The air that we breathe
Your home is your castle. It’s where you retreat from the world to feel safe and comfortable. But an unseen health risk permeates many homes today: indoor air pollution. Studies have shown that air quality inside buildings can be worse than outdoor air in some industrial cities. We spend about 90% of our time inside, and this prolonged exposure to contaminants increases the chances of suffering serious ills. Some indoor pollutants might cause immediate effects like irritated eyes, a sore throat, or dizziness. Others get a grip on the body over time; long-term exposure to certain toxins can cause cancer, damage to the central nervous system or chromosomal problems. For folks with respiratory or cardiovascular disease, the risk may be even greater.
John Bower, founder of the Healthy House Institute, has said that walking into a modern home is like sticking your head into a plastic bag filled with toxic fumes. How did things get this bad? In modern homes, insulation has become far more efficient, reducing energy costs but often trapping stale, toxin-filled air. In addition to using better insulation, many homeowners have corrected the leaks around older doors or windows that used to allow fresh air to dilute contaminants. And then there are the chemicals. Grocery stores showcase rows upon rows of chemical products that we bring home to make our lives easier, while often unwittingly polluting the air.
