorless as well as a colorless gas that is a result of incomplete fossil fuel combustion. Some sources of carbon monoxide are space heaters with the use of fossil fuels, tobacco smoke, central heating furnaces and exhaust from automobiles. If our brain is deprived of oxygen, carbon monoxide may accumulate and may lead to nausea, unconsciousness and even death.
· Asbestos Fibers. In the year 1975, most building contains asbestos such as the floor tiles, taping muds, ceiling tiles, mastics, pipe wrap and other insulation materials. The effect of asbestos normally does not take place unless building materials are disrupted. Prolonged exposure and inhalation of asbestos may cause lung cancer. Asbestos fiber is commonly used in shingles, heating systems, fireproofing, floors and ceilings. When materials containing asbestos is disrupted, its microscopic fibers are release and spreads into the air. The acceptable levels of asbestos in indoor air have been set by U.S. Federal Government.
· Molds and Allergens. The two most common classes of biological chemicals are moisture- induced growth of molds and natural substances dispersed on the air like plant pollen and animal dander. Moisture that accumulates inside our homes may be due to the penetrating water. If cellulosic materials fail to dry within the span of 48 hours, mold mildew can be formed and release allergens in the air. Mold may also grow in wall cavities. Independent Investigators conduct mold testing to prevent conflict of interest ensuring accurate results. Various forms of molds can contain compounds that are toxins like mycotoxins. The main danger of mold growth when we relate to indoor air quality comes from properties of the spore cell wall which are actually allergenic. Molds have the ability to trigger asthma and other respiratory problems in other person.
· Carbon Dioxide is considered as an indoor pollutants released by humans associated with its metabolic activity. High levels of indoor carbon dioxide may cause drowsiness, headaches and lethargy. We, humans, are the basic indoor source of this substance. Indoor levels of carbon dioxide indicate adequate outdoor air ventilation.
RSS Feed
