Chemicals
Chemical sensitivity usually occurs after frequent exposure to chemicals. An allergic reaction occurs as the body's contaminant toleration levels are reached, toxic overload results and a severe allergic reaction sets in. Chemical sensitivity also initiates other allergy reactions, so that the sufferer becomes allergic to nearly everything else. Common chemical/contaminant irritants vary, from a wide range of petrochemicals and estrogenic chemicals to combustion residues from household appliances and heating systems, to various kinds of sprays, paints and exhaust fumes. Other culprits include chlorine bleach, moth balls and insect repellents, dry cleaning chemicals, and clothes that have been chemically treated. There are many odours, which, while being pleasant to some, cause great discomfort to others. The most notable of these are the fragrances found in perfumes, after-shave lotions and other cosmetics. There are other chemicals, which are used for cleaning purposes, giving colour and strength to fabrics in clothing, rugs, draperies, etc, which are offensive to some.
Bacteria & Viruses
Airborne bacteria and viruses are a common source of respiratory infection and a particular threat to infants, the elderly and those with weakened immune or cardiovascular systems, including people with allergies, asthma, AIDS and heart disease. Some serious infectious diseases are spread through airborne bacteria or viruses, including whooping cough, meningitis, pneumonia, SARS and anthrax.
VOC's
Volatile Organic Compounds:
Volatile: the ability of a substance to evaporate or readily vaporize at room temperature.
Organic: in chemical terms refers to compounds containing hydrocarbons.
Compounds: consist of two or more elements, substances, ingredients or parts.
Put it altogether and what does it mean: VOC's are hydrocarbon based compounds which involve life or the products of organic life that will evaporate, or vapourize when placed at room temperature. For example, Petroleum products such as gasoline for example, is a bi-product of once living organisms that will vaporize at room temperature. Glues, which are often made up of boiled animal parts, (hydrocarbons) that are often used in the production of wood products and the installation vinyl flooring etc., will also vaporize or off-gas formaldehyde as they cure. This is where the term "off-gassing" comes from.
However, to vaporize, also refers to the diffusing or scattering of matter. This is why mould, for example, has been referred to as a VOC, even though it is considered a particle. Mould has the property of vaporizing (scattering) spores which often contain proteins that can be extremely dangerous to humans (mycotoxins). Likewise, the droppings of dust mite can vaporize which also contain harmful proteins that can affect the lining of the lung. Paints, cleaners, shoe polish, carpeting, cupboards, furniture, etc, play a significant role in polluting our indoor environment with sometimes benign but more often dangerous emissions that have both short and long term affects on our health.
Health Problems Caused By VOC's (Formaldehyde, Pesticides, Solvents, Cleaning Agents)
Key Signs/Symptoms
· conjunctival irritation
· nose, throat discomfort
· headache
· allergic skin reaction
· dyspnea
· nausea,
· nosebleeds (formaldehyde)
· fatigue
· dizziness
A wide array of volatile organics are emitted by products used in home, office, school, and arts/crafts and hobby activities. These products, which number in the thousands, include:
· personal items such as scents and hair sprays;
· household products such as finishes, rug and oven cleaners, paints and lacquers (and their thinners), paint
strippers, pesticides (see below);
· dry-cleaning fluids;
· building materials and home furnishings;
· office equipment such as some copiers and printers;
· office products such as correction fluids and carbonless copy paper;
· graphics and craft materials including glues and adhesives, permanent markers, and photographic solutions.
· mattress ticking
To effectively deal with VOC's, you should choose an air purifier with at least a heavy duty carbon filter, preferably a unit specifically designed to deal with VOC's.
