(Ottawa) A study found that indoor air in homes on the territories of four remote First Nations in northwestern Ontario contained carbon dioxide, fine particles, mold and other substances that increase the risk of respiratory infections.
About 27 percent of homes contained high levels of carbon dioxide, the study found. Nearly half had visible mold.
Endotoxin levels were also higher than in any previous study conducted in Canada.
Endotoxins can come from things like pets, humidifiers, firewood stored indoors, and cigarette smoke. High concentrations may impact lung function.
The author of the study, David Miller, is a distinguished professor-researcher at Carleton University in Ottawa. In his opinion, endotoxin levels in homes were 1,000 times higher than the worst he had seen in the past.
Professor Miller says ventilation systems need to be properly installed and maintained. In fact, 44% had a heat recovery ventilation system, but only 8% of the systems were in good working order.