Health Problems at Home 351
Air pollution from outside the home, especially in
cities, industrial areas, and where large amounts
of pesticides are used, causes asthma and other
illnesses of the lungs, nose, throat, and eyes.
Rodents, mosquitoes, and other insects
can live and breed in roof thatch and
cracks in the walls and floors, spreading
diseases such as Chagas (see page 367).
Cracks in foundations,
floors, and walls, and
unsealed roofs and
windows cause heat
loss and dampness. This
allows mold to grow
on walls, bedding, and
furniture. Mold can cause
breathing problems,
rashes, and other
illnesses (see page 358).
Lead water pipes
pollute drinking
and cooking water,
leading to birth
defects and other
serious health
problems (see
pages 368 to 370).
Burning any fuel
without ventilation
releases carbon
monoxide (CO) and
other harmful gases
into the air, leading
to serious illness
(see page 354).
Cleaning products,
pesticides, and other
chemicals can cause
skin rashes, respiratory
illnesses, and other
long-term health
problems (see page 372).
Germs from food or
food surfaces where
food is prepared
cause diarrhea and
food poisoning (see
page 375).
Open fires make harmful
smoke that causes illnesses
of the nose, throat, eyes, and
lungs, and cause burns and
house fires (see page 365).
A Community Guide to Environmental Health 2012