Indoor Pollutants

Never having children who chewed on their crib rails, window sills or rocking chairs, I could never understand the phenomenon of those children that did. I understood the danger if the items being chewed were covered in lead-based paint, but never why children preferred to chew on these dangerously painted objects.

After working in chemistry and teaching chemistry for a total of 32 years, imagine where I learned the answer. That interesting book on plumbing (ref. Got Milk Gas?). The word plumbing actually comes from the Latin word plumbus, meaning lead. The pipes bringing in fresh water from the aqueducts to homes in ancient Rome were made of lead. That's why we chemists torture students by abbreviating lead using Pb instead of something easier to remember such as Ld.

Lead actually gives the paint a sweet taste. Romans sweetened many of their foods with lead. I'm not sure exactly how (I'm working on that) but apparently they did. Thus another theory for their downfall.

Experts estimate that lead-based paint was used in 2/3 of the houses built before 1940, 1/3 of those built between 1940 and 1960 and some houses since 1960.

If you suspect that the paint in your home contains lead, contact the Texas Health Department for advice on testing. In the meantime, cover the paint up with paper and do not disturb the paint until you hear from the lab and the health department has advised you on the proper disposition of the paint. If you start scraping or sanding, you create more hazard than it's worth. The National Safety Council can advise you on local contacts to help you 1-800-532-3394.

NASA research has discovered that the lovely, indoor houseplant absorbs common household air pollutants such as formaldehyde, benzene (a carcinogen) and trichloroethylene and convert them into oxygen and nontoxic chemicals. Some can convert up to 87% of toxic indoor air within 24 hours.

The horrid chemicals listed above come from synthetic materials in our homes and offices such as foam insulation, carpeting, furniture, cleaners, dry-cleaned clothes, paints, plastics, oils and detergents.

One plant per 100 square feet is a good average to have. The best plants are philodendrons, golden pathos, bamboo palm, corn plant, mother-in-law tongue, peace lily, spider (airplane) plants and chrysanthmums. Fortunately for me, many of these are pretty kill-proof.