Causes

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The causes of indoor pollution fall into three main categories:

• Biologicals
• Particulates
  
• VOC's (Volatile Organic Compounds)

Biologicals

Bacteria & Viruses

Bacteria, both human associated and environmental, are present in most indoor and outdoor environments. In fact, many forms of bacteria are essential to breaking down organics to allow them to decompose. Bacteria can be harmful in two ways. Firstly, they can be inherently toxic to all humans such as e. coli and anthrax. Secondly high concentrations of "harmless" bacteria can create problems (bacteria allergies) for individuals with sensitivities to them.

Bacteria range in size from less than 1 micron to 10 microns in size and while the larger bacteria can be removed by conventional HEPA filters, those at the smaller end are not dealt with. Biozone technology does not use filters so even the smallest bacteria can be dealt with.

Mould & Fungi

Mould, like bacteria, is present in both indoor and outdoor environments. There are many types of mould and in all cases mould is usually present whenever there is water or moisture present.

Mould in the air we breathe may cause ill-health by various mechanisms:

Allergy: inhaled mould particles in the air may act as allergens (just as pollen does) causing asthma and hay fever but the symptoms continue outside the grass pollen season.

Toxic Poisoning: this can occur with contaminated foodstuff (ergotism, other toxic moulds) or particularly in the USA, inhalation of toxins from Stachybotris Chartarum mould in houses.

“Mould Illness” which is a common combination of IBS or gut Candida overgrowth failing to respond to dietary approaches because the sufferer lives in a mouldy house and is inhaling the moulds that replace the gut fungi they are trying to remove by their diet. This seems to result in a biochemical problem that requires attention to the airborne moulds as well as a nutritional approach and detoxification.

Mould, is larger than bacteria and while it can be removed by conventional HEPA filters there is the issue of filter cleaning, replacement and the associated costs. Biozone technology does not use filters and is more effective and less expensive to run than the traditional filter solution.

Dust & Allergy Producing Particles

The term “dust” is normally associated with any visible particle or cluster of particles that are found on a surface or the dust seen in the air when the sunlight comes through the window. Dust that you can see is normally aspirated in and aspirated out and it tends to drop to the floor or on furniture very quickly.

It is the dust you don’t see (less than 20 microns in size) that can be a problem. From a visual point of view, anything that is seen as a film of white, grayish or dark particles on a lighter surface constitutes dust or dust mites. It is in reality made up of many types of particles; lint, dirt, carpet fibers, dander, dust particles carried in from outdoors, dust & dust mites generated by pets(dog, cat, others,) children, people, etc.

One of the most highly allergenic contaminants found in house dust, are the fecal pellets and skins of House Dust Mites. Estimates are that dust mites may be a factor in 50 to 80% of asthmatics, as well as in countless cases of eczema, hay fever and other allergic ailments.

Common causes of allergy include house dust mites, cat dander, coach roach droppings (in warm climates), grass and weed pollen. There is no cure, only prevention and must control the levels of dust mites. Beds are a prime habitat, a typical mattress may have anywhere from 100,000 to 10 million mites inside it.

Mites prefer warm, moist surroundings such as the inside of a mattress when somebody is on it. Their favourite food is dander ( dead human skin flakes ), also, bedroom carpeting and household upholstery support high mite populations.

Dust mites, due to their very small size ( 250 to 300 microns in length ) and translucent bodies, are not visible to the unaided eye. For accurate identification, one needs at least 10x magnificent. Through a microscope, one will see many oval-shaped mites scuttling around and over one another. They have eight hairy legs, no eyes, no antennae, a mouthpart group in front of body ( resembles a head ), and a tough, translucent shell.

Pollens

More than 10 million people suffer from hay fever, or seasonal allergic rhinitis, to give it it's proper name. Hay fever is the allergic reaction caused when the immune system treats a harmless substance, such as pollen, as an " enemy invader".

The response causes the body to produce defensive antibodies. When an allergen and an antibody combine, the body releases histamine and other chemicals into the bloodstream which then irritate and inflame the mucous membranes that line the nose.

Hay fever victims suffer sneezing fits, runny noses, itchy eyes and have difficulty breathing. Attacks can be triggered by tree, grass or weed pollen, and peoples sensitivity can vary depending on the type of allergen in a particular area. As with other allergies, researchers believe that hay fever is caused by a combination of nature and nurture.

Genetics plays a part, but experts believe that modern, ultra-hygienic living may also be causing hay fever rates to rise as children's under-developed immune systems react excessively to pollen. Anti-histamine drugs can help relieve symptoms, and there is a plethora of other over-the-counter remedies and alternative therapies on the market.

Particulates

Particle pollution (also called particulate matter or PM) is the term for a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air. Some particles, such as dust, dirt, soot, or smoke, are large or dark enough to be seen with the naked eye. Others are so small, they can only be detected using an electron microscope.

These particles come in many sizes and shapes and can be made up of hundreds of different chemicals. Some particles, known as primary particles are emitted directly from a source, such as building sites, unpaved roads, fields, chimneys or fires. Others form in complicated reactions in the atmosphere from chemicals such as sulphur dioxides and nitrogen oxides that are emitted from power stations, factories and cars. These particles, known as secondary particles, make up most of the fine particle pollution in the country.

Particle pollution - especially fine particles - contains microscopic solids or liquid droplets that are so small that they can get deep into the lungs and cause serious health problems. Numerous scientific studies have linked particle pollution exposure to a variety of problems, including:

• increased respiratory symptoms, such as irritation of the airways, coughing, or difficulty breathing, for example;
• decreased lung function;
• aggravated asthma;
• development of chronic bronchitis;
• irregular heartbeat;
• non-fatal heart attacks; and
• premature death in people with heart or lung disease.

People with heart or lung diseases, children and older adults are the most likely to be affected by particle pollution exposure. However, even if you are healthy, you may experience temporary symptoms from exposure to elevated levels of particle pollution

VOC's (Volatile Organic Compounds)

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. VOCs include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short- and long-term adverse health effects. Concentrations of many VOCs are consistently higher indoors (up to ten times higher) than outdoors. VOCs are emitted by a wide array of products numbering in the thousands. Examples include: paints and lacquers, paint strippers, cleaning supplies, pesticides, building materials and furnishings, office equipment such as copiers and printers, correction fluids and carbonless copy paper, graphics and craft materials including glues and adhesives, permanent markers, and photographic solutions.

Organic chemicals are widely used as ingredients in household products. Paints, varnishes, and wax all contain organic solvents, as do many cleaning, disinfecting, cosmetic, degreasing, and hobby products. Fuels are made up of organic chemicals. All of these products can release organic compounds while you are using them, and, to some degree, when they are stored.

EPA's (The United States Environmental Protection Agency) Total Exposure Assessment Methodology (TEAM) studies found levels of about a dozen common organic pollutants to be 2 to 5 times higher inside homes than outside, regardless of whether the homes were located in rural or highly industrial areas. Additional TEAM studies indicate that while people are using products containing organic chemicals, they can expose themselves and others to very high pollutant levels, and elevated concentrations can persist in the air long after the activity is completed.

Sources

The sources of VOC's include household products including: paints, paint strippers, and other solvents; wood preservatives; aerosol sprays; cleansers and disinfectants; moth repellents and air fresheners; stored fuels and automotive products; hobby supplies; dry-cleaned clothing.

Below are examples of some of the chemicals and sources that can be found in a normal home. We have taken as example rooms, a kitchen and a living room. More information can be found at www.chemical-cocktail.org

Kitchens

Plastic Chopping Boards
Plastic boards and bowls may contain tributyltin, a chemical which kills bacteria. Tributyltin is harmful to the immune system and genetic material of living organisms. They are probably made from PVC and may contain phthalates. Phtalates cause allergies and are suspected of being endocrine disrupting

Non-stick Pans
Non-stick pans usually contain perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs), some of which are classified as carcinogenic.

Dishwasher Detergents
Dishwashing detergents may contain the biocide (to kill bacteria) tributyltin, which is harmful to the immune system and accumulates in the body. They may also contain phosphates, which are substances that are irritating to the skin and harmful to the aquatic environment. Finally, detergents may contain alkylphenols and alkylphenol ethoxylates, which have damaging effects on the hormonal system and on human fertility, and fragrances, which may frequently cause allergies.

All Purpose Cleaners
“All purpose cleaners” may contain several chemicals, such as biocides (to kill bacteria), which are harmful to the immune system and accumulate in the body; and formaldehyde, which is poisonous, allergenic and carcinogenic and irritates the eyes, nose and throat. All purpose cleaners may also emit volatile organic compounds which can also irritate eyes, throat and lungs.

Fridge/Freezers, Washing Machines
Your refrigerator may contain brominated flame-retardants (BFRs). BFRs are a family of chemicals used to reduce the risk of fire, which may be emitted from consumer articles. Some of them are persistent and build up in the body. Some of these chemicals are also suspected of disrupting the hormonal system of humans and wildlife. Out of around 200 existing BFRs, only two (PBBs and PBDEs) are prohibited in electrical and electronic equipment since July 2006.

Laundry Detergents
Your washing powder may contain phosphates, which are substances that are irritating to the skin and harmful to the aquatic environment. Detergents may contain alkylphenols and alkylphenol ethoxylates, which have damaging effects on the hormonal system and on human fertility, and fragrances, which may frequently cause allergies.

Insecticide/Odour Diffusers
Some insecticides may contain 20% lindane and dibutylphthalate. Lindane is moderately toxic and can be hazardous for human beings, if incorrectly or carelessly handled. Dibutylphthalate, part of the phthalate family, can affect the digestive and reproductive systems. Insecticide diffusers may also emit volatile organic compounds which can irritate eyes, throat and lungs.

Towels
Your towel may contain formaldehyde and azodyes. Formaldehyde is used as an anti-crease agent in textiles, and is poisonous, allergenic and carcinogenic. Azodyes are used for colouring textiles and some are suspected of causing cancer. Towels can also contain residues of methyl parathion, toxic pesticides that are not allowed in the EU but are used in developing countries.

Living Rooms

TV
Brominated flame-retardants may leak from television sets, and can be inhaled. BFRs are a family of chemicals used to reduce the risk of fire, which may be emitted from consumer articles. Some are persistent and build up in the body. Some of these chemicals are also suspected of disrupting the hormonal system of humans and wildlife. Out of around 200 existing BFRs, only two (PBBs and PBDEs) are prohibited in electrical and electronic equipment since July 2006.

Soft Furniture
Your sofa may contain brominated flame-retardants (BFRs). BFRs are a family of chemicals used to reduce the risk of fire, which may be emitted from consumer articles. Some of them are persistent and build up in the body. Some of these chemicals are also suspected of disrupting the hormonal system of humans and wildlife.

Laminate Furniture
Formaldehyde can be found in laminated furniture and is classified as carcinogenic by the World Health Organisation. It is poisonous, corrosive and allergenic. Laminated furniture may also emit volatile organic compounds which can irritate eyes, throat and lungs.

Curtains
he heavy metals cadmium and chromium, sometimes used to dye textiles, are carcinogenic and pose a health risk to consumers. EU legislation bans cadmium and chromium in a number of products, but not for use in dyeing textiles. Your curtains may also contain azodyes, used for colouring textiles, and some of which are suspected of causing cancer. Last but not least, your curtains may contain brominated flame retardants, a family of chemicals used to reduce the risk of fire, which may be emitted from consumer articles. Some of them are persistent and build up in the body. Some BFRs are also suspected of disrupting the hormonal system of humans and wildlife.

Plants
Your pot plants and flowers may have been treated intensively with pesticides. Pesticides may damage your health and the environment. The flower chrysanthemum may have been treated with pesticides more than 900 times a year, while farmland is sprayed only twice a year. Pesticides can be toxic, and have damaging effects on the immune and hormonal systems.

Health Effects

Eye, nose, and throat irritation; headaches, loss of coordination, nausea; damage to liver, kidney, and central nervous system. Some organics can cause cancer in animals; some are suspected or known to cause cancer in humans. Key signs or symptoms associated with exposure to VOCs include conjunctival irritation, nose and throat discomfort, headache, allergic skin reaction, dyspnea, declines in serum cholinesterase levels, nausea, emesis, epistaxis, fatigue, dizziness.

The ability of organic chemicals to cause health effects varies greatly from those that are highly toxic, to those with no known health effect. As with other pollutants, the extent and nature of the health effect will depend on many factors including level of exposure and length of time exposed. Eye and respiratory tract irritation, headaches, dizziness, visual disorders, and memory impairment are among the immediate symptoms that some people have experienced soon after exposure to some organics. At present, not much is known about what health effects occur from the levels of organics usually found in homes. Many organic compounds are known to cause cancer in animals; some are suspected of causing, or are known to cause, cancer in humans.