The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Global Indoor Health Network (GIHN) have recently estimated that 50 percent of illnesses globally can be attributed to poor indoor air quality. Indoor air quality causes more illnesses than all of the cancers and heart diseases around the world! In their recent document, “Common Toxins in Our Homes, Schools and Workplaces”, GIHN outlined the primary causes for unsafe indoor air quality.
GIHN is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing education and awareness of the health effects of mold and other indoor contaminants. GIHN’s global network consists of scientists, researchers, building engineers, physicians, indoor air quality experts, teachers, injured workers, and advocates who are working together to promote healthy indoor environments in our homes, schools and businesses. Through this extensive network, GIHN was able to gather data that they hope will ultimately serve as a starting point for all indoor air quality related projects.
The first half of the document focuses on radon, asbestos, products of combustion (such as carbon monoxide and cigarette smoke), volatile organic compounds (such as formaldehyde, benzene, pesticides), particulate matter, lead and a number of known and emerging disease-causing microbiological agents. The second half is dedicated to a discussion regarding the serious harm that can potentially result from the secondary metabolic products of molds and bacteria released into the air of water-damaged buildings. GIHN also included a section on the misinformation war currently being waged suggesting that human disease from these toxins cannot exist.
The conclusion of the paper clearly states that it is time for world leaders to develop a comprehensive public health response to this devastating epidemic. GIHN created an 18-point plan aimed at developing educational tools, promoting safe indoor environments, cooperation between private and government sectors, further developing resources, and continuing to fund ongoing research on indoor air related subjects. For further information, visit the GIHN website at http://globalindoorhealthnetwork.com/.
Environmental and Engineering Solutions provides indoor air quality sampling and evaluation services that will help you identify potentially harmful pollutants. For more information, contact Tom Petersen at (215) 881-9401 or tom@eesolutions.net.