Indoor pollutants are increasingly becoming a health issue. This handout covers the top indoor environmental health concerns.^1-5

Lead

Lead is a toxic metal that is all around us. You are most likely to come in contact with it through lead-based paint and dust that is contaminated with lead. Lead-based paints were banned for use in homes in 1978. There is a good chance that any home, building, school or day care center built before 1978 contains some lead paint. Lead also can be released into the air from industries and aviation gasoline. Lead can enter drinking water through plumbing materials. You can lower the chances of exposure to lead in your home, both now and in the future, by taking these steps:

• Use only cold water to prepare food and drinks. Hot water is likely to contain higher levels of lead.
• Anytime the water has not been used for six hours or longer, flush all water outlets used for drinking or food preparation. To do this, let the water run as cold as it can get (5-30 seconds.)
• Clean debris out of all screens or aerators on faucets on a regular basis.
• Keep your home clean and dust-free.
• Wipe up any paint chips or dust with a wet sponge or rag. Clean areas where there is friction and dust collects, such as doors, windows, and drawers.
• Wash children's hands, bottles, pacifiers and toys often.
• Teach children to wipe and remove their shoes and to wash their hands after playing outdoors.

Note: If you live in a home that was built before 1978, there is a higher risk of lead paint exposure.

Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is a colorless, flammable, strong-smelling chemical that is used in building materials and many household products. It is in pressed-wood products, such as particleboard, plywood, and fiberboard; glues and adhesives; permanent-press fabrics; paper product coatings; cigarettes and certain insulation materials. It is highly irritating to airways, and triggers asthma in people prone to this condition. It is known to cause cancer in animals, and specialists suspect it causes cancer in humans.

To limit your contact with formaldehyde

• Purchase formaldehyde-free furniture.
• Make your home smoke-free.
• Look for exterior grade pressed wood product. They emit formaldehyde at a slower rate.