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[This information originates from the EPA publication, "The
Inside Story: A Guide to Indoor Air Quality."]
Sources of Nitrogen Dioxide
Kerosene heaters, un-vented gas
stoves and heaters. Environmental tobacco smoke.
Health Effects Associated with Nitrogen
Dioxide
Eye, nose, and throat
irritation. May cause impaired lung function and increased respiratory
infections in young children. EPA's Integrated Risk Information System
profile for Nitrogen Dioxide - epa.gov/iris/subst/0080.htm
Levels in Homes
Average level in homes
without combustion appliances is about half that of outdoors. In homes with gas
stoves, kerosene heaters, or un-vented gas space heaters, indoor levels often
exceed outdoor levels.
Steps to Reduce Exposure
(These are the
same steps as those used to reduce exposure to carbon
monoxide).
- Keep gas appliances properly adjusted.
- Consider purchasing a vented space heater when
replacing an un-vented one.
- Use proper fuel in kerosene space heaters.
- Install and use an exhaust fan vented to
outdoors over gas stoves.
- Open flues when fireplaces are in use.
- Choose properly sized wood stoves that are
certified to meet EPA emission standards. Make certain that doors on all
wood stoves fit tightly.
- Have a trained professional inspect, clean,
and tune-up central heating system (furnaces, flues, and chimneys) annually.
Repair any leaks promptly.
- Do not idle the car inside garage.
Subject-Specific Publications
What You Should
Know About Combustion Appliances and Indoor Air Pollution, 1993
(400-F-91-100)
Answers commonly-asked questions about the
effect of combustion appliances (e.g., fuel-burning furnaces, space heaters,
kitchen ranges, and fireplaces) on indoor air quality and human health.
Describes other sources of combustion pollutants in and around the home.
Suggests ways to reduce exposure to such pollutants and encourages proper
installation, use, and maintenance of combustion appliances. This brochure was
prepared by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the American Lung
Association, and the EPA.
Indoor Air
Pollution: An Introduction for Health Professionals, 1994 (402-R-94-007)
Assists health professionals (especially the
primary care physician) in diagnosis of patient symptoms that could be related
to an indoor air pollution problem. Addresses the health problems that may be
caused by contaminants encountered daily in the home and office. Organized
according to pollutant or pollutant groups such as environmental tobacco
smoke, VOCs, biological pollutants, and sick building syndrome, this booklet
lists key signs and symptoms from exposure to these pollutants, provides a
diagnostic checklist and quick reference summary, and includes suggestions for
remedial action. Also includes references for information contained in each
section. This booklet was developed by the American Lung Association, the
American Medical Association, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, and
the EPA.
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