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Indoor Air Quality |
Lead |
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Asthma is a long-term, inflammatory disease in which the airways of the lung tighten and constrict causing wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness and coughing. It also causes the airways of the lung to become especially sensitive to a variety of asthma triggers. Americans spend up to 90% of their time indoors, exposure to indoor allergens and irritants may play a significant role in triggering asthma episodes. Some of the most common asthma triggers found indoors include: mold, pollens, dust mites, animal dander, cockroaches and secondhand smoke. Indoor air quality problems in schools can impact the health of students and staff, including those with asthma. Chemicals, cleaning supplies, mold, improperly maintained ventilation systems and allergens from classroom animals or pests are among some of the more common indoor air pollutants. |
Lead is a naturally occurring bluish-gray metal found in the earth's crust. Lead can also be found in plants, animals, air, water, dust, and soil. As an element, lead is indestructible. Once it is released into the environment, it lasts. It can move from one place to another and can change its chemical form. For example, lead in dust can be carried long distances in air, dissolve in water, and find its way into soil where it can remain for years (ATSDR, 1990). Lead is a well-known toxin. People are exposed to lead by swallowing or breathing it. One of it's primary targets is the nervous system. It is important to know that even exposure to low levels of lead can permanently affect children. It lowers intelligence, causes learning disabilities, and attention deficit disorder. It can cause hearing damage, speech problems and poor muscle coordination. Lead can be found in batteries, paints, lead dust, soil, ceramics, cosmetics, some imported mini-blinds, bullets and sinkers. |
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