Indoor Air Pollution. Indoor vs. Outdoor Air Pollution Indoor air pollution is usually much worse...
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Transcript of Indoor Air Pollution. Indoor vs. Outdoor Air Pollution Indoor air pollution is usually much worse...
Indoor Air Pollution
Indoor vs. Outdoor Air Pollution
• Indoor air pollution is usually much worse than outdoor air pollution– Combustion sources: oil, gas, wood, tobacco– Building materials and furnishings– Household products: cleaning and personal
care– Household appliances: unvented mechanics,
HVAC– Outdoor sources that get indoors: radon, etc.
• Worst in developing countries– Appliances and products without ventilation
Combustion Sources • Sources: unvented space heaters,
leaking chimney or fireplace, back-drafting, gas stoves, attached garage
• Human Health:– Low levels cause flu symptoms, lung
irritation etc.– High levels of CO can kill
Building Materials and Furnishings
• Asbestos– Old or deteriorated insulation or roofing– Carcinogen: lung cancer
• Formaldehyde– Common in particle-board, carpet glues, and
textiles– Eye, nose and throat irritation, allergies,
asthma, possible carcinogen
• Wet or damp areas– Mold and dust, cause irritation and allergy
problems
Household Products• Cleaning products, personal care, pesticides,
and hobby materials (glues, paints, markers)• Toxic materials require proper ventilation!!!• Industrial Solvents are V.O.C.’s
– Benzene (adhesives, dry cleaning, paints, detergent)– Many as solvents: cleaning, hygiene, cosmetics, etc.
• Nausea, fatigue, toxicity, cancer risks
Household Appliances and Systems
• Unvented Appliances– Gas stoves, furnaces, space heaters (CO, NOx,
SO2)
• HVAC Systems– Breed mold and bacteria, and spread it– Legionnaire’s Disease (pneumonia though air
vents)
Outdoor Sources
• Radon– Leaks from soil into
basement and house
• Chimney Effect– Pollutants move
inward through doors and windows and vent upwards through tall, heated buildings
Sick Building Syndrome• Sick Building Syndrome
– Headaches and allergic-like reactions with unspecified stimuli
– Energy efficiency increases indoor pollutants by sealing them inside
– Often related to microbial problems: mold, dust, dust mites, bacteria, and other pathogens
Common Indoor Air Pollutants
• Cigarette smoke*• Formaldehyde*• Radon –222*• Ultra-fine particulates*• Asbestos• Pesticides• Molds• Dust mites and pollens• Legionella pneumophila (and other
bacteria)