By Elisabeth Dunham
Oregonian Homes & Gardens of the Northwest
Updated Jan. 10, 2019
The word "pollution" might conjure up images of factories and freeways, but the air inside your home is often far worse for your health than the air outside.
"It's funny how most folks are so concerned about outdoor pollution but pollution levels in our home can be much higher," says Brett Sherry, program manager for the Oregon Health Authority's Healthy Homes and Schools Program. "And most of us spend about 90 percent of our time in our home. So the exposure (to pollution) is happening there."
The problem stems partly from the fact that many homes are so well insulated and sealed nowadays that we've lost the natural ventilation of those old drafty windows, doors and floorboards.
"Newer homes are well wrapped and keep heat in, but you are sealing out drafts," Sherry says. "Drafts have a negative connotation, but they are actually bringing in the fresh air we need."
Winters in the Northwest don't help the situation because we spend even more time inside our homes during those rainy months, says Louise Tolzmann, a naturopath who specializes in environmental medicine and indoor air quality. "The house is sealed up and you've got the heaters on, blowing around dust and particulates."
Oregonian Homes & Gardens of the Northwest
Updated Jan. 10, 2019
The word "pollution" might conjure up images of factories and freeways, but the air inside your home is often far worse for your health than the air outside.
"It's funny how most folks are so concerned about outdoor pollution but pollution levels in our home can be much higher," says Brett Sherry, program manager for the Oregon Health Authority's Healthy Homes and Schools Program. "And most of us spend about 90 percent of our time in our home. So the exposure (to pollution) is happening there."
The problem stems partly from the fact that many homes are so well insulated and sealed nowadays that we've lost the natural ventilation of those old drafty windows, doors and floorboards.
"Newer homes are well wrapped and keep heat in, but you are sealing out drafts," Sherry says. "Drafts have a negative connotation, but they are actually bringing in the fresh air we need."
Winters in the Northwest don't help the situation because we spend even more time inside our homes during those rainy months, says Louise Tolzmann, a naturopath who specializes in environmental medicine and indoor air quality. "The house is sealed up and you've got the heaters on, blowing around dust and particulates."