Respirable particles

RESPIRABLE PARTICLES

Sources: Fireplaces, woodstoves, and kerosene heaters. Environmental tobacco smoke.

Health Effects: Eye, nose, and throat irritation; respiratory infections and bronchitis; lung cancer. (Effects attributable to environmental tobacco smoke are listed elsewhere.)

Levels in Homes: Particle levels in homes without smoking or other strong particle sources are the same as, or lower than, outdoor levels.

Steps to Reduce Exposure:

• Vent all furnaces to outdoors; keep doors to rest of house open when using unvented space heaters.
• Choose properly sized woodstoves, certified to meet EPA emission standards; make certain that doors on all woodstoves fit tightly.
• Have a trained professional inspect, clean, and tune-up central heating system (furnace, flues, and chimneys) annually. Repair any leaks promptly.
• Change filters on central heating and cooling systems and air cleaners according to manufacturer's directions.

Related Pages:

Air Conditioners

Air Purifiers

Air Cleaners

Portable Air Conditioners

Vacuum Cleaners

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