Any time there is mention of chemicals being used to kill people, it is one of the top stories in mainline media. Chemical warfare is especially shocking and disturbing because the chemicals used cause a slow and painful death, particularly in the case of gaseous chemicals.
Although throughout history the intentional use of poisonous chemicals in warfare has been rather brief, millions of people are exposed to poisonous gaseous chemicals in their own home on a daily basis. Repeated exposure to even low levels of these toxic chemicals can have long term and sometimes permanent effects on health.
As far back as 1874, intentional poisoning of people was internationally recognized as wrong; it wasn’t until 1972, however, that The Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention was completed, banning the development, production, and possession of biological weapons.1
While many of us do not live in a war zone or under a general threat of a chemical attack, the daily pollutants in our homes can reach levels that negatively impact our health and can even lead to disease or death. Depending on where you live, the types of pollutants in your home could be greatly influenced by what’s in the air outside your home.
As outdoor air pollution levels have increased, it is no surprise that indoor air quality is also declining. Common side effects of poor indoor air quality include headache, dizziness, nausea, tiredness, lack of concentration, visual disorders and memory impairment, and eye and respiratory tract irritation.
Some of the more common sources of indoor air pollution include radon, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, formaldehyde, tobacco smoke, microbials (such as viruses, mold, fungi, bacteria, amoeba, pollen, dander, and mites), and VOCs (volatile organic compounds).2 To a lesser degree, PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) may also be present. These can be found in both residential and commercial buildings.
Proper ventilation is critical to maintaining good indoor air quality, with plenty of fresh air coming in from outside. Radon, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide can be deadly; leaks should be eliminated and the source needs to be monitored. Radon gas can enter your home through the ground or well water; carbon monoxide is produced by gas or wood burning fireplaces, gas logs, and a clogged chimney; and carbon dioxide can be produced by gas appliances such as dryers, stoves, and space heaters.3,4 Also, be aware that running a vehicle in an attached garage with the garage door closed can be a source of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide leaking into the house.
According to the Environmental Protection agency (EPA), tobacco smoke contains several hundred toxic substances and produces most of the indoor air particulates that we breathe.2 Avoid smoking tobacco inside your home or building.
HVAC (heating, ventilating, and air conditioning) systems need to be well maintained to ensure they are providing fresh outside air (reducing the build up of carbon dioxide) and helping to keep the humidity level low enough to prevent mold and fungus from growing. Dirty airducts can be a breeding ground for bacteria, mold, and fungus. Air ducts can be cleaned by professionals if you suspect they are dirty. Use a high quality HEPA filter to trap pollen, pet dander, and other particulates.
Which brings us to the heart of chemical warfare in our homes and the effects of formaldehyde and VOCs since they have invaded our homes without our knowledge and are secretly causing many health problems for everyone exposed including children, the elderly, and our beloved pets.
Formaldehyde, a VOC, in its gaseous form is what affects us most in our homes. It is most often released from products such as pressed-wood products, glues and adhesives, paper-product coatings, permanent press fabrics5, and certain types of foam cushions—all of which may be used in the design of furniture. (Paint and new carpet are also sources of VOCs.) Over time, the off-gassing of formaldehyde decreases and becomes less of a concern.
Since formaldehyde has been determined by the National Toxicology Program (NTP) as “known to be a human carcinogen”, it is being used less in furniture and home building products than it once was. Unfortunately, it is still widely used in products such as cosmetics, soaps, shampoos, medicines, antiseptics, lotions, sunscreens, and even in some foods. Tobacco smoke is also a large source of formaldehyde.5
Symptoms of exposure to formaldehyde are watery eyes; burning sensations in the eyes, nose, and throat; coughing; wheezing; nausea; and skin irritation.6
VOCs are the largest contributors to indoor air pollution and are primarily found in air fresheners.7 By far, the biggest offenders are products which contain artificial fragrances. Air fresheners top the list of consumer products containing artificial fragrances, but nearly every product that falls under the category of home or beauty care contains added fragrance.
While you may not have problems with radon, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, or tobacco smoke, you are most likely to be exposed to large quantities of VOCs since they can literally be in every part of your home. The word ‘organic’ in the term volatile organic compound sounds harmless, but it is far from it.
The range of health effects from exposure to VOCs is from eye, nose and throat irritation to cancer. Symptoms of exposure to VOCs include conjunctival irritation, nose and throat discomfort, headache, allergic skin reaction, dyspnea, declines in serum cholinesterase levels, nausea, emesis, epistaxis, fatigue, and dizziness.8
With products such as laundry detergent; fabric softeners and dryer sheets; kitchen and bathroom cleaners; dish washing detergent; and hand soaps all commonly containing fragrance it is easy to see that VOC levels inside buildings can be 2 to 5 times higher than outside levels.7 At these levels, even high concentrations of essential oils can cause adverse health effects.
Inside our homes we are exposed to a toxic soup of chemicals such as acetaldehyde, acetone, ethanol, benzaldehyde, isopropyl alcohol, benzyl acetate, ethyl acetate, isoamyl acetate (1-butanol, 3-methyl-, acetate), o, m, or p-cymene, and many more which are known or suspected to be cancer causing, or have a toxic effect on the cardiovascular system, respiratory system, gastrointestinal system, endocrine system, skin, kidneys, liver, and nervous system.9
While testing reveals that air fresheners emit over 100 different chemicals, only a fraction of those chemical are listed on the label. Air fresheners and other non-food products have very weak labelling regulations in the United States and abroad. Even the MSDS (material safety data sheet) is not required to list all the chemicals contained in the product.9
Many air fresheners also contain phthalates, which are SVOCs (semi-volatile organic compounds). Not only are phthalates damaging to the nervous system, both VOCs and SVOCs can combine with other chemicals in the air to produce secondary pollutants.9
Additional sources of VOCs around your home or office include cleansers and disinfectants; moth repellants; pesticides; dry-cleaned clothing; aerosol sprays; wood preservatives; hobby supplies; paints, paint strippers and other solvents; building materials and furnishings; office equipment such as copiers and printers, correction fluids and carbonless copy paper; and graphics and craft materials including glues and adhesives, permanent markers and photographic solutions.7
VOCs are also associated with causing lower serum levels of cholinesterase.
Cholinesterase is an enzyme produced by your body for the purpose of terminating the firing of electrical signals in nerves once the desired action is completed. Stated in a toxicology information brief from Cornell University, “Electrical impulses can fire away continuously unless the number of messages being sent through the synapse is limited by the action of cholinesterase. Repeated and unchecked firing of electrical signals can cause uncontrolled, rapid twitching of some muscles, paralyzed breathing, convulsions, and in extreme cases, death.”10
Cholinesterase inhibition is one of the primary mechanisms of harm in nerve agents used in pesticides and chemical warfare through the use of organophosphates and carbamates.11 Use of pesticides in and around the home or business is a contributing factor to indoor air pollution and poor air quality.
In addition to the effect of the organophosphates found in pesticides, some pesticides also have artificial fragrances added to them. Unfortunately, the added fragrance gives a false sense that the chemical being used is safe, and ultimately bypasses the natural reaction to leave the area until the airborne pesticide dissipates.
Although PAHs may comprise only a small portion of indoor pollution, they are worth mentioning due to the seriousness of their effects on health. Some PAHs are considered carcinogenic, with the ability to cause cellular mutations and cancer. Sources of PAHs include tobacco smoke, smoke from wood fires, exhaust from gasoline engines, and grilled or charred foods.12
Everyone in the home is at risk of being exposed to harmful levels of indoor air pollution, specifically VOCs from artificial fragrances. Children and pets, especially, are at risk due to their small size and inability to leave the area or express irritation caused by toxic chemicals. The elderly are often greatly affected due to a weakened immune system resulting in respiratory irritation leading to infection or other lung and organ conditions, including cancer.
Development of asthma in children has been associated with exposure to high levels of indoor air pollution, as well as developmental problems due to damage to the nervous system, kidneys, and liver.12
By being aware of the dangers of indoor air pollution, one can take measures to increase air quality rather quickly. By opening windows, the house or building can be aired out quite effectively. Depending on the time of year, indoor air pollution is often 2 to 10 times higher than outside air pollution so regularly bringing in fresh outside air is important.
If possible, remove sources of toxic emissions. In the case of emissions from paint, carpet, or furniture proper ventilation is the key to reducing levels inside. Make sure wood stoves and fireplaces are properly vented, and never smoke tobacco in the house.
Reduce VOCs by choosing more unscented products or make your own from natural ingredients. Remove air fresheners made with artificial fragrances and avoid the overuse of air fresheners made with natural fragrances. Commercially purchased air fresheners (including those made with essential oils) still contain toxic chemicals; organic fragrance oils can be used instead. Diffusing organic essential oils in small quantities is also a good way to make your home feel fresh.
Reference
1. Everts, S. (2015). A Brief History of Chemical War. Retrieved from Science History Institute: https://www.sciencehistory.org/distillations/magazine/a-brief-history-of-chemical-war
2. Indoor Air Quality Investigation. (n.d.). Retrieved from United States Department of Labor: https://www.osha.gov/dts/osta/otm_iii/otm_iii_2.html
3. Citizen’s Guide to Radon. (2016). Retrieved from United States Environmental Protection Agency: https://epa.gov/sites/production/files/2016-12/documents/2016_a_citizens_guide_to_radon.pdf
4. Sources of Carbon Dioxide and Carbon Monoxide in Your Home. (2015, October 06). Retrieved from SafeAir Environmental INC.: Safeair.ca/blog/sources-of-carbon-dioxide-and-carbon-monoxide-in-your-home/
5. Formaldehyde. (2014, May 23). Retrieved from American Cancer Society: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-causes/formaldehyde.html
6. Formaldehyde and Cancer Risk. (2011, June 10). Retrieved from National Institutes of Health: https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/formaldehyde/formaldehyde-fact-sheet
7. Steinemann, A. (2016, November 05). Ten questions concerning air fresheners and indoor built environments. Retrieved from Science Direct: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0360132316304334
8. Volatile Organic Compounds’ Impact on Indoor Air Quality. (n.d.). Retrieved from United States Environment Protection Agency: https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/volatile-organic-compounds-impact-indoor-air-quality
9. Steinemann, A. (n.d.). Toxic Chemicals in Air Fresheners and Health Effects. Retrieved from Cleaner Indoor Air: https://cleanerindoorair.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Air-Fresheners-by-Anne-C.-Steinemann-PhD.pdf
10. Cholinesterase Inhibitors: Including Insecticides and Chemical Warfare Nerve Agents. (2007, October 16). Retrieved from Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry: https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/csem/csem.asp?csem=11&po=5
11. Chemicals of Special Concern to Children’s Health. (n.d.). Retrieved from Minnesota Department of Health: www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/children/chemicals.html
