“Environmental Sensitivity” is becoming a recognized issue for more and more people.  Environmental Sensitivity (ES) has also been called Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS), Environmental Hypersensitivity (EH), Environmental Illness (EI), Toxicant-Induced Loss of Tolerance (TILT), Idiopathic Environmental Intolerances (IEI), or “20th Century Disease”.  ES is a condition, or number of conditions, where symptoms are linked to relatively low-level chemical exposures. There are many causes, one of which relates to the indoor air quality of your home. 

Whether you realize it or not, buildings use toxic materials in their construction and those materials “off-gas” for years after the home is built while it is occupied by you!  Even older homes are susceptible.

Some of the sources include paint, furniture, carpet, and other building materials, which contain substances that are toxic to humans.  EPA studies show that indoor air quality contains up to 5 times more pollutants than outdoor air.  Add to that the fact we spend about 90% of our time inside, and we have a recipe for a national health crisis.

Other contributors to poor indoor air quality include mold (found in duct work, damp areas, and even behind and inside walls where small un-noticed leaks occur).  Even here in Arizona, one of the driest regions of the country, we experience mold issues in homes.  Other causes are regularly used household cleaners containing toxic chemicals, naturally occurring radon gas, and carbon monoxide.

Fortunately, many of the causes of ES in homes can be mitigated.  For example, green cleaning products are available in most health food stores.  Radon, mold, and carbon monoxide can all be detected and mitigated as well.  Carpets can be removed. Low VOC paints (Volatile Organic Compounds) are available too.  There is also a plethora of new building materials on the market that are non-toxic and designed for creating healthy homes.

Below are some links to helpful sources of information regarding Environmental Sensitivity.  I also have referrals if you are looking to build or remodel with a healthy home in mind so contact me with your questions.

Local cleaning service offers non-toxic services:
http://www.azallclean.com/index.htm

Free access to a national database of Healthy Homes For Sale: http://www.healthyhomesforsale.com/

National Lung Association information on Healthy Homes:

http://www.healthhouse.org/index.asp

Home Depot to market environmentally friendly products: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/17/business/17depot.html?ex=1334462400&en=cfee586af6736ce6&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss