Everyone knows that pollutants in our environment directly affect our health. While we usually think of the environment as the outside world, scientists have long known that indoor exposures far exceed outdoor levels for most pollutants. Because toxic substances (such as lead and asbestos) and harmful gases (such as carbon monoxide and radon) build up in confined spaces, indoor levels are at least 10 times higher than outdoors for many pollutants of concern.

Protecting our air, water, and land from environmental pollution has long been a top national priority. In contrast, environmental health risks in our homes have been largely overlooked, despite the fact that most people spend about 90 percent of their time indoors. Infants and toddlers, whose developing systems make them most sensitive to pollutants, spend lots of time at home. The elderly also tend to stay at home more than other age groups, putting them at heightened risk for health hazards in the home environment.

While homes of any age and value can pose serious environmental hazards, older, low-income properties that are in substandard condition typically present the greatest risks. These homes are more likely to contain toxic substances, such as asbestos and lead-based paint. In addition, deferred maintenance in these properties often results in moisture and water leaks that encourage the growth of mold, mildew, dust allergens, cockroaches, and other pests. Millions of American families live in physically substandard homes or have insufficient income to support basic property maintenance.

Substandard housing therefore is the nation’s #1 environmental health threat to young children. The fact that older, substandard housing is often concentrated in low-income communities of color makes housing-related health hazards a pressing environmental justice priority as well.

Sources and Additional Information:

Wallace LA. Comparison of risks from outdoor and indoor exposure to toxic chemicals. Environmental Health Perspectives 1995; 95:7-13 - http://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/

Wallace LA. The Total Exposure Assessment Methodology (TEAM) study: summary and analysis. Vol. 1. Washington: Environmental Protection Agency (US); 1987.

Matte T, Jacobs D. Housing and health: current issues and implications for research and programs. J Urban Health 2000; 77(1):7-25.