When most people think about air pollution, they think about outdoor air pollution. The traditional image is one of industrial smoke stacks beltching thick black smoke into the air. For the last 30 years, much has been done at both the state and federal levels to address these outdoor problems.

But until recently, comparatively little has been done to address another kind of air pollution that can be just as problematic -- indoor air pollution. Since most indoor air pollution does not look as bad as the kind of outdoor pollution that comes from old factories, lawmakers and everyone else have generally ignored it.

Not so in Maine, however. Last March, Maine took one big step towards understanding and addressing indoor air pollution through the creation of the Maine Indoor Air Quality Council. Located in Augusta, Maine, the Council was created at the suggestion of a State Task Force, which found that there had been little coordinated work by the public and private sectors to combat indoor air pollution.

The purpose of the Council is to "promote better quality of life and increased productivity through improved indoor environments." Already hard at work, the Council has started focussing on the air quality of Maine's public schools. It has also developed and processed an indoor air quality needs assessment, which was the subject of an Indoor Air Quality Conference, responded to various requests for information from the executive and legislative branches, and has retained an Executive Director.

Maine is clearly ahead of other states in assessing this problem. And its a good thing that someone is taking this initiative. According to the federal government, indoor air pollution is a large problem that is not taken seriously by many Americans. In a way it is similar to drinking water problems: if the water looks ok, most people assume that it is ok.

According to the American Lung Association, poor indoor air quality can cause or contribute to the development of chronic respiratory illnesses , including allergic reactions and asthma. Children are particularly at risk, especially when you consider that some five million children in the U.S. suffer from asthma.

There are several causes of indoor air pollution. Frequent air pollution sources include: mold, dander, dust mites, bacteria and cockroaches. Often, indoor heating and ventilation systems transmit these substances, which are inhaled and make people ill.

Animal dander and hair are a big pollution source. Many people have allergic reactions to dander and hair. Cats are a particular problem because they lick themselves. So, the hair also contains saliva, and both can trigger reactions. If this poses a problem, it might be best to keep your pets outdoors, if possible. At a minimum, keep them out of your bedroom and carpeted indoor areas.

And indoor air pollution gives us even another reason to hate cockroaches. Did we need another reason? Cockroaches and roach waste can trigger allergic reactions. In fact, allergists frequently test patients for possible cockroach triggered allergies.

There are tools available to reduce indoor air pollution. But, in truth, the fight requires constant vigilance. One good way to start is to make sure that your vacuum cleaner contains a HEPA filter. House air filtration systems are also available and may help.

If your home has forced hot air or air conditioning ducts, you may consider cleaning the ducts. According to trade officials, many indoor air pollutants accumulate in the duct work systems. Frequency of required cleaning may depend on whether there is a smoker in your house, whether you have pets, and whether you have a lot of indoor mold accumulation.

Experts urge that wall to wall carpeting can be a big problem if household members are prone to indoor pollutant reactions. Wood or vinyl flooring, or washable carpets, are preferred by some experts.

In addition, mattress and pillow covers may help because they create a barrier between the sleeper and the dust mite containing mattresses and pillows. In general, measures should be taken to eliminate all toxins from the bedroom. You are in there for many hours at a time, and thus it is important to minimize exposure.

Sprays are also available for carpeting and drapes. The sprays, which can be costly, are intended to kill dust mites and other indoor pollutants.

While we all know that soot producing smoke stacks are unhealthy, many Americans have tended to overlook health threats that are "closer to home." Although the states and the federal government are starting to look at this problem, mainly Maine is leading the pack. Good for Maine!

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Published: July 15, 1999

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Stuart Lieberman, Esq. writes about environmental issues. He was a New Jersey Deputy Attorney General assigned to the State Department of Environmental Protection from 1986 to 1990. Currently he is a shareholder in the environmental law firm of Lieberman & Blecher, P.C., located in Princeton, New Jersey. Stuart can be reached at slieberman@liebermanblecher.com.