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Visit to a virtual home highlights sources of indoor air pollution
Missouri
Americans spend about 90 percent of their time indoors, and indoor air pollution is two to five times higher than outdoors, according to Environmental Protection Agency figures.
That's the reason behind a new interactive University of Missouri website, Creating a Healthier Home, that walks visitors from basement to attic in a virtual seven-room home, highlighting sources of air pollution along the way.
"Exposure to indoor pollutants can cause serious health risks, can worsen some types of respiratory diseases and possibly can lead to lung cancer," said Karen Funkenbusch, MU health specialist. "Our new website is designed to increase awareness of the impact that indoor environmental pollution may have on triggering asthma and allergy symptoms."
Visitors stepping into the bedroom, for example, learn about dust mites in mattresses or curtains. Stepping in the bathroom informs the visitor of mold sources and excessive moisture. Moving to the living room points out the need to eliminate second-hand tobacco smoke and the need to vacuum upholstered furniture.
A visit to the basement teaches the necessity of a proper exhaust system for a clothes dryer as well as safe storage of pesticides and other chemicals.
The site is available online at www.fse.missouri.edu/iaqhome/iaqhome.html.
Asthma and allergies are the leading cause of missed days from school and work, said Funkenbusch.
People with allergies or asthma are especially sensitive to airborne contaminants in their homes, she said. Medical experts agree that an important component of good asthma and allergy management includes proper education about indoor air quality assessment and control measures in the home, she said.
The Creating a Healthier Home website is part of a pilot project funded by the Missouri Foundation. To learn more about this program, visit the website www.fse.missouri.edu/agrability or call 800-955-8503.
Date: 5/13/04
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