We’ve recently come across some alarming statistics about indoor air-quality, illustrating just how important it is to be careful about all the products we use in our homes.
Behavior problems have been linked to exposure to toxic chemicals and mold. At the same time, we see that ADD/ADHD rates in today’s schools are higher than ever.
Chemical and environmental sensitivities are known to cause all types of headaches.
Furthermore, chronic fatigue syndrome, arthritis, lupus, circulatory disorders, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, depression, and hormonal problems are diseases commonly related to chemical exposure.
Now, given these facts, consider these statistics: A survey by the EPA showed that indoor air is 3 to 70 times more polluted than outdoor air. Imagine how much time we spend indoors–for some, it’s as much as 90% of their time!
The National Cancer Association concluded in a 15-year study that women who work in the home are at a 54% higher risk of developing cancer than women who work outside the home.
Unfortunately, a large part of indoor contamination comes from household cleaners and chemicals, including things like pants, adhesives and sealants, which off-gas at high rates.
When doing home renovation, it is absolutely paramount to select products that have been rated by third parties to minimize or be free of harmful chemicals. Paying attention to these choices can mean the difference between a clean air environment and a potentially dangerous one.