The source of the problem
There are over 70,000 chemicals commercially produced in the United States today. many of which were developed after World War II. The long-term, low dose effects of many of these chemicals have never been investigated. In fact, the term “low dose” is misleading, implying low concentrations are harmless. But many chemicals are harmful in very low doses, like the herbicide 2,4, 5-T which is harmful in parts-per-trillion. Unless generated by the body (formaldehyde, pentane), the body’s level for chemicals should be non-detectable, and not “low level”.
With the energy conservation efforts of the 1980’s came the construction of closed buildings. The inability to circulate fresh air coupled with the rise in toxic construction materials and an increase in the use of office machines has created an indoor air pollution problem that exceeds outdoor air pollution. In fact, only approximately 40% of indoor chemicals come from outdoors. Sixty percent of indoor chemicals are generated by products or machines used indoors.
The workplace is a site for chemical toxicity. Closed buildings present their own problems, and each profession additionally contributes specific chemical exposures. With the down-sizing of many businesses and the movement of workers from the office to their respective homes, the home must also be evaluated as a source of occupational chemical exposure. And because the “work” of childhood is to become educated, schools with their multiple chemicals (asbestos, chalk, paints, solvents, commercial cleaning products, etc.) are a source for substantial chemical toxicity, not only for children but also for teachers, secretaries, janitors, and other school employees.
There are over 70,000 chemicals commercially produced in the United States today. many of which were developed after World War II. The long-term, low dose effects of many of these chemicals have never been investigated. In fact, the term “low dose” is misleading, implying low concentrations are harmless. But many chemicals are harmful in very low doses, like the herbicide 2,4, 5-T which is harmful in parts-per-trillion. Unless generated by the body (formaldehyde, pentane), the body’s level for chemicals should be non-detectable, and not “low level”.
With the energy conservation efforts of the 1980’s came the construction of closed buildings. The inability to circulate fresh air coupled with the rise in toxic construction materials and an increase in the use of office machines has created an indoor air pollution problem that exceeds outdoor air pollution. In fact, only approximately 40% of indoor chemicals come from outdoors. Sixty percent of indoor chemicals are generated by products or machines used indoors.
The workplace is a site for chemical toxicity. Closed buildings present their own problems, and each profession additionally contributes specific chemical exposures. With the down-sizing of many businesses and the movement of workers from the office to their respective homes, the home must also be evaluated as a source of occupational chemical exposure. And because the “work” of childhood is to become educated, schools with their multiple chemicals (asbestos, chalk, paints, solvents, commercial cleaning products, etc.) are a source for substantial chemical toxicity, not only for children but also for teachers, secretaries, janitors, and other school employees.