Pesticides are inherently toxic and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) describes them as chemicals that are used to kill or control pests. These pests include bacteria, fungi and other organisms, in addition to insects and rodents.

With regards to pesticide use and indoor air quality (IAQ), EPA has shared information from a study that found 75% of U.S. households used at least one pesticide product indoors during the past year. Products used most often include insecticides and disinfectants. Another study EPA mentions suggests that 80% of most people's exposure to pesticides occurs indoors and that measurable levels of up to a dozen pesticides have been found in the air inside homes.

Exposure to pesticides can indeed occur from their use indoors, but it can also occur when contaminated soil or dust floats or is tracked in from the outside. Exposure can also come from pesticide containers stored indoors, from household surfaces that collect and then release the pesticides, and even from foods and products with pesticides on them that are brought indoors.

Potential health effects due to pesticide exposure can vary widely. (epa4) According to the EPA, exposure to pesticides may result in:
• Irritation to the eyes, nose and throat
• Damage to the central nervous system and kidney
• Increased risk of cancer

Symptoms may include:
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Muscular weakness
• Nausea

Chronic exposure to some pesticides can result in damage to the:
• Liver
• Kidneys
• Endocrine and nervous systems

Steps to Reduce Exposure
• Use strictly according to manufacturer's directions
• Mix or dilute outdoors
• Apply only in recommended quantities
• Increase ventilation when using indoors, take plants or pets outdoors when applying pesticides/flea and tick treatments
• Use nonchemical methods of pest control where possible
• If using a pest control company, select it carefully
• Do not store unneeded pesticides inside a home; dispose of unwanted containers safely
• Store clothes with moth repellents in separately ventilated areas, if possible
• Keep indoor spaces clean, dry and well ventilated to avoid pest and odor problems

These are just a few of the many things to know about pesticides and indoor air quality. To learn more about this or other building science, industrial hygiene, environmental, health or safety issues, please visit the websites shown below.

Clark Seif Clark https://www.csceng.com
EMSL Analytical, Inc. https://www.emsl.com
LA Testing https://www.latesting.com
Zimmetry Environmental https://www.zimmetry.com
CTSI https://www.ctsiweb.com
Healthy Indoors Magazine https://www.healthyindoors.com