Causes of indoor pollution: by Mary Anne Lopez
I believe that protecting our environment starts at home. As a mother of two children, I value my children’s health and their safety. I believe that a clean environment is one true gift that would be appreciated not only by our children but by our grandchildren. However, we need to change our way of life and we need to do it now. We can start this change at home. All we need to do is ban toxic chemicals used in household cleaning agents. Our children can help too. We can teach them to use environmentally friendly chemicals and the importance behind using them
Every household has at least one cleaning agent, laundry detergent, dish washing detergent even those used for personal hygiene. We have been institutionalized when it comes to being clean. We have become dependent on dangerous chemicals because they are more convenient to use. Why scrub more when we can spray and wipe in one second???
Still, there is hope. We can become more efficient if we educate ourselves. One idea is that we can eradicate the use of harsh chemicals by using water more effectively. Steam cleaning is an option. It is a proven method when cleaning most surfaces and it goes without saying that it is safe for everyone to use. Sanitation is a concern for everyone; from the home to the office. By eliminating harsh chemicals we eliminate the dangerous residue left on surfaces after their use, therefore, eliminating our children’s exposure to such harm. Steam cleaning kills dust mites and certain types of bacteria. It disinfects in a much healthier fashion without the possibility of poisoning those most susceptible to these exposures. Those most susceptible like people that have allergies, immune system deficiencies, and respiratory illnesses.
There are other ways to effectively counter pollution. One method is even free and requires very little “elbow grease”. This method is called the “open window” method. Good ventilation in the home is a very effective tool for eliminating indoor air pollution. Poor ventilation and/or too much humidity presents an environmental risk that has made its mark in the real estate market. This is the dreaded growth of mold in our walls and ceilings. Mold maybe present in the home and there is substantial scientific evidence that mold affects the respiratory and nervous systems especially in children. By simply opening a window daily and allowing a good air exchange inside our homes we can combat mold growth. We can also take advantage of all the benefits fresh are brings to our well being, such as, better thought processing and overall relaxation.
Respiratory illnesses are more widespread than many of us care to believe. As more and more homes are built closer to industrial locales it is not surprising that so many children have asthma; The leading respiratory problem amongst children and the elderly. Asthma is a chronic disease that affects the air passages in our lungs. Asthma attacks occur when asthmatics come into contact with something they are allergic to. During an asthma “attack”, these air passages narrow, therefore, resulting in less breathable air entering the body. The feeling of asphyxiation and panic is almost immediate and it has lead to death in extreme cases.
A good method to limit the frequency of these attacks is to eliminate their causation. We can take action by simply being clean and creating and maintaining a healthy living space at home. We must also be able to recognize the symptoms of asthma. By recognizing these early signs typically one can mitigate enduring long hours in the hospital, costly medication, and even death. Coughing, wheezing, tightness in the chest and, shortness of breath are the most recognizable of all the symptoms.
My nephew has asthma and it difficult to see him in distress whenever his asthma is triggered. Personally, I was not familiar with the illness or its symptoms or triggers until my nephew was diagnosed. I have witnessed his difficulties when during an episode his face turned red from coughing and his inability to breathe. His illness affects the entire family.
It is difficult for his mother, my sister, to see him suffer. I too feel the same. The minutest things make him sick and irritable. So my sister took action against her sons’ asthma triggers. She now cleans her home in detail, everyday. Dusting and cleaning the carpets are routine. While shopping, my sister carefully reads the labels on everything that could cause her son any type of harm. Her lifestyle has definitely been altered but it’s in the best interest of her family.
My nephew does not live a normal child’s life either. He cannot participate in sports and he has to be mindful of his surroundings. Whenever he wants to play he has to be able to recognize what he is allergic to so as to not encounter any asthmatic triggers. It is very trying for him but he has learned to be strong in all of this and that is definitely part of growing up.
With my nephew in mind I began to educate myself on pollution and the effects of it on our environment. When Al Gore‘s documentary entitled “An Inconvenient Truth” was shown in theatres I made time to attend a showing. After viewing it, I became alarmed at his conclusion. Namely, the conclusion that we have been contributing, if not causing, global warming. Gore utilizes many sources to present and make clear this issue. He quotes many scientists that agree that global warming is a real and occurring phenomena and this has been exasperated by how we live our lives and not by natural occurrence. The evidence is overwhelming and it seems undeniable. According to Gore, we are witnessing the effects of global warming; Glaciers are melting, plants and animals are being forced from their habitat, and the number of severe storms and droughts are increasing. We must do what is best for our planet we can start in our homes.
We hope that teaching our children to observe healthier lifestyles at home carry over into the world they will soon inherit. This way they will take personal what has to be done in order to preserve the only planet we have. Small steps but important ones. They lead to a better pace and an overall path to a fuller life than can then be passed on to their children. However, it has to start somewhere and the home is that very place…
Sources: Inconvenient truth by al gore, health and energy.com/air_pollution_causes.htm, and my own personal experience.
