Home health

DEFINITION: Recognizing and removing allergens, pathogens, and other pollutants found in the home or other living environment.

Natural Pollutants

Every home contains natural pollutants that require regular removal to reduce health risks, prevent offensive odors, and eliminate stains and structural damage that devalue the structure. Most of these pollutants become airborne and are inhaled, creating subsequent health problems that range in severity from sneezing to difficulty breathing. Other pollutants may be unintentionally ingested, causing illness.

Airborne pollutants are collectively called dust. The most common component of dust in a home is dead skin particles shed by the home’s residents. Dust also contains hair, ash, pollen, fibers, and minerals from outdoor soil. Overexposure to dust can lead to allergies, respiratory diseases, and asthma. Dust mites feed on the organic matter in dust. They most commonly live on mattresses, sheets, and pillows. Their excrement contains substances that can cause severe allergic reactions. Companies are now making tightly woven anti-allergy encasings for mattresses and pillows. Using air filters in the furnace, air conditioner, and vacuum cleaner reduces airborne contaminants.

The inhabitants of a house, such as humans, pets, and occasionally rodents, naturally shed hair, dander, saliva, urine, and feces. Such substances may trigger an allergic reaction in people or may carry bacteria, viruses, or parasites that infect humans. Hair and dander may be removed by frequent vacuuming and dusting; excretions should be cleaned up with soap and water. Toilets should be disinfected regularly; closing the lid before flushing prevents the contents from being dispersed into the room as an aerosol.

Also living in homes may be insects such as flies, termites, ants, spiders, fleas, lice, cockroaches, and bedbugs. Many of these insects feed on garbage, food spills, and crumbs that are not cleaned up, and food supplies that are not adequately packaged. Insects can transmit diseases to humans directly by biting or indirectly by contaminating food with eggs or droppings. Insects may be eliminated from the home by natural or chemical pesticides, swatting, vacuuming, or fly tape. Adequate containment of garbage, keeping kitchen floors swept and counters wiped clean, and storing food in airtight containers will discourage their return.

Pollen from houseplants and cut flower arrangements may diminish indoor air quality. Pollen may also drift inside through open windows and doors and be brought in on shoes and clothing, especially from plants next to the house. Indoor pollen may be reduced by keeping houseplants and floral arrangements well hydrated. Outdoor plants near windows and doors should be trimmed away from openings. Although silk floral arrangements do not contain pollen, their complex surfaces trap dust, so they should be cleaned regularly by spraying with compressed air.

Mold, a fungus, grows in warm, damp areas such as inadequately ventilated bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. Mold releases spores into the air, which, when inhaled, may cause symptoms such as a dry cough, nasal congestion, eye irritation, and wheezing. Mold may be visible, but it is usually detected initially by its musty odor. It may be destroyed by scrubbing first with a detergent without ammonia in hot water, and then with a 10 percent bleach solution. Porous materials such as carpeting and insulation that remain damp should be discarded.

Bacteria and viruses may make a person ill when ingested or inhaled. They may be found on unwashed, uncooked fruits and vegetables and uncooked meats. Raw foods should be thoroughly washed before they are eaten. Handling raw meat and neglecting to wash one’s hands and the food preparation surface afterward may contaminate other foods and subsequent pathogen ingestion. Surfaces that come in contact with raw meat juices should be thoroughly disinfected.

Bacteria and viruses may also be transmitted on surfaces that many commonly use, such as doorknobs and telephones. Such surfaces should be wiped with a disposable disinfectant cloth regularly and more frequently during cold and flu season.

Chemical Pollutants

Among other causes, the degassing of synthetic materials in newer homes and poor ventilation that keeps the house airtight may lead to sick building syndrome. Symptoms of sick building syndrome include eye irritation, scratchy or sore throat, nasal congestion, skin rash, and difficulty concentrating. The symptoms typically begin within one hour of entering a polluted structure and disappear within one hour of leaving the structure.

Another chemical pollutant is tobacco smoke. The ash becomes a component of dust, and the odor lingers on soft surfaces such as curtains, upholstery, and clothing. Secondhand smoke is inhaled by other residents of the home, causing increased respiratory problems.

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that faulty furnaces or space heaters may release. Exposure may cause flu-like symptoms, severe headache, dizziness, trouble breathing, and even death. Carbon monoxide detectors in the home are recommended and may be found with smoke detectors.

Radon is another invisible, odorless gas that is also radioactive. It results from the decay of uranium in the soil and seeps into a home through the foundation, where it can build up to dangerous levels. Radon increases the risk of lung cancer for those who breathe it. The US Environmental Protection Agency recommends testing all homes for radon below the third floor. Commercial radon reduction systems are available, too.

Asbestos, used as pipe insulation, may be a pollutant in homes built between 1920 and 1978. Breathing high levels of exposed asbestos may result in an increased risk of cancer and lung disease. Homes built before 1978 may also contain lead paint. Flakes of this paint have a sweet taste, making the paint tempting to children. If they ingest the paint flakes, they can become ill with lead poisoning.

In the twenty-first century, the rise of remote work has increased the amount of time people spend in their homes, making home health issues increasingly important. Ensuring optimal indoor air quality remains a primary concern. This involves checking for mold, mildew, radon, carbon monoxide, and volatile organic compounds found in products, such as paint, cleaners, and furniture finishes. Lead paint, asbestos, and pest control continue to be associated with home health concerns.

As individuals spend more time at home, proper ventilation and noise reduction are also critical. Additionally, access to natural light and ergonomic furniture choices can optimize home and personal health by promoting well-being and preventing injuries.

Bibliography

Cohut, Maria. "Learn about Six Health Risks Hidden in your Home." Medical News Today, 2 Nov. 2017, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319961. Accessed 20 Sept. 2024.

"Mold & Mildew." FEMA, www.fema.gov/pdf/rebuild/recover/fema‗mold‗brochure‗english.pdf. Accessed 20 Sept. 2024.

"Tips on How to Eliminate Built-up Toxins in the Home." WebMD, www.webmd.com/women/features/reduce-toxins-in-your-home. Accessed 20 Sept. 2024.

Vardoulakis, Sotiris, et al. "Indoor Exposure to Selected Air Pollutants in the Home Environment: A Systematic Review." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, vol. 17, no. 23, 2 Dec. 2020, p. 8972, doi: 10.3390/ijerph17238972. Accessed 15 Dec. 2022.