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    Indoor Air Pollution

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    Mohamed Salem
    This document discusses indoor air pollution. It begins by explaining that indoor air pollution poses a greater health risk than outdoor pollution, as indoor pollutant levels can be up to 70 times higher. Common indoor pollutants include tobacco smoke, radon, formaldehyde, VOCs, and particles. Sources of indoor pollution include building materials, furnishings, cleaning products, and activities like smoking. Solutions proposed to reduce indoor pollution include increasing ventilation, using low-toxicity materials, and limiting chemical exposures, especially in developing countries where indoor pollution causes over 1.6 million deaths annually from activities like burning biomass for cooking and heating.

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    Indoor Air Pollution

    Uploaded by

    Mohamed Salem
    257 views24 pages
    This document discusses indoor air pollution. It begins by explaining that indoor air pollution poses a greater health risk than outdoor pollution, as indoor pollutant levels can be up to 70 times higher. Common indoor pollutants include tobacco smoke, radon, formaldehyde, VOCs, and particles. Sources of indoor pollution include building materials, furnishings, cleaning products, and activities like smoking. Solutions proposed to reduce indoor pollution include increasing ventilation, using low-toxicity materials, and limiting chemical exposures, especially in developing countries where indoor pollution causes over 1.6 million deaths annually from activities like burning biomass for cooking and heating.

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    This document discusses indoor air pollution. It begins by explaining that indoor air pollution poses a greater health risk than outdoor pollution, as indoor pollutant levels can be up to 70 times higher. Common indoor pollutants include tobacco smoke, radon, formaldehyde, VOCs, and particles. Sources of indoor pollution include building materials, furnishings, cleaning products, and activities like smoking. Solutions proposed to reduce indoor pollution include increasing ventilation, using low-toxicity materials, and limiting chemical exposures, especially in developing countries where indoor pollution causes over 1.6 million deaths annually from activities like burning biomass for cooking and heating.

    Copyright:

    Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
    Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as ppt, pdf, or txt
    257 views24 pages

    Indoor Air Pollution

    Uploaded by

    Mohamed Salem
    This document discusses indoor air pollution. It begins by explaining that indoor air pollution poses a greater health risk than outdoor pollution, as indoor pollutant levels can be up to 70 times higher. Common indoor pollutants include tobacco smoke, radon, formaldehyde, VOCs, and particles. Sources of indoor pollution include building materials, furnishings, cleaning products, and activities like smoking. Solutions proposed to reduce indoor pollution include increasing ventilation, using low-toxicity materials, and limiting chemical exposures, especially in developing countries where indoor pollution causes over 1.6 million deaths annually from activities like burning biomass for cooking and heating.

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    of 24

    Indoor Air Pollution

    Ch 17

    Indoor air pollution


    Indoor air contains higher concentrations of pollutants than outdoor air (up to 70x)
    Synthetic materials not comprehensively tested To reduce heat loss & improve energy efficiency:
    ventilation systems are sealed off & recirculate air windows do not open This traps pollutants inside.

    Indoor air pollution usually is a greater threat to human health than outdoor air pollution.
    Avg. U.S. citizen spends 90% of time indoors 6,000 people die per day from indoor air pollution

    Pollution levels inside cars in traffic clogged urban areas can be up to 18 times higher.

    Indoor Air Pollution--Developing World From burning wood, charcoal, dung, crop waste
    With little to no ventilation Soot and carbon monoxide Causes pneumonia, bronchitis, allergies, cataracts, asthma, heart disease, cancer & death
    ~1.6 million deaths/year

    Indoor Air Pollution--Developed World


    According to the EPA, the 4 most dangerous indoor air pollutants in developed countries are:
    Tobacco smoke Formaldehyde Radioactive radon-222 gas Very small fine & ultrafine particles

    Other Important Indoor Air pollutants


    Nitrogen dioxide Carbon monoxide Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) House dust mites (& other allergens from pets) Chlorinated organic compounds (ex. pesticides) Asbestos & manmade mineral fibers

    Sources
    Building materials Furnishings & fabrics Glues Cleaning products Combustion appliances (cooking & heating) Open fires Smoking Living organisms Outdoor air

    Tobacco Smoke
    The most dangerous indoor pollutants in the developed world
    Secondhand smoke from cigarettes is especially dangerous
    Containing over 4000 dangerous chemicals Causes eye, nose, and throat irritation Smoking has declined in developed nations

    The most diverse group of indoor air pollutants


    Released by everything from plastics and oils to perfumes and paints
    Ex. formaldehyde, which leaks from pressed wood and insulation, irritates mucous membranes and induces skin allergies Ex. pesticides, which are found indoors more often than outdoors due to seepage

    Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

    Most VOCs are released in very small amounts


    Unclear health effects due to low concentrations

    Radon-222
    colorless, tasteless, odorless, radioactive gas from decay of U-238 found in some soils & rocks can seep into some houses
    Most homes are now radon resistant

    55% of our exposure to radiation comes from radon


    May harm lungs from long term exposure.
    increases the risk of lung cancer
    Chance increase more if a smoker (synergistic effect)

    causes 20,000 deaths a year in the U.S.

    Reducing the risk


    Sealing cracks in floors and walls Simple systems using pipes and fans

    Sources & paths of entry for indoor radon-222 gas

    Radon risk across the U.S.

    Living organisms can pollute indoors


    Dust mites
    feed on human skin & dust
    live in materials such as bedding & furniture fabrics

    can cause asthma attacks & allergic reactions

    Fungi, mold, mildew, airborne bacteria


    cause severe allergies, asthma, & other respiratory ailments

    Animal dander
    worsen asthma

    Major Indoor Pollutants


    Pollutant
    1, 1, 1Trichloroethane Asbestos

    Source
    Aerosol sprays Pipe insulation, ceilings, floor tiles, oven mitts

    Health Effects
    Dizziness, breathing irregularities Lung Cancer and asbestosis

    Benzo-a-pyrene Tobacco smoke, woodstoves


    Carbon Monoxide Faulty furnaces, cigarette smoke

    Lung Cancer
    Headache, heartbeat irregularities, death, CO has 250x affinity for hemoglobin than O2

    http://www.metricmind.com/ac_honda/main.htm

    Chloroform

    Pulp and paper mills, Cancer water and wastewater plants Paneling, particle board, furniture, carpeting, adhesives Nausea, dizziness, irritation of throat, eyes, and lungs

    Formaldehyde

    Methylene chloride
    Nitrogen oxides

    Paint strippers and thinner persistent

    Nerve disorders, diabetes


    Headaches, irritated lungs Cancer

    Furnaces, stoves, fireplaces and vents ParaAir fresheners, dichlorobenzene mothballs

    http://www.metricmind.com/ac_honda/main.htm

    Radon 222

    Styrene Tetrachlorethylene Tobacco Smoke

    Soil and rock near house foundation, concrete Carpets, plastics, Dry-cleaning fluid

    Lung cancer

    Kidney & liver damage Nerve disorders, damage to liver and kidneys, cancer Lung cancer and heart disease Allergies, coughs, sneezing, eye irritation, sore throats, difficulty breathing

    Cigarettes and other smoking sources

    Organic Dust mites, fungal and Material (Living algal spores, dust Organisms) (human skin), animal dander, hair, carpet fibers, fur
    http://www.metricmind.com/ac_honda/main.htm

    Sick Building Syndrome


    A sickness produced by indoor pollution w/ general & nonspecific symptoms
    Ex. dizziness, headaches, coughing, sneezing, nausea, burning eyes, chronic fatigue, irritability, eye/nose/throat irritation, dry skin, nasal congestion, difficulty breathing, nose bleeds, flu-like symptoms
    persistent set of symptoms in >20% population complaints/Symptoms relieved after exiting building causes(s) not known or recognizable

    New buildings are more commonly sick than old ones because of reduced air exchange.
    Can be solved with low-toxicity building materials & good ventilation

    Building Related Illness


    Also due to exposure to indoor air pollutants Recognizable Causes Clinically Recognized Disease
    Examples
    Pontiac Fever Legionella spp. Legionnaire's Disease Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis Humidifier Fever Asthma Allergy Respiratory Disease
    Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

    Reducing Indoor Air Pollution


    Little effort has been devoted to reducing indoor air pollution even though it is more harmful to human health than outdoor air pollution

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

    Solutions
    Indoor Air Pollution
    Prevention Cleanup or Dilution

    Cover ceiling tiles & lining of AC ducts to prevent release of mineral fibers Ban smoking or limit it to well ventilated areas Set stricter formaldehyde emissions standards for carpet, furniture, and building materials Prevent radon infiltration Use office machines in well ventilated areas Use less polluting substitutes for harmful cleaning agents, paints, and other products

    Use adjustable fresh air vents for work spaces Increase intake of outside air

    Change air more frequently


    Circulate a buildings air through rooftop green houses Use exhaust hoods for stoves and appliances burning natural gas Install efficient chimneys for wood-burning stoves
    Fig. 19-20, p. 461

    We can reduce indoor air pollution


    In developed countries:
    Use low-toxicity material Monitor air quality Keep rooms clean Limit exposure to chemicals Allow for better mixing of indoor & outdoor air

    In developing countries:
    Dry wood before burning Cook outside Use less-polluting fuels (natural gas)

    We can reduce indoor air pollution


    The amount of air available (for mixing of indoor & outdoor air) to dilute pollutants is an important indicator of the likely contaminant concentration
    Indoor air can mix with outside air by 3 mechanisms
    infiltration natural ventilation forced ventilation

    Mixing of Indoor & Outdoor Air


    Infiltration
    natural air exchange that occurs between a building & its environment when doors & windows are closed
    leakage through holes or openings in the building
    Influenced by: pressure differentials inside & outside the building temperature differentials inside & outside of bldg ~in winter, warm air inside wants to rise exits through cracks in ceiling & draws in outside air how fast wind is blowing

    Mixing of Indoor & Outdoor Air


    Natural ventilation
    air exchange that occurs when windows or doors are opened to increase air circulation

    Forced ventilation
    mechanical air handling systems used to induce air exchange using fans & blowers

    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 keroseneand gas-burning heaters are properly installed, vented, and maintained.

    Install carbon monoxide detectors in all sleeping areas.


    Fig. 19-21, p. 461

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