Indoor air worse than outside

After the Dec. 31 midnight revelry we are very much aware of how bad the air quality is, what with all the firecracker smoke produced.

But something is ongoing everyday that is far more harmful to our health.

Indoor air is ten times worse than outdoor air, according to Green Magazine, circulated in the United States and Canada, written by Helkie Ferrie.

The report headlined Stop Cooking With Gas, cited a research by the US-based Environmental Protection Agency, which showed one cause of indoor air toxicity is the profane and natural appliances which produce carbon monoxide as well as nitrogen dioxide, a reddish brown gas with acrid odor.

In the 1950s, the report also said, a remarkable doctor, Theron Randolph, noted women using gas ranges developed complex symptoms and illnesses. He also noted the prevalence of depression, circulatory problems, memory loss – all of which became normal when exposure to gas fuel stopped.

The research also said conclusively that nitrogen dioxide ,inhibits the respiration by attacking the mucous membrane of the lungs, decreases brain activity by interfering with the transport of oxygen, causes oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids to form highly activated free radicals and forms nitrosamine, a patent carcinogen.

People at risk are children, old folks, and those with cardiovascular activity, and asthma patients.

Nitrogen also causes not only short-term distress but also structural damage to the brain.

What are we going to do then?

Make sure your stove is well ventilated. Avoid smoking, it directly harms your body and those in the house. Use exhaust fans. Put your waste containers outside the house. You’re sure to find out other means to improve your indoor air quality. – Gerry Constantino, Muntinlupa City