| Indoor Air Quality
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People spend much of their time indoors, with much of this being in the home. However the air in your home can contain a variety of pollutants such as chemicals. In some cases levels in the home can become high enough to increase your family's risk of health effects. Common indoor air pollutants include: | Remember! The relative importance of any single source depends on how much of a given pollutant it emits and how hazardous those emissions are. For more information about indoor air quality issues, visit the EPA website at http://www.epa.gov/ebtpages/airindoorairpollution.html For more information about EPA's IAQ Tools for Schools program, visit http://www.epa.gov/iaq/schools
Mold
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What are molds? Molds are simple, microscopic organisms, found virtually everywhere, indoors and outdoors. Molds can be found on plants, foods, dry leaves, and other organic material. Mold growth is encouraged by warm and humid conditions. Indoors they can be found where humidity levels are high, such as basements or showers. | How do molds affect people? Some people are sensitive to molds. For these people, exposure to molds can cause symptoms such as nasal stuffiness, eye irritations, or wheezing. Some people, such as those with serious allergies to molds, may have more severe reactions. Severe reactions may occur among workers exposed to large amounts of molds in occupational settings, such as farmers working around moldy hay. Severe reactions may include fever and shortness of breath. People with chronic illnesses, such as obstructive lung disease, may develop mold infections in their lungs. What do I need to do if I find mold in my home?
Along with health problems, mold can also cause structural damage to your home. It is important to remove mold and prevent growth. Carpets and furniture that are wet for over 24 hours will grow mold. To prevent mold growth, dry out any water-soaked or damp material within 24 hours. Items wet longer than that, may need to be discarded. Hard (non-porous) surfaces that water cannot seep into, can be cleaned with warm soapy water. Our Environmental Health staff can provide additional education and information.
To learn more about mold in the home visit: Department of Public Health www.ct.gov/dph (go to environmental health) Environmental Protection Agency www.epa.gov/ (look for mold under "quick finder")
For more information about cleaning up BROKEN COMPACT FLUORESCENT LIGHTBULBS in your HOME, click here. Return to Environmental Health Home page Return to Stratford Health Dept Home page |