Engelmann Energy

LEADING CAUSES OF AIRBORNE DISEASES

Animal Dander:

From cats and dogs that live indoors as family pets is a very important cause of allergic symptoms in sensitized people. These people can suffer from asthma, allergic rhinitis and allergic conjunctivitis. Dander can persist in the environment long after the pet no longer lives in the home.

Mites:

Live in carpet, bedding, etc., and consume skin particles from humans. They are a common source of allergy (asthma and allergic rhinitis) and are the offending substance in "house dust." Management of this problem includes keeping humidity low, good ventilation, frequent vacuuming, removing carpets and covering pillows and mattresses.

Mold Spores:

These can cause an allergic reaction (rhinitis and/or asthma). Hypersensitivity pneumonitis is another type of allergic reaction which consists of fever, chills, dry cough and a flu-like feeling, all or some of which happen 4-6 hours after repeated mold spore inhalation (like from a humidifier) in susceptible persons.

Secondhand Smoke:

Short-term effects include mucous membrane irritation. Long-term effects include lung cancer from inhalation of carcinogens within the smoke. There is also good evidence that passive cigarette smoke in the home contributes to the development of asthma in children and causes increased risk for respiratory infections. All of this can be severely reduced through the use of home air quality systems.

Carbon Monoxide:

Carbon monoxide exposure occurs through inhalation. This substance binds to the hemoglobin molecule with a much greater affinity (200 times) than oxygen. Thus, oxygen is displaced (the amount dissolved in the blood is not enough to sustain life) and leads to tissue hypoxia. Tissues most dependant on large amounts of oxygen suffer most (brain, heart).

Severe exposures can cause brain damage, evident after recovery from the acute effects. It can also cause heart attacks. The most common source of carbon monoxide poisoning in the home is from incorrectly vented furnaces and heaters. However, one must remember that carbon monoxide poisoning can also occur after use of methylene chloride containing varnish removers in a poorly ventilated setting.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs):

This group consists of the large group of volatile organic compounds with melting points below room temperature and boiling points ranging from 50-100 to 240-260 degrees C. The most important source of these VOCs is gasoline burned in motor vehicles. Home furnishings as well as consumer products used for cleaning may also emit VOCs.

Formaldehyde is a good example of a VOC. It is emitted from a long list of materials that are part of the structure of houses and which are used within the home. Ten to twenty percent of the population reacts to this gas by developing eye irritation, neuropsychological effects, lower respiratory effects, etc.

Poor Ventilation:

Allows carbon dioxide to accumulate as well as other gases. This can be a problem in modern, airtight homes.

Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂):

Concentrations are high at times in homes that use gas stoves and kerosene heaters. There is some evidence that high N0₂ levels are linked to a greater prevalence of respiratory symptoms in school children. Persons with underlying lung disease may also be sensitive to N0₂.

Wood Smoke:

This can cause exacerbation of asthma because it acts as an irritant. It may be a cause of chronic bronchitis. Respiratory symptoms may be more common in homes where there is a wood burning stove. Modern airtight stoves with a well-functioning chimney or flue reduce carbon monoxide and particle levels in the home.

Endotoxin:

This is a substance that is part of the cell wall of gram-negative bacteria, such as Pseudomonas. When inhaled, it can cause fever, chills, malaise, and headaches. This occurs through activation of macrophages in the lung, as well as other cells there, releasing mediators of inflammation (much like hypersensitivity pneumonitis).

It is probably another cause of "humidifier fever." Effects of chronic, moderate level exposure reported from work places include bronchitis and an asthma-like syndrome.

Glucans:

These are substances, which are part of the cell wall of molds. They activate the immune system. Some believe they are the cause of nonspecific complaints in persons negatively affected by time spent in certain buildings.