While we often consider our homes as sanctuaries-places of peace and safety-we may actually be living in danger zones filled with toxic airborne chemicals. Many of the building materials and housekeeping substances we use in our homes are air pollutants, capable of causing acute and long-term damage to our health, as well as the health of our pets. In fact, our animals are even more vulnerable than we are to the damaging effects of indoor air quality.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency ( EPA), "indoor air pollution poses high risks to humans, especially sensitive populations, and has ranked among the top four environmental risks in relative reports."

Studies show that indoor air in homes is, on average, two-20 times more polluted than the outdoor environment. Today, we are seeing new causes and mutations of disease as a result of the rapidly expanding development of the synthetic chemical industry. A study by the EPA found a staggering 900 chemicals present in the home environment. This "soup" of synthetic chemicals can affect multiple body systems and is cited as a causing health-damaging effects to upper respiratory tract, nose and sinuses, immune system, digestive system, reproductive system, central nervous system, internal organs, and skin.

These diseases are directly linked to the presence of these chemicals in the Environment. Exposure to low levels of chemicals can cause allergic sensitization of the airways in animals, indicating the weakening of systems, and further reducing the animal's ability to cope with the increasingly polluted indoor air environment. It is these Chronic, low levels of chemicals that we are addressing in the indoor home environment. Some dogs with strong immune systems may live in homes with chart topping levels of air pollutants, and not visibly display signs of poor health. On the other end of the scale, other dogs may immediately suffer acute distress-such as asthma, anxiety, depression, itchy, runny eyes, or severe skin irritation-from the introduction of new or existing toxic chemicals in the home.

Pesticides pose special risks. Of the approximate 200 such chemicals currently known to cause cancer in humans, pesticides are among the most serious. Pesticides are designed to kill, and do not discriminate. Pesticides are commonly found in pet products for dogs, such as flea collars, flea powders, shampoos, dips, carpet treatments, and even some pet foods. Again, our companion animals are even more vulnerable than we are to the damaging effects of indoor air pollution.. First, It is not unusual for dogs who live inside to spend almost 100% of their lives indoors. Even dogs that are walked for an hour a day, are still indoors for the other 23 hours.

Second, many common solvents have a higher molecular weight than air; thus they settle towards the floor. Any animal that spends most of its time near or on the floor is more susceptible to these chemical exposures. If they are paying attention, humans are able to recognize and investigate the early symptoms of ill health when they themselves experience them. Obviously, our dogs are not able to let us know what they are feeling. While the onset of acute disease among animals has fallen over the past years, the rise in chronic disease is increasing annually.

There are some basic methods that anyone can use to help identify how, why, and when to avoid the use of products that have the ability to contaminate indoor air. Educate yourself about the products you use by doing research of the listed ingredients on the packaging. Finally, consider the impact of everything you use and do in your indoor and Environment-it all adds up.

Shop Carefully and wisely and avoid these exposures. As you can see, awareness and conscious action are major keys to preserving our health and the health of our beloved pets.

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