Everybody is exposed to a variety of health risks each and every day. Indoor Air Quality is one of many current issues facing Tribal communities, throughout Indian Country. Communities similar to Bad River's are put at an immediate disadvantage due to factors related to harsh seasonal weather, clay soils, aging structures, and unavailable funding to invest in reconstruction. Scientific evidence has also recently indicated that the indoor air can become more polluted than almost any polluted-outdoor environment and with other studies showing the average person spends 90% of their time within indoor environments; it indicates a definite higher risk to unhealthy indoor environments.

Common Indoor Air Pollutants:

1. Radon: Radon is a naturally ocurring radiactive gas that is created from the naturak breakdown of uranium in the soil and cannot be detected by any human senses. It is a known Class "A" Carcinogen and is actually the leading cause of lung cancer behind tobacco smoke. Only way to know if your home has radon is to test!
2. VOCs: Volotile Organic Compounds are emitted as gases through certain forms of liquids and solids and can cause serious health effects. VOCs can be emitted from thousands of products and supplies, which include; cleaning agents, paints, permanent markers, and even copiers and printers.
3. ETS: Environmental Tobacco Smoke is the leading cause of lung cancer among men and women. Many states have taken action against ETS and have made buildings, restaurants, and even cars with small children all smoke free areas.
4. Moisture & Mold: Mold can be found almost anywhere there is oxegon and water present. If you find mold, first, do not become over concerned. (However if you feel it is black mold, immediately contact the Air Department.) First examine the area and determine the size of area contaminated. If you feel it is to large for yourself to clean contact a professional for advise. If you determine you can tacle it yourself clean the mold and rid the place of thewater source. (EPAs Mold Clean-up)
5. CO: Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, and very toxic gas that can be fatal. Many CO issues are contributed from combustion sources, such as; leaky furnaces, water heater, small gas-space heaters, and car exhaust leakage from attached garages. If you feel your home has CO issues immediatly contact the Air Department.
6. LEAD: Lead has been known for sometime now to cause severe health effects, that include; convultions, coma, and even death. In the early 1990s lead was considered "the number one environmental health threat to children in the US," by the Secretary of Department of Health & Human Services.
7. More Indoor Air Pollutant information can be found on the EPA's Website: http://www.epa.gov/iaq/ia-intro.html

Daniel Wiggins-Air Quality Technician  

Bad River Natural Resource Department
72682 Maple Street
Odanah, WI 54861

Work Phone: 715-682-7123 ext. 1553
Fax: 715-682-7118
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it