1. Something’s in the Air
The Factors for Creating Health Supporting
Indoor Environments
Institute for Bau-Biologie & Ecology
A Florida 501 (c) 3 educational non-profit
Presented by: Larry Gust, Gust Environmental,
Ventura, CA
www.GustEnviro.com • 805-644-2008

3. Why Is This An Issue?
You breathe 1500 quarts of air a day.
One of the Top Five Health Risks (EPA)
First on the List of Environmental Cancer
Risks (EPA)
Home air: 6-10 times more polluted than
city (EPA)
90% of our time is spent indoors where
60+% of offices are polluted and
homes are worse (tighter).

4. Why Is This An Issue?
Allergists – 50% of Illness caused or worsened
by indoor pollution
 Fifty years ago 1 in 30 had allergies
 Ten years ago 1 in 3 had allergies
 Today 1 in 2.5 have allergies
Asthma has doubled since 1980 – heavily
kids
MCS has grown to about 18% of the
population

5. Sick Building Syndrome (SBS)
EPA: 65% of office buildings
Acute health & comfort effects
linked to time in bldg.
No specific cause can be identified
Symptoms abate outside of building

6. Sick Building Syndrome (SBS)
Classed as SBS if 20% of population is
affected
Social security admin union survey (1993):
 Fatigue – 39%
 Sneezing / coughing – 45%
 Sinus / nasal congestion – 49%
 Eye, nose, throat irritation – 38%

7. Building Induced Illness
Conditions induced by building conditions
Symptoms do not abate outside building

8. The Rain & Barrel & Total Load

9. Manipulating The Barrel to
Reduce Loading
Clean up your diet / habits
Clean up your water
Clean up your home / office

10. Manipulate the Politicians
Chernoble radiation reaches Canada
and NY in 24 hours
Pesticide sprayed in South Africa
reaches Key West in 5 days
Pesticide sprayed in Texas reaches
Cincinnati in 36 hours
Indoor air is outdoor air PLUS …

11. Sources of Indoor Pollutants
1. Human activity
2. Combustion products
3. Biological agents
4. Radon
5. Pesticides
6. Volatile organic compounds
7. Particulates
8. Electromagnetic energies (Another Lecture)

12. Pollutant Concentration
Factors
Number of sources and volume
Rate of removal

13. Removal Strategies
Source control:
 Exclusion
 Capture at source
Pollutant removal (dilution):
 Air changes per hour (bldg. tightness)
 Air cleaning

14. Removal Strategies
Ventilation is for People
For all pollutants except people it is best to
apply source control

15. Pollutant Source #1
 Human Activity
 Carbon dioxide, water vapor, odors
 Handled by dilution & removal (trapping)

16. Pollutant Source #2
 Combustion Products
• Carbon monoxide, dioxide and by-products
• Source removal
Keep sources out of living space

17. Combustion Products
 Exclusion & Source Capture
 Fireplace – external air source, tight doors
 Furnace, water heater – Use closed system
 Range exhaust hood– Vent outside
 Built-in oven– Vent outside
 Monitoring
 Carbon monoxide monitor/alarm

18. Pollutant Source #3
Biological Agents: Mites, Bacteria, Virus, Fungi
Symptoms
 Infectious disease  Malaise
 Exacerbation of asthma  Fatigue
 Runny nose  Chest tightness
 Conjunctive inflammation  Cough
 Recurrent fever  Dermatitis
 Diarrhea  Headache
 Breathing Difficulty

19. Mold: Leviticus 14: 37 - 47
… And you shall examine the house for plague;
and if the plague is on the walls of the
house with ingrained streaks, greenish or
reddish, which appear to be deep in the
walls, then close the house up for seven
days.
If you return and the plague has spread, then
remove the stones and walls and the dust
they scrape off.
Now if the plague comes back after he has
taken away the stones and plaster, then the
house indeed has the plague.
And he shall break down the house, its stones
and timbers and all the plaster of the house,
and he shall carry them outside the city to
an unclean place. And he who is inside the
house shall wash his clothes …

20. Causes of Fungal Reactions:
Allergenic cell wall proteins
Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds
Fungal generated Mycotoxins

21. Conditions for Fungi Growth
Food source
Spores
Moisture (as low as 70% RH for some)

22. Moisture Sources
Moisture producing appliances & activities
Foundation capillary action
Structural water leaks
Condensation on cold surfaces

23. Surface Temperature Control
Dew Point depends on % RH and Surface
Temperature
Surface Temperature depends on
 Insulation from cold temperatures
 Correct installation

24. Whole House
Humidity
Control
Ultra Aire
by Therma-stor

25. Flooding- Correct Clean Up
Stop water at the source
Remove Porous Materials Immediately
Dry out remaining materials within 36 -48 hours
After this mold quickly becomes a big problem
• Use a Certified Restorer from
• American Indoor Air Quality Council (AmIAQC)
• Institution of Inspection, Cleaning & Restoration
Certification (IICRC)
Sewage is another issue
• Already contaminated with virus, bacteria & parasites
• Biocides are used a several steps of remediation

26. Testing for Mold
Air Samples:
 Spore Trap
 Culturable
Surface Samples:
 Tape lift
 Culturable

27. Another Fungus. . .
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
 Caused by fungus that grows in the bed
and produces a neurotoxin gas.
 Caused by use of flame resistant
mattresses.
 More danger from hand me down
mattresses because the fungus grows
stronger over time.
 Can be avoided by simply placing a
plastic bag over mattress.

28. Sources of Indoor Pollutants
Our Lecture Roadmap
Human activity
Combustion products
Biological agents
Radon
Pesticides
Volatile organic compounds
Particulates

29. Pollutant Source #4
Radon
• Colorless, odorless, radioactive gas
• Found in bedrock & soil from decay of radium 226
• Radon half life is 3.8 days
• Decay products are solid particles that live minutes
• Decay energy is dangerous to lung tissue
• The lungs take in radioactive particles riding on dust
• Second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking

30. Radon Enters via Cracks in
Foundation Parts
Basements are the main problem
Seal foundation cracks, penetrations, joints
Use Sub-slab suction
Screening:
 Radon kit (Home Depot)

31. Pollutant Source #5
Pesticides
4 billion applications per year
85% of households store 3 to 4 pounds
20,000 household pesticide products
140,000 reported exposures in 1993, 93%
home use, 50% children under six

32. Types of Pesticides
Chlorinated (chlordane, lindane, heptachlor)
Carbamate (carbaryl) anti-cholinesterase
Organophosphate (chlorpyrifos)
anti-cholinesterase
Newer pesticides have lower acute toxicity
Little research into subtle effects
 Immune function issues
 Cognitive damage
300 active (controlled) ingredients

33. Pesticides Continued
1700 inert (uncontrolled) ingredients
 Manufacture decides with FDA agreement
 Some product’s inerts are actives in others
 Toluene, xylene – central nervous system
depressant
 Ethyl benzene – know carcinogen

34. Pesticide Exposure Hampers
Development in Children
• Study: Sonora Technological Institute, Mexico
• Children ages 4-5 from Sonora’s Yaqui Valley
45 pesticide applications times per crop cycle
• Children ages 4-5 from nearby foothills
Pesticide used is avoided
• Pesticide exposure impairs cognitive development

35. Disturbing Development:

36. Pesticide Facts:
Significant source of indoor pollution
(esp. Southern climates)
Binds strongly to synthetic materials
Carpeting is contaminated even after
repeated cleaning

37. Pesticide Facts:
Binds to dust which can float in the air
Remediation is partial at best & may not be
enough for the sensitive
Remediation of older chlorinated pesticides
is probably impossible

38. Remediation Approaches
Discard exposed synthetics
Steam clean remaining items with minimum 150
degrees steam
Clean all hard surfaces with vinegar, detergent
and water
Reduce air concentration with carbon/zeolite
filtration
Get additional info from HEAL 404-248-1898,
http://members.aol.com/HEALNatnl

39. Pollutant Source #6
Volatile Organic Compounds
Symptoms
 Eye irritation
 Nose, throat discomfort
 Headache
 Allergic skin reaction
 Breathing Difficulty
 Serum cholinerterase decline
 Nausea, vomiting
 Nose bleeds (formaldehyde)
 Fatigue
 Dizziness

40. Volatile Organic Compounds
Sources
 Carpet, furnishings
 Vinyl flooring
 Building materials: paint, glue, flooring
 Cleaning products
 Finishes & sealants
 Dry cleaning

41. Volatile Organic Compounds
Sources (cont.)
 Garaged cars
 Formaldehyde from urea-formaldehyde
glue (Particle board, carpet padding,
caulking, paint)
 Personal care products
 Air fresheners

42. VOC Control Strategy
Primary: Source reduction or elimination
Secondary: activated carbon
Testing:
 Air sample collection
 Mass spec/gas chromatography analysis
 Expensive

43. Synthetic Fragrances (VOCs)
National Academy of Sciences to US Congress
in 1992: Test fragrances for Neurotoxicity
Makers are not required to disclose chemicals
used
95% of chemicals are synthetic hydrocarbons
 Benzene derivatives
 Aldehydes
 Phthalates (hormone mimics)

44. Synthetic Fragrances (VOCs)
Known to cause:
 Cancer
 Birth defects
 CNS disorders
 Allergy: inhalant & skin
 Asthma triggering in children (up 40% in 10 years)
No routine industry testing for neurotoxicity
or respiratory affects

45. Synthetic Fragrances (VOCs)
Safety of ingredients is not assured
 Warning label is required by law
 There are no warning labels
The chemical equivalent of physical assault

46. Sources of Indoor Pollutants
Our Lecture Roadmap
1. Human activity
2. Combustion products
3. Biological agents
4. Radon
5. Pesticides
6. Volatile organic compounds
7. Particulates

47. Relative Size of Contaminants

48. Pollutant Particle Sizes

49. Particulates
Body Removal Efficiency
 Over 3 microns easily removed
 Under 0.5 microns go deep into lungs
Mortality increases with dirtier air
 EPA Study of PM10 < 10 microns
 PM 10: 30 grams/ liter of air vs 11 gr/l
 Steubenville, OH was 31% > than Portage, WI
 EPA standard: 50 gr/l

50. Particulate Control Strategies
Source control
 Use hard surface floors, not carpets
 Housekeeping
Most vacuums trap only about 30% of the
dust

51. Fantom Vacuum with HEPA
Absolute Air Filter
Uses Centrifugal large particle separator
There is no bag
Last stage is a True HEPA filter

52. Particulate Control
Strategies
Source control
 Exclusion from living space, positive air
pressure and a tight building envelope
 Suppression of biologicals via humidity
control to under 50%
Removal by air filtration
 Particulate removal
 Gas removal

53. MERV Air Filter Rating
System

54. Common Throw-Away
Fiberglass Filter (MERV 2)

55. Electrostatic Filter
(MERV 6)
Washable
Metal or plastic frame
Heavily advertised
Offered by HVAC dealers
Poor performance for the cost

56. Increased Efficiency Pleated
Filter (MERV 6-8)

57. Higher Efficiency Filter
Requiring Special Installation
(MERV 12)
April Aire / Air Bear

58. Filtrete Ultra Model 1250
(MERV 11)
Made by 3M Company
Meets the American Lung Association
Healthy House Guidelines.
Replaces standard fiberglass filters.

59. Hepa Sheild House Carbon
Filter (MERV 20 )

60. Filter Comparison

61. Carbon Filter
• Combined particulate filter
& carbon (ounces)
Used to remove odors
• Filters with pounds of carbon are available for
heavy duty VOC removal, but require
specially fabricated holders

62. Honeywell QuietCare HEPA
Air Cleaner #17200
Rooms up to 220 square feet.
Features a systems to monitor filter life
Plastic housing
Available with carbon
Sound reducing features

63. Austin Air Health Mate +
Metal Cabinet, Baked
finish
15 Lbs of carbon
Three Speeds

64. Water Quality

65. Water Quality
Water Quality is declining
Disease up 250 times in 10 years
Microorganism contamination rising
(E. coli test)
Water testing is periodic and limited
90% is not for human consumption
EPA sets contamination levels
Poison is purposely added

66. Water Quality
Chlorine is purposely added (Cl test)
 21% increased risk of bladder cancer
 38% increased risk of rectal cancer
 Heart disease & stroke
Reacts with organic matter =>
Trihalomethanes
 Increased spontaneous abortion
 Spinabifidal
 Neutral Tube defects
Fertilizer runoff increases nitrates
Blue baby syndrome
(nitrate to nitrite into blood reduces O2)
Spontaneous abortion

67. Water Quality
Increasingly acidic (pH test) causing leaching
Lead (Pb test)
 Anemia
 CNS damage
 Impaired mental function
 Size & Hearing in infants
Copper
 Gastrointestinal disturbances
 Liver & Kidney damage (years of exposure

68. Water Quality
Herbicides & Pesticides (Pe test)
 Carcinogenic
 Mutagenic (alters genic information)
 Teratogenic (birth defects)
 Immune suppression
 CNS damage
 Liver & Kidney damage

69. Water Quality for Ingestion
Do not Drink or cook with tap water
Reverse osmosis purification is best
 Filters at the size of an atom => 95+% removal
 Mineral content not an issue unless you eat rocks
 Must be maintained annually
Bottled water is dicey
 Very poor oversight by FDA
 Resource usage and trash disposal
 Bottle your RO water in a stainless steel container

70. Water Quality for Bathing
Do not shower or bathe in tap water
Carbon filtered water is best (not KDF)
 Shower filter
 Whole house filter
 Must be maintained

71. What you can do NOW:
Stop water leaks & moisture Intrusion.
Dry wet materials within 36 hours.
Clean carpets every 6 months.
Install reverse osmosis water for cooking & drinking.
Install whole house water filtration or
Install carbon shower filters.

72. What you can do NOW:
Upgrade furnace filter to 3M Filtrete 1250.
Eliminate toxic pesticides, use non-toxic or least
toxic methods.
Use safe paints and sealers (No VOC’s) [See
www.GustEnviro.com]
Avoid the use of flexible plastics made from
polyvinyl chloride/PVC/vinyl
Install solid surface floors in bedrooms

73. What you can do NOW:
Cultivate a positive mental attitude.
Get exercise.
Eat macrobiotically and organic.

74. Institute for
Building Biology
& Ecology, Inc A 501 c3 Non Profit
• Teaching the use of healthy building principles
• Improving the health of living & work spaces
• Improving the health of people
For information on educational materials & services:
www.buildingbiology.net

75. Thanks for listening
Something’s in the Air
The Factors for Creating Health
Supporting Indoor Environments
Institute for Bau-Biologie & Ecology
A Florida 501 (c) 3 educational non-profit
www.BuildingBiology.org
Presented by: Larry Gust, Gust Environmental,
Ventura, CA
www.GustEnviro.com • 805-644-2008