Indoor Air Pollution

Indoor Air Pollution

 Little effort has been devoted to reducing indoor air pollution even though it poses a much greater threat to human health than outdoor air pollution.

 Environmental and health scientists call for us to focus on preventing air pollution (especially indoor) in developing countries.

Why is indoor air quality important?

 70 to 90% of time spent indoors, mostly at home  Many significant pollution sources in the home (e.g. gas cookers, paints and glues)  Personal exposure to many common pollutants is driven by indoor exposure  Especially important for susceptible groups – e.g. the sick, old and very young

Exposure

 Time spent in various environments in US and less developed countries

Third World Countries

INDOOR AIR POLLUTION

 Indoor air pollution usually is a greater threat to human health than outdoor air pollution.

 According to the EPA, the four most dangerous indoor air pollutants in developed countries are:  Tobacco smoke.

 VOCs - formaldehyde  Radioactive radon-222 gas.

 Very small fine and ultrafine particles.

Sources of Indoor Pollution

Chloroform 1, 1, 1 Trichloroethane Nitrogen Oxides Para-dichlorobenzene Tetrachloroethylene Formaldehyde Styrene Benzo-

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-pyrene Particulates Asbestos Carbon Monoxide Tobacco Smoke Methylene Chloride Radon-222

Sick Building Syndrome

 Building-related illness whose cause is a mystery and whose symptoms are general and nonspecific

Sick Building Syndrome

Microbes

 Household dust mites that feed on human skin and dust, live in materials such as bedding and furniture fabrics.

 Mold, mildew, fungus can be found behind walls, under floors and carpets, bathroom and laundry cabinets.

 Thought to be a major cause of building-related illness

Asbestos

 a natural fiber-like mineral once used for fireproofing in construction  If asbestos fibers become airborne, they can lodge themselves in the lungs and cause cancer

Formaldehyde

 Formaldehyde is used in the production of many household products. It is a nasal and mucus irritant and may contribute to some kinds of cancer.

Volatile Organic Compounds

 Released by everything from plastics to oils to furnishings, building materials, carpets, laser printers, and photocopying machines  Health implications are not clear

Second-hand cigarette smoke

 Can cause a variety of health problems  Cancer  Sudden infant death syndrome  Lower respiratory tract illness    Middle ear disease Asthma 12 million children exposed to secondhand smoke in homes

Radioactive Radon

Sources and paths of entry for indoor radon-222 gas.

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Radon (Rn)

:  Is a naturally occurring radioactive gas found in some types of soil and rock.

 It can seep into homes and buildings sitting above such deposits .

Radioactive Radon

 55% of our exposure to radiation comes from radon  colorless, tasteless, odorless gas  formed from the decay of uranium  found in nearly all soilsCan cause lung cancer  7,000 to 30,000 Americans die each year from radon induced lung cancer  only smoking causes more lung cancer deaths  smokers more at risk than non-smokers

Radon: How it Enters Buildings

 Cracks in solid floors  Construction joints  Cracks in walls  Gaps in suspended floors  Gaps around service pipes  Cavities inside walls  The water supply http://www.epa.gov/iaq/radon/pubs/citguide.html#howdoes

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fibers Prevention Solutions Indoor Air Pollution Cover ceiling tiles & lining of AC ducts to prevent release of mineral Cleanup or Dilution Use adjustable fresh air vents for work spaces Increase intake of outside air Ban smoking or limit it to well ventilated areas Change air more frequently Set stricter formaldehyde emissions standards for carpet, furniture, and building materials Circulate a building

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s air through rooftop green houses Prevent radon infiltration Use exhaust hoods for stoves and appliances burning natural gas Use office machines in well ventilated areas Use less polluting substitutes for harmful cleaning agents, paints, and other products Install efficient chimneys for wood-burning stoves

What Can You Do?

Indoor Air Pollution • Test for radon and formaldehyde inside your home and take corrective measures as needed.

• Do not buy furniture and other products containing formaldehyde.

• Remove your shoes before entering your house to reduce inputs of dust, lead, and pesticides.

• Test your house or workplace for asbestos fiber levels and for any crumbling asbestos materials if it was built before 1980.

• Don't live in a pre-1980 house without having its indoor air tested for asbestos and lead.

• Do not store gasoline, solvents, or other volatile hazardous chemicals inside a home or attached garage.

• If you smoke, do it outside or in a closed room vented to the outside.

• Make sure that wood-burning stoves, fireplaces, and kerosene and gas-burning heaters are properly installed, vented, and maintained.

• Install carbon monoxide detectors in all sleeping areas.