Indoor Air Quality

Indoor air quality is also likely to be an issue for many persons.

Maine has among the highest prevalence of tobacco use in the country (CDC MMWR 1996, Vol. 45, Issue 44, 971-974)
But, Hancock County has the lowest rate of smoking in the state.

Many homes built before 1978 have lead paint.

Malfunctioning heating systems, microbial and bacterial sources also pose threats.

Many new homes lack adequate air exchange and have volatile organic compounds from construction materials.

Bucksport, overall, has a relatively good housing stock with below average overcrowding or substandard building.

Previous slide Back to first slide View graphic version

Notes:

Indoor Air Quality
The two major indoor contaminants are:

cigarette smoke and

radon
Other contaminants include:

asbestos - primarily from insulation

volatile organic compounds (VOC) - such as formaldehyde, benzene, and chlorinated products that originate from new synthetic construction materials, solvents, etc.

combustion bi-products, such as carbon monoxide, originating from heating devices

metals - primarily lead found in paint that is dispersed during renovation

particles - such as dust and smoke

organism- such as dust mites, molds, bacteria - sometimes harbored in poorly designed heating and ventilating systems.

Bucksport, overall, has a relatively good housing stock with below average overcrowding or substandard building.