While smoke is a major risk factor for lung-affected Alphas, it’s far from the only one. Many substances found throughout the home and other environments can negatively impact your health. Because our lungs are continually in direct contact with elements in the air, it is especially important for individuals predisposed to breathing difficulties due to Alpha-1 to recognize potential risks and learn how to safeguard themselves. Read on to learn more about common lung disease risk factors and how to combat them.

Risk Factors in the Home

Fumes

Fumes generated in the kitchen, bathroom, workroom, or garage, as well as from unvented kerosene heaters, gas heaters, and construction or building materials, specifically formaldehyde from particleboard, fiberboard, hardwood, plywood, wall paneling, textiles, and carpets can be harmful to the lungs and cause respiratory issues.

  • Institute the use of a mask whenever the potential for breathing harmful or irritating fumes exists.
  • Open windows and increase ventilation when you are in areas where fumes may accumulate or install exhaust fans. Remember to inspect fans and clean them routinely.
  • When working on your car in a garage, keep the garage door open and prevent exhaust fumes from entering your home.
  • Keep lids secure on solvent containers. Dispose of saturated cloths or rags in sealed containers.
  • Always use a mask and gloves when handling these substances to avoid or reduce inhaling the fumes and protect your skin from contact.
  • Have heaters inspected and serviced regularly. Check pilot lights on gas heaters and stoves to make sure the gas flame is burning blue, not yellow or orange.
  • Use “exterior-grade” pressed wood products because they emit lower amounts of phenol resins as opposed to urea resins.
  • Ensure that carpets and carpet padding have little or no formaldehyde content.

Aerosols & Powders

Aerosolized products such as deodorants, hair sprays, perfumes, air fresheners, and spray disinfectants can irritate the lungs and lead to breathing issues. Use roll-on deodorants, pump sprays, solid air fresheners, and non-toxic alternatives.

Dusting powder is readily airborne and can be inhaled, causing irritation and potential respiratory problems. Avoid or use powder sparingly to avoid breathing airborne particles. If you must use powder, consider using a mask.

Heavy Cleaning Products

Proceed with caution when utilizing household cleaning/insecticide products, ammonia-based products, petroleum-based products, oven cleaners, bleach, spray furniture polish, bug sprays, paint sprays, and mildew remover sprays as these products pose a threat to your liver, as well as your lungs. Remember, the liver detoxifies what we breathe in.

  • Minimize your use of toxic chemicals. Seek less toxic or more natural alternative products as much as possible. For example, baking soda or a solution of vinegar and water serve quite well as household cleaning products.
  • Use commercially available pre-moistened dusting/polishing cloths or a cloth slightly dampened with water.
  • Use extra caution when using chemical sprays — make sure the room is well ventilated and wear a mask.
  • Be aware of the nature of chemicals that come in contact with your skin, because these can be absorbed through the skin and affect your liver. The insecticides used for trees and shrubs not only kill bugs but can be absorbed through the skin and damage the liver. That is why they are called toxic chemicals. Use gloves, a mask, hat, and protective clothing every time you handle these substances.
  • Protect your skin from exposure as much as possible.
  • Never mix chemical solutions, because deadly chemical reactions can occur. For example, never mix ammonia and bleach!
  • If irritating chemicals must be used, arrange for someone else to do the cleaning and leave the home until the fumes have dissipated.

Dust & Dirt

Dust and dirt can accumulate quickly and cause breathing difficulty.

  • Avoid all dusty situations, including shaking rugs, vacuuming, sweeping, and dusting. Have someone else in the household do the dusting, if possible. If you must be the one who does the dusting, wear a mask.
  • When cleaning areas where dust and dirt routinely accumulate, use a damp rag or mop to reduce airborne particles. Remember, many household appliances collect dust and other irritants and should be cleaned regularly as well. These include dryer filters, refrigerator coils, drip pans, heat exchangers, furnaces, heating ducts, and vents.
  • Central air conditioning and heating filters should be replaced regularly. You may wish to consider the use of a HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filter in your home. HEPA filters are the highest efficiency air filters available for the filtration of small particles. Defined by the Institute of Environmental Science, a certified HEPA filter must capture a minimum of 99.97 percent of contaminants at 0.3 microns in size. In general, Alphas should avoid electrostatic filters that are known to produce ozone, a gas that can injure the lung.

Smoke

Fireplace/wood-burning/stove smoke poses risks for individuals with respiratory difficulties. Although economic factors and the availability of resources may influence the decision to use one type of heating method over another, consideration should be given to the overall impact of this method of heating on your respiratory health.

  • Provide for cleaning of the chimney on an annual basis, or more frequently if needed.
  • Before lighting the fireplace, make sure the damper is open. For a wood stove, be sure it is in proper working condition, the seams are tight and sealed, and the gasket is not overly worn and creating gaps.
  • Burn only firewood, not paper, charcoal, or other items that can cause toxic fumes.

Bacteria, Mold & Mildew

Bacteria, mold, and mildew can accumulate in areas in the home that are moist, damp, and dark, especially bathrooms, kitchens, basements, garages, and humidifying and dehumidifying units. The soil of house plants is also known to support the growth of mold and mildew.

  • Increase ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens with fans vented to the outdoors. Wash tile and grouted surfaces frequently. Regrouting may be needed occasionally.
  • Wash and replace sponges used in the kitchen and bath frequently, especially during the cold and flu season. Replace soiled hand towels with fresh ones routinely.
  • Seal leaks and waterproof basements. Wipe up any leaks or standing water as soon as possible.
  • Clean humidifying/dehumidifying units regularly. Empty water trays in air conditioners, dehumidifiers, and refrigerators frequently.
  • Clean and dry water-damaged carpets or remove and replace them altogether.
    Consider growing house plants in an enclosed terrarium.

Asbestos & Radon

Asbestos and radon gas health hazards are well documented. Asbestos can be found in old deteriorating insulation, fireproofing material, or acoustical materials. Radon gas occurs naturally in the earth, in uranium and rocks beneath homes in some parts of the US, old granite foundations, and in well water.

  • Have qualified and trained contractors handle the control of asbestos exposure, removal, and/or clean up.
  • Have your home tested for radon and seek professional assistance before planning abatement measures.
  • Seal cracks and openings in basement floors and walls.
  • Provide for adequate ventilation in the crawl space.
  • Treat radon-contaminated well water through aeration or filtering through activated charcoal.

Risk Factors at Work

A variety of substances in the workplace cause health hazards. Exposure to them can pose serious risks for healthy individuals, as well as present increased risks for those with Alpha-1. It is important for individuals diagnosed with Alpha-1 to be aware of these risks and make appropriate occupational choices when possible. This is especially important for younger Alphas who are just starting out in their careers and can make more informed career and vocational choices. Choosing “Alpha-friendly” work environments and avoiding occupations that repeatedly expose you to toxic substances can reduce your risk of developing lung or liver disease.

The following is a listing of some common toxic substances found in the workplace, along with examples of their specific effects:

  • Ammonia: A gas that is an irritant to the eyes, nose, and throat, and causes upper airway constriction.
  • Asbestos: A dust that causes lung fibrosis or scarring of the tiny air sacs in the lungs and surrounding tissue. Also causes lung cancer.
  • Phosgene: A toxic gas that causes pulmonary edema, chemical pneumonitis, and corrosive burns to air passages. Also causes the death of liver cells. This is used in chemical plants and can be produced during home fires.
  • Carbon monoxide: A colorless, odorless gas that interferes with the ability of the blood to carry oxygen to the vital organs of the body. This is formed as a byproduct of combustion.
  • Carbon tetrachloride: A colorless liquid that is a known carcinogen and toxic to the central nervous system, liver, and kidneys. This is now rarely used except in chemical plants.
  • Toluene: is a chemical used in nail polish and paint thinners that has a distinctive smell. It is often combined with isocyanates in industrial settings and used in the plastics, insulation, and automotive industry. Toluene diisocyanate (TDI) is a cause of asthma and wheezing from very small concentrations in the workplace. Toluene in larger amounts is also toxic to the liver.

When work environment risks are identified, action should be taken to eliminate or avoid exposure to the source. It is your employer’s responsibility to keep you informed of the general and more specific hazards associated with your employment and to provide you with a safe work environment. If your job places you in a situation where you are repeatedly exposed to toxic substances, your employer is required to provide you with appropriate safety equipment, including respirator masks and protective clothing.

For individuals with existing breathing difficulties, a respirator mask may not be acceptable because the mask itself can impose breathing restrictions. In this case, the inability to safely wear protective equipment may require job reassignment away from the breathing hazard. You should work closely with the occupational health nurse, your supervisor, and your physician to facilitate this process. The possibility of seeking a new work environment, alternate employment, or even disability may need to be considered.

Risk Factors Outdoors

The number one outdoor risk factor for Alphas is air pollution. While poor outdoor air quality and air pollution affect everyone, individuals with pulmonary problems are at an even greater risk of suffering negative effects from exposure. Contaminants are present all around us from varying sources: exhaust from vehicles, discharge from industrial plants, air pollution, smog, chemicals, fertilizers, pesticides, bacteria, mold spores, and fungi. All of these substances contribute to poor air quality.

In communities where air pollution can be routinely problematic, reports and warnings are broadcast to the public during news reports and weather updates. Depending on the level of air quality, warnings and instructions are given as to whether it is advisable to be out of doors and what level of activity is appropriate. Adhering to the recommendations during periods of poor air quality and instituting some simple measures can reduce your risk of exposure.

Helpful Tips:

Avoid poor air and noxious fumes when traveling by car. Steer clear of traveling on crowded highways at the height of rush hour. Whenever possible, seek alternate routes away from congested highways or plan travel when traffic is lighter. Keep the air conditioner on the recycling mode and the windows rolled up.
Stay indoors when air quality reports deem it necessary. Keep windows closed and air conditioners and air filters turned on.

Despite taking precautions, you may still experience breathing difficulties when exposed to pollutants and other irritants. Always consult your physician before you adjust your medications or the level of your supplemental oxygen. Your healthcare provider is the individual who is best able to assess your condition and offer you the appropriate recommendations for treatment and risk avoidance.

Source:
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