Health News.

The following facts on indoor air pollution were provided by Healthy Buildings International Pry Ltd.
Fact I
Medical researchers estimate that respiratory tract infections in the United States annually account for $15 billion of direct medical care costs, approximately 150 million lost work days, and at least $59 billion in indirect costs, such as lost income because of absenteeism.
Fact 2
Data shows that the risk of respiratory infection is at least 45 per cent higher — and during epidemic periods more than 100 per cent higher — among occupants of modern, new buildings than those in older structures.)
Fact 3
Between 1971 and 1986 the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) inspected 446 buildings following staff complaints of respiratory symptoms or poor air quality. NIOSH found that 52 per cent of the problems were due to inadequate ventilation alone.
Fact 4
To date, more than 62 per cent of the more than 500 major buildings worldwide inspected by Healthy Buildings International, Inc. (HBI) were operating with inadequate ventilation.
Worse still, one-third of these buildings were operating without any fresh air, in violation of ventilation codes, because intake dampers had been closed as an energy conservation measure.
Fact 5
Almost 30 per cent of the buildings had excessive levels of airborne dusts due mainly to inadequate filtration.
Fact 6
In 97 per cent of the building investigations, tobacco smoke was not the major culprit in poor air quality. The noticeable presence of smoke was only a symptom of ventilation problems.
Fart 7
Almost 60 per cent of the buildings had severely dirty air-conditioning systems, including 22 per cent with excessive dirt contamination in the ductwork.
Fact 8
Almost one-third of the buildings contained significant levels of potentially allergenic fungi in their ventilating systems.
Fact 9
Almost 10 per cent of the buildings contained significant levels of potentially allergenic or pathogenic bacteria in their ventilating systems. A dozen different varieties of bacteria were isolated, including ‘Staph’, Streptococcus and Legionella pneumophila, the germ that causes Legionnaires’ Disease.
Fact 10
More than 26 per cent of the buildings were operating with relative humidities substantially below the generally accepted comfort levels, a situation that usually exacerbates the effects of air-borne pollutants. Fact 11
Up to 85 per cent of the buildings constructed before 1975 contain materials made of asbestos, which over time may be released in to the building environment.
Fact 12
All air-conditioning and ventilation systems are composed of many mechanical parts, reservoirs, and sometimes miles of twisting ductwork, all of which collect grime. Dirt in ductwork may include dead insects, birds and rodents, rotting leaves, dust and soil.
Fact 13
Air-conditioning ductwork is a perfect breeding ground for germs due to its enclosed space, constant temperature, humidity, and dirt to provide food.
Fact 14
Studies have shown that most people spend 75-90 per cent of their time indoors, so exposure to indoor air pollution is considerable.
Fact 15
Virtually all ‘sick buildings’ problems are curable once diagnosed. Ventilation rates can be increased, ductwork cleaned, germs controlled, and filtration systems upgraded. The result can be dramatic improvements in air quality.
Fact 16
The economic benefits of curing ‘sick buildings’ can be enormous. Eliminating air quality problems can reduce worker absenteeism and increase productivity. The U.S. federal government estimates that absenteeism costs more than $100 billion a year in lost productivity and medical costs, and medical researchers have found that 50 per cent of absenteeism is due to upper respiratory problems — common symptoms in sick buildings.
I could fill this book with list after list of common sources of chemicals, but it would make boring reading. It is much more interesting to learn that there are all sorts of things you can do to minimise, and sometimes counteract, exposure effects. It goes without saying that good nutrition, ample supplies of antioxidants and avoidance of the worst offenders are basic steps. As well, you can try ‘plant power’.
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