On 40th Anniversary of Earth Day, GREENGUARD Environmental Institute Encourages Indoor Environmental Protection, Too

Organization reminds the public that indoor air is two to five times more polluted than outdoor air; offers suggestions for Earth Day activities

ATLANTA, April 22 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Amidst the flurry of environmentally-friendly Earth Day 2010 activities unfolding around the globe today, the GREENGUARD Environmental Institute (GEI) urges communities, families, and individuals to participate in activities that help protect their indoor environments, too.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090401/DC92292LOGO-b)

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), people spend an average of 85 to 90 percent of their time indoors, where the air is two to five times (and sometimes 1,000 times) more polluted than the air outside.  Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are chemicals that can trigger asthma, cognitive delays, nosebleeds, nausea, developmental disorders, and even cancer, among other health problems, are a common source of indoor air pollution.  VOCs emit from many of the products and materials found in indoor environments, including furniture, drywall, flooring, paints, mattresses, insulation, and electronic equipment -- almost anything that's human-made.  

While Earth Day has traditionally focused on energy conservation, natural resource preservation, and outdoor pollution reduction, it is GEI's hope that celebrants this year will also strive to reduce indoor air pollution and create healthier indoor environments.

"Certainly Earth Day should be about protecting the planet," says Henning Bloech, executive director of GEI.  "The outdoor environment is extremely important.  But when you get right down to it, the reason we're trying to protect the planet in the first place is because we're trying to protect the lives of the people who live on it.  And that means focusing on human health."  

Need some fresh ideas for Earth Day activities that help improve indoor air quality?  GEI suggests the following (indoor) environmentally-friendly activities:

• OPEN UP:  Rally neighbors and community members to open their windows for the day to improve ventilation in their homes and offices.  Tightly-sealed, energy-efficient buildings can trap VOCs and other pollutants inside.
• SKIP CHORES: Encourage others to take a break from cleaning for the day (many cleaning products and solvents emit potentially toxic VOCs) or to use natural cleanser alternatives, like vinegar and baking soda.
• AIR OUT: Let any new furniture or interior decor off-gas, or air out, somewhere outdoors for a few days before bringing it indoors.
• GO SHOPPING: Convince everyone you know to replace potentially high-emitting products with third-party certified low-emitting products, and head to the stores to stock up (visit www.greenguard.org for a free product listing).

About the GREENGUARD Environmental Institute (GEI)

The GREENGUARD Environmental Institute is an industry-independent, third-party, not-for-profit organization that aims to improve human health and quality of life through programs that reduce people's exposure to chemicals and other pollutants.  The GREENGUARD Certification Programs certify products for low chemical emissions and provide consumers with a resource for choosing healthier products and materials for indoor environments.  All certified products must meet stringent standards for low chemical emissions based on established criteria from key public health agencies. GREENGUARD Certification is broadly recognized and accepted by sustainable building programs and building codes worldwide. For more information and a complete listing of certified products, visit www.greenguard.org.

SOURCE GREENGUARD Environmental Institute

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