A: Mostly because of a near hysteria toward
energy savings, many people have
sealed up their houses as tight as a drum. As
such, a build-up of various chemicals can
occur, that might never have happened in
the past.
Formaldehyde is used in many household
items, including wood products, paint,
drapery, carpets, paper, and insulation materials.
Relatively low concentrations of
formaldehyde can cause searing eye irritation,
skin rashes, and a host of respiratory symptoms. Smoking can dramatically raise
the formaldehyde concentration.
However, in the wake of the FEMA trailers,
well-meaning regulators have overreacted,
coming up with allowable levels that
approach the normal level of this compound
in human breath in certain cases.
Remedial activities would be increasing
ventilation, especially if new items—as
mentioned above—are brought into your
home.
Carbon monoxide (CO)
concentrations
can increase because of faulty gas appliances,
or if combustion-based space heaters
are used. Poorly-drafted fireplaces can produce
smoke as well as carbon monoxide.
While a CO build-up sufficient to cause
death is unlikely, except in small occupancies,
elevated CO concentrations can promote
drowsiness, headaches, and flu-like
symptoms.
CO is an insidious killer since it is odorless.
Best practice is to be aware of this hazard,
and to install CO detectors if you feel that your
home would be prone to this problem.
