| Prepared by: The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), and The American Lung Association, The Christmas Seal People
Biological Pollutants in Your Home - This document explains indoor biological pollution, health effects of biological pollutants, and how to control their growth and buildup. One third to one half of all structures have damp conditions that may encourage development of pollutants such as molds and bacteria, which can cause allergic reactions -- including asthma -- and spread infectious diseases. Describes corrective measures for achieving moisture control and cleanliness. This brochure was prepared by the American Lung Association and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. EPA Document Reference Number 402-F-90-102, January 1990.
This guidance will help you understand: what indoor biological pollution is; whether your home or lifestyle promotes its development; and, how to control its growth and buildup.
Outdoor air pollution in cities is a major health problem. Much effort and money continues to be spent cleaning up pollution in the outdoor air. But air pollution can be a problem where you least expect it, in the place you may have thought was safest--your home. Many ordinary activities such as cooking, heating, cooling, cleaning, and redecorating can cause the release and spread of indoor pollutants at home. Studies have shown that the air in our homes can be even more polluted than outdoor air.
Many Americans spend up to 90 percent of their time indoors, often at home. Therefore, breathing clean indoor air can have an important impact on health. People who are inside a great deal may be at greater risk of developing health problems, or having problems made worse by indoor air pollutants. These people include infants, young children, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses.
Contents
What are Biological Pollutants
The Scope of the Problem
Health Effects of Biological Pollutants
Talking to Your Doctor
Coping with the Problem
- Checking Your Home
- Self-Inspection: A Walk Through Your Home
What You Can Do About Biological Pollutants
- Moisture Control
- Maintain and Clean All Appliances That Come in Contact with Water
- Clean Surfaces
- Dust Control
Before You Move
Where Biological Pollutants may be Found in the Home
Correcting Water Damage
Additional Sources of Information
What Are Biological Pollutants?
Biological pollutants are or were living organisms. They promote poor indoor air quality and may be a major cause of days lost from work or school, and of doctor and hospital visits. Some can even damage surfaces inside and outside your house. Biological pollutants can travel through the air and are often invisible.
Some common indoor biological pollutants are:
Animal Dander (minute scales from hair, feathers, or skin)
Dust Mite and Cockroach parts
Fungi (Molds)
Infectious agents (bacteria or viruses)
Pollen
Some of these substances are in every home. It is impossible to get rid of them all. Even a spotless home may permit the growth of biological pollutants. Two conditions are essential to support biological growth: nutrients and moisture. These conditions can be found in many locations, such as bathrooms, damp or flooded basements, wet appliances (such as humidifiers or air conditioners), and even some carpets and furniture.
Modern materials and construction techniques may reduce the amount of outside air brought into buildings which may result in high moisture levels inside. Using humidifiers, unvented heaters, and air conditioners in our homes has increased the chances of moisture forming on interior surfaces. This encourages the growth of certain biological pollutants.
--- Note 2012.6: link moved to http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/425.html, | 
