Using Plants Indoors
Indoor polluntants have become a major souce of sickness in the US. There is even something called
sick building syndrome where the enclosed work and home spaces of the average person cause them to become sick.
Energy saving measures such as more airtight homes contribute to indoor pollution. Less air is able to move freely through the house and between the inside
and outside of buildings. While this may save in heating costs, the physical costs you and your family are paying may be higher than you think.
Asthma suffers, victims of multiple chemical sensitivity, small children and infants and the elderly are particularly at risk.
The big three are formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is found in virtually all indoor environments.
The major sources include urea-formaldehyde foam insulation (UFFI)
and particle board or pressed wood products used in the manufacturing of furniture.
It is also used in consumer paper products including grocery bags, waxed papers, facial tissues and paper towels.
Many common household cleaning agents contain formaldehyde as well.
Formaldehyde is used as stiffeners, wrinkle resisters, water repellents, fire retardants and adhesive binders in floor coverings, carpet backings and permanent-press clothes.
Other sources of formaldehyde include heating and cooking fuels like natural gas, kerosene, and cigarette smoke.
Formaldehyde has been shown to cause asthma and allergic contact dermatitis,
irritation of the eyes, headaches, and irritation of mucous membranes in the throat
and nose. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has said that formaldehyde exposure "may cause cancer in humans" and has been proven to cause cancer
in exposed animals. (See further studies)
Benzene
Benzene is a very commonly used and
is present in gasoline, inks, oils, paints, plastics, and rubber.
In addition it is used in the manufacture of detergents, explosives,
pharmaceuticals, and dyes.
Benzene has long been known to irritate the skin and eyes.
It has also been shown embryotoxic activity and carcinogenicity in some tests.
Evidence also exists that benzene may be a contributing factor in chromosomal aberrations and leukemia in humans.
Repeated skin contact with benzene will cause drying, inflammation, blistering and dermatitis.
Benzene may cause dizziness, weakness, euphoria, headache, nausea, blurred vision, respiratory diseases, tremors, irregular heartbeat, liver and kidney damage, paralysis and unconsciousness.
In animal tests inhalation of benzene led to cataract formation and diseases of the blood and lymphatic systems.
Chronic exposure to even relatively low levels causes headaches, loss of appetite, drowsiness, nervousness, psychological disturbances and diseases of the blood system, including anemia and bone marrow diseases.
Carbon Monoxide
Heating or cooking with gas, kerosence, or wood can cause carbon monoxide build up.
Leaving a car to warm up in an attached garage may allow carbon monoxide to creep into your home.
Living near parking or heavy traffic areas increases your risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
At low to moderate concentrations, carbon monoxide causes headaches,
dizziness, confusion, nausea, impaired vision, poor manual dexterity and flu like symptoms.
At higher concentrations, carbon monoxide is fatal.
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