Indoor Air Quality
Our lungs are in constant interaction with the environment--the
air we breathe. The quality of this air has a direct impact
on our health. How well, or how poorly, our lungs perform
depends directly on the state of the air around us. And air
pollution, we have realized, has come to signify not only
the quality of the air outside our homes and workplaces but
that of our indoor air as well. As a matter of fact, American
children and adults spend 90% of their time indoors. EPA
studies of human exposure to air pollutants indicate that
indoor air levels of many pollutants may be 2-5 times, and
occasionally more than 100 times higher than outdoor levels.
The American Lung Association of Oregon is dedicated to creating
a volunteer network to promote health by increasing awareness
of indoor pollutants and providing a tool for education that
will directly benefit the health of our neighbors and community
members.
For more information contact
healthinfo@lungoregon.org
or call 503-924-4094.
Radon Gas
Four to ten percent of Oregon homes are estimated to have
radon gas leaks. Radon is the second leading cause of lung
cancer and kills 15,000 - 22,000 Americans every year. This natural,
radioactive gas rises from rocks and soil in the ground and
seeps into homes and buildings through cracks in the foundation
and walls. Radon is a gas you cannot see, smell, or taste.
The American Lung Association of Oregon has test kits that can be purchased online for $11.00 (includes shipping/handling and informational brochure).
Testing your home for radon levels is simple. Here's a few
tips:
- Purchase a test kit online from the American Lung Association of Oregon and it will be mailed to you in 3-7 days.
- Do-it-yourself test kits are also available for $10 to $25 dollars from most hardware stores and other retail outlets.
- Choose a reliable test kit. Look for the words "Meets EPA Requirements" or "EPA listed" on the packager.
- Testing ranges from a few days to a year. Long-term tests
are more accurate in predicting the year-round levels in
a home.
- If a test indicates an elevated radon level, always test
twice before taking action.
- Always consult an EPA-qualified or state-certified radon
contractor. They can evaluate the problem and help you select
the right solution.
- Repairs for homes with high radon levels are no more than
many other common home repairs and will not change the appearance
of your home. A variety of methods can be used, from sealing
cracks in floors and walls, to changing the flow of air
into your home.
Outdoor Air Quality
Concerns about the air we breathe while outdoors results
in many calls to the American Lung Association of Oregon.
While the ALAO is not a regulatory organization, we frequently
can play a role through building awareness and through
advocacy efforts.
ALOA supports
Oregon
Department of Environmental Quality's Air
Pollution Advisory program. DEQ now forecasts air pollution
levels year round. Pollution is typically worst in the summer months
(for ozone, also called smog) and the winter months (for particle
pollution from wood smoke and car exhaust). DEQ alerts citizens in
their area through the news media when conditions are prime for
these problems and urges people with asthma and other breathing
problems to protect their health. They also encourage everyone to
reduce activities that contribute to the problem. You can help in
the summer by driving less and not using gas powered equipment
including leaf blowers and lawnmowers. In the the winter you can
help by not burning in your woodstove or fireplace (unless you don't
have a back-up source of heat). The ALAO attempts to promote these
voluntary efforts through a variety public outreach efforts.
Would you like to receive e-mail air pollution advisories the day before elevated levels are expected? Learn more.
Lane County, Oregon is one of the only counties in the nation to
have its own independent air authority. The Lane Regional Air Pollution
Authority's (LRAPA) operations include granting permits and enforcing air quality
standards; collecting ambient air quality data, and focusing
on public education that will result in a cleaner environment.
The American Lung Association of Oregon works
closely with LRAPA and the Department of Environmental Quality to
ensure that Oregonians are breathing the cleanest air possible. For
more information on LRAPA go to
www.lrapa.org
For more information contact
heathinfo@lungoregon.org or call 503-924-4094.
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