Our Indoor Air May Not Be As Safe As We Think

Helen Zukin

Attorney

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Our indoor air may not be as safe as we think. Many debilitating and life threatening diseases can be caused by exposure to indoor air pollution.

The air we breathe in our homes, offices and schools can make us sick. Over the last few decades, our exposure to indoor air pollution has increased as a result of the construction of air tight buildings, the use of toxic substances in building materials and furnishings, pesticides, household cleaning solvents and the improper design and management of ventilation systems.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ranks indoor air pollution among the top five environmental risks to public health. Exposure to indoor contamination can cause serious injuries, ranging from respiratory and neurological diseases, autoimmune reactions and cancer.

In California, building owners and operators have a duty to provide occupants with safe environments, free of indoor contamination. Kiesel Boucher Larson, LLP has long had expertise in indoor air pollution cases. Whether one is a residential tenant, commercial building occupant, home owner, student or industrial employee, Kiesel Boucher Larson, LLP can help enforce the right to a clean and safe environment.

The EPA has stated,

"U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) studies of human exposure to air pollutants indicate that indoor levels of many pollutants maybe 25 times, and occasionally more then 100 times, higher than outdoor levels. These levels of indoor air pollution are of particular concern because it is estimated that most people spend as much as 90% of their time indoors."