Feature Articles - Housing
Environmental quality
Ronn Phillips, Arch.D., and Bobbi Hauptmann,
Architectural Studies, College of Human Environmental Sciences,
University of Missouri-Columbia
Environmental quality is an important quality-of-life consideration.
Environmental quality can be examined from indoor air quality, mold,
radon and water supply perspectives.
Carbon Monoxide: Carbon monoxide is tasteless, odorless
and dangerous to humans, animals and plants. Fortunately, there
are many visible signs indicating the presence of carbon monoxide.
- Black soot on or around air registers, flues, burners or access openings to appliances
- Condensation of moisture on inside windows (humidifiers & vaporizers can also cause condensation)
- Dead or dying houseplants and animals
- Abnormal flame characteristics, such as a yellow gas flame
instead of blue, flame rolling out of the front of an appliance,
or flame lifting off the burner
Indoor Air Quality: Indoor pollution sources that release
gases or particles into the air are the primary cause of indoor
air quality problems in homes. Inadequate ventilation can increase
indoor pollutant levels by not bringing in enough outdoor air to
dilute emissions from indoor sources and by not carrying indoor
air pollutants out of the home. High temperature and humidity levels
can also increase concentrations of some pollutants.
Mold: Molds can be found almost anywhere. They can grow
on virtually any substance where moisture is present. There
are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet and foods. Potential
health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposures include
allergic reactions, asthma and other respiratory complaints. There
is no practical way to eliminate all molds and mold spores in the
indoor environment. The way to control indoor mold growth is to
control moisture.
Water Supply Testing: Household water supplies can be
contaminated with harmful bacteria and, in some areas, with high
lead levels. The effects of contaminated water can range from
diarrhea, cramps and nausea to paralysis, brain and spinal cord
damage (especially in children) and lead contamination which can
result in miscarriage for pregnant women. Water testing should
occur to minimize the effects of contaminated water.
Radon Testing: Radon is an odorless, colorless, radioactive gas created by the natural breakdown of materials that contain uranium. It accumulates inside homes by migrating through cracks and openings. Whenever you breathe air containing radon, you increase your risk of getting lung cancer, making it important that all homes be tested for the presence of radon.
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Last update: Monday, October 04, 2010
