When it comes to entertainment, the last thing a person wants to worry about is the possible health risks associated with a given activity. However, it is important to understand the possible health risks associated with leisure activities so that they can either be avoided or decreased. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), for example, “indicates that people spend approximately 90 percent of their time indoors,” and much of that time is spent involved in recreation. So it is necessary to understand the effects poor indoor air quality (IAQ) can have on an individual and how such conditions can be improved.
Biological contaminants are part of poor indoor air quality and can contribute to health issues in people who are exposed. Such contaminants can be an even bigger problem in a casino establishing due to the sheer number of people that are present at any given time. Particular individuals, especially the elderly or those who have an existing respiratory condition, are at a high risk of being affected by airborne contaminants. Thus, avoiding high levels of mold in the air is very important. Moisture intrusion is necessary for the growth of black mold. If a building, such as a casino, has existing leaks, the structure can become a prime location for toxic mold to fester. In this kind of situation, it is very important to keep the building properly maintained and to fix any leaks or water intrusion sites as soon as they happen. If mold spores are present and water is added, mold can begin to grow rapidly, even within 48 hours. Those who are affected by black mold exposure will expect to suffer from the following symptoms: scratchy or irritated throat, watery eyes, congested nasal passage, coughing, sneezing, bloody nose, flue-like symptoms, skin sensitivity and rash. Severe reactions can cause damage to the kidneys, immune system, central nervous system or brain, and can even result in death. Not only does water intrusion lead to mold growth, which can cause serious health problems, but mold can also destroy the structural integrity of the building resulting in increased repair costs.
One lesser known factor that can lead to poor indoor air quality (IAQ) at casinos is the passing of communicable disease, which can spread very quickly given the right circumstances. In overcrowded areas with poor ventilation, the passing of such diseases can happen very easily. Airborne diseases can trigger acute respiratory infections, which, according to the World Resources Institute, “kill more than 4 million people per year and are the leading cause of death among children under age 5.” The following diseases are airborne, meaning they can be spread by droplets from a cough, a sneeze, or unwashed hands: Meningitis, Chicken Pox, Tuberculosis (TB), and Influenza (bird flu / swine flu). These diseases transmit easily from one individual to another, as no physical contact is necessary. Even the flu, which is viewed as one of the least deadly airborne diseases, can be fatal. During the beginning of the 20th century over 20 million people died after contracting influenza. Even in the 21st century “more than 20,000 people in the United States die from the flu each year.” It should be noted that those individuals with compromised immune systems are especially at risk of contracting airborne illnesses. For a building that has numerous people inside at any given time, it becomes especially important to not only properly ventilate that facility, but also to properly decontaminate the area to limit the transfer of disease.
Another factor that contributes to poor IAQ in casinos is the consistent use of cleaners that contain chemical compounds known as Volatile Organic Compounds, or VOCs. Such compounds are found in common cleaners, air fresheners, and several other products. VOCs can contribute to several health issues that include less serious reactions such as: irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, allergic reaction, irritation of the membrane of the eye, nausea, dizziness and fatigue. Some of the more serious symptoms of exposure include: loss of coordination, memory impairment, liver and kidney damage, damage to the central nervous system, shortness of breath or labored breath, other respiratory issues, vomiting, nose bleeds and in some cases cancer. The health effects of exposure to such VOCs rely greatly on the toxicity of the chemical compound that is present. It also depends on the amount of chemical present and how long an individual has been exposed to the chemicals. In a casino there is a constant need to sanitize or clean the area, resulting in a higher level of VOCs present in the air. It is important to know what products are being used and what kind of chemicals they contain.
A commonly understood cause of health issues at casinos and other gambling establishments is the concentration of secondhand smoke that is present. For a smoker, the detrimental health effects related to smoking is quite clear. However, what many are not aware of are the damaging effects of secondhand smoke. A report issued by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) indicated that individuals who work in a casino environment are exposed to high levels of secondhand smoke. Additionally, the report details a significant increase in “tobacco-specific carcinogens” present in casino workers’ bodies as their shifts went on. The report goes on to indicate that those working in such an environment had a higher risk of developing lung and heart disease as a result of exposure to secondhand smoke. NIOSH also states that “six out of every 10,000 nonsmoking Pennsylvania casino workers will die each year because of exposure to secondhand smoke.” Furthermore, cotinine (metabolized nicotine) levels of non-smoking casino workers have been documented as being “300-600% higher than in other smoking workplaces during a work shift.” Such exposure can cause several reactions, including runny nose, sneezing, red eyes and respiratory issues such as cough, shortness of breath, and thick sputum. Genetic-level reactions are more severe, resulting in cancer and heart disease. According to a University of Nevada study, “smoke-filled casinos have up to 50 times more cancer-causing particles in the air than highways and city streets clogged with diesel trucks in rush hour traffic.” When smoking was limited in the casinos, the severe reactions and nicotine levels dropped significantly.
All of the these issues associated with poor indoor air quality can be exacerbated by poor ventilation. And these issues apply to all indoor gambling establishments: Casinos, card rooms, bingo halls, slot machine dens, poker lounges, sports betting halls and others. Even in the most ventilated of locations, health problems are still rampant. This is why it is so important to implement a sophisticated ventilation system to ensure the cleanest environment given the circumstances. Not only is ventilation key, but proper maintenance of ventilation systems and decontamination of presently contaminated areas are also necessary for such a crowded facility. Fixing any possible leaks will help to limit mold’s ability to grow and spread airborne spores throughout. Sanitizing the facility can help with preventing the transmission of disease.
Whether you are a casino owner or executive, a member of the maintenance staff, a floor dealer or worker, or a patron, it is important to understand just what risks you are taking and how to VOC'slimit them.
Biological contaminants are part of poor indoor air quality and can contribute to health issues in people who are exposed. Such contaminants can be an even bigger problem in a casino establishing due to the sheer number of people that are present at any given time. Particular individuals, especially the elderly or those who have an existing respiratory condition, are at a high risk of being affected by airborne contaminants. Thus, avoiding high levels of mold in the air is very important. Moisture intrusion is necessary for the growth of black mold. If a building, such as a casino, has existing leaks, the structure can become a prime location for toxic mold to fester. In this kind of situation, it is very important to keep the building properly maintained and to fix any leaks or water intrusion sites as soon as they happen. If mold spores are present and water is added, mold can begin to grow rapidly, even within 48 hours. Those who are affected by black mold exposure will expect to suffer from the following symptoms: scratchy or irritated throat, watery eyes, congested nasal passage, coughing, sneezing, bloody nose, flue-like symptoms, skin sensitivity and rash. Severe reactions can cause damage to the kidneys, immune system, central nervous system or brain, and can even result in death. Not only does water intrusion lead to mold growth, which can cause serious health problems, but mold can also destroy the structural integrity of the building resulting in increased repair costs.
One lesser known factor that can lead to poor indoor air quality (IAQ) at casinos is the passing of communicable disease, which can spread very quickly given the right circumstances. In overcrowded areas with poor ventilation, the passing of such diseases can happen very easily. Airborne diseases can trigger acute respiratory infections, which, according to the World Resources Institute, “kill more than 4 million people per year and are the leading cause of death among children under age 5.” The following diseases are airborne, meaning they can be spread by droplets from a cough, a sneeze, or unwashed hands: Meningitis, Chicken Pox, Tuberculosis (TB), and Influenza (bird flu / swine flu). These diseases transmit easily from one individual to another, as no physical contact is necessary. Even the flu, which is viewed as one of the least deadly airborne diseases, can be fatal. During the beginning of the 20th century over 20 million people died after contracting influenza. Even in the 21st century “more than 20,000 people in the United States die from the flu each year.” It should be noted that those individuals with compromised immune systems are especially at risk of contracting airborne illnesses. For a building that has numerous people inside at any given time, it becomes especially important to not only properly ventilate that facility, but also to properly decontaminate the area to limit the transfer of disease.
Another factor that contributes to poor IAQ in casinos is the consistent use of cleaners that contain chemical compounds known as Volatile Organic Compounds, or VOCs. Such compounds are found in common cleaners, air fresheners, and several other products. VOCs can contribute to several health issues that include less serious reactions such as: irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, allergic reaction, irritation of the membrane of the eye, nausea, dizziness and fatigue. Some of the more serious symptoms of exposure include: loss of coordination, memory impairment, liver and kidney damage, damage to the central nervous system, shortness of breath or labored breath, other respiratory issues, vomiting, nose bleeds and in some cases cancer. The health effects of exposure to such VOCs rely greatly on the toxicity of the chemical compound that is present. It also depends on the amount of chemical present and how long an individual has been exposed to the chemicals. In a casino there is a constant need to sanitize or clean the area, resulting in a higher level of VOCs present in the air. It is important to know what products are being used and what kind of chemicals they contain.
A commonly understood cause of health issues at casinos and other gambling establishments is the concentration of secondhand smoke that is present. For a smoker, the detrimental health effects related to smoking is quite clear. However, what many are not aware of are the damaging effects of secondhand smoke. A report issued by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) indicated that individuals who work in a casino environment are exposed to high levels of secondhand smoke. Additionally, the report details a significant increase in “tobacco-specific carcinogens” present in casino workers’ bodies as their shifts went on. The report goes on to indicate that those working in such an environment had a higher risk of developing lung and heart disease as a result of exposure to secondhand smoke. NIOSH also states that “six out of every 10,000 nonsmoking Pennsylvania casino workers will die each year because of exposure to secondhand smoke.” Furthermore, cotinine (metabolized nicotine) levels of non-smoking casino workers have been documented as being “300-600% higher than in other smoking workplaces during a work shift.” Such exposure can cause several reactions, including runny nose, sneezing, red eyes and respiratory issues such as cough, shortness of breath, and thick sputum. Genetic-level reactions are more severe, resulting in cancer and heart disease. According to a University of Nevada study, “smoke-filled casinos have up to 50 times more cancer-causing particles in the air than highways and city streets clogged with diesel trucks in rush hour traffic.” When smoking was limited in the casinos, the severe reactions and nicotine levels dropped significantly.
All of the these issues associated with poor indoor air quality can be exacerbated by poor ventilation. And these issues apply to all indoor gambling establishments: Casinos, card rooms, bingo halls, slot machine dens, poker lounges, sports betting halls and others. Even in the most ventilated of locations, health problems are still rampant. This is why it is so important to implement a sophisticated ventilation system to ensure the cleanest environment given the circumstances. Not only is ventilation key, but proper maintenance of ventilation systems and decontamination of presently contaminated areas are also necessary for such a crowded facility. Fixing any possible leaks will help to limit mold’s ability to grow and spread airborne spores throughout. Sanitizing the facility can help with preventing the transmission of disease.
Whether you are a casino owner or executive, a member of the maintenance staff, a floor dealer or worker, or a patron, it is important to understand just what risks you are taking and how to VOC'slimit them.
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