Transcript Energy III: Nonrenewable Energy

Indoor Air Pollutants
Smoking
• Nation’s leading cause of
preventable death
• 1205 deaths per day =418,000/yr
Carcinogens in a Cig!
• Acetaldehyde: 980
mcg
• Arsenic: Unknown
• Formaldehyde:
Unknown
• Lead: Unknown
• Nicotine: 14 mcg
• Vinyl Chloride: 27
nanograms
• Benzene: 5.9-75 mcg
• Carbon Monoxide
Radon
•NOT
anthropogenic
(human caused)
•Colorless, odorless
gas that enters
homes b/c of
radioactive decay of
Uranium 238 in
earth’s rocks
• Seeps through
foundation of houses
Uranium Rock
Radon and Health
• A carcinogen
• 2nd most common
cause of lung
cancer (21,000
deaths/yr, behind
smoking)
• Test Kits Available
for $10
Zone 1 = High, Zone 3 = Low
Remediation of Radon
• Suction systems underneath house
• Sealing cracks in foundation walls and
floors
• Increased ventilation in house
•Do You
have this?
Mold Spores
Mold
• A fungus that eats organic matter
(wood, cardboard, drywall)
• Reproduces by releasing spores
into air.
• Loves moist, humid conditions.
Mold and Health
• Triggers immune
systems responses:
allergies.
• Mold spores may
germinate in lungs
causing lung
lesions.
• Vomiting
Asbestos
• Natural mineral 
doesn’t burn, conduct
heat or electricity
• Used in electrical
insulation, roofing and
car brakes
•Asbestos Hazard and
Emergency Control Act
of 1986: required all use
of asbestos to be phased
out by 1997
Asbestos
Removal
Asbestos and Health
• Can separate in
long thin fibers 
enters lungs
– cancer ,
mesothelioma if
inhaled in high
concentrations
–Asbestosis: acid
tries to eat away
fiber; causes
scarring of
lungs.
Formaldehyde: H2CO
• Caused from incomplete
combustion of C containing
materials.
• Used as a preservative, in
film processing, making
glues for plywood and
carpeting (construction
materials).
• Products decay indoors,
formaldehyde is released.
Formaldehyde and Health
• Common in houses
• Watery eyes,
irritates mucous
membranes,
headaches, diff.
breathing.
• CAN BE A
CARCINOGEN!
Sick Building Syndrome
• Caused by too many indoor air pollutants
• Dizziness, headaches, rash, fever,
fatigue
• New buildings get it more  conserving
energy and newer construction materials.
• Causes absenteeism and loss of
productivity.
OSHA
• Occupational Safety and Health Act of
1970
• Created agency which ensures employers
provide employees with an env. free from
hazards, such as exposure to toxic
chemicals, excessive noise levels,
mechanical dangers, heat or cold stress,
or unsanitary conditions.
Children and Air Pollution
• Effects are
compounded
among children 
lungs are still
developing
• Have higher
metabolic rates
which require more
O2
• To get more O2, kids
breathe larger
volumes of air