Indoor Air Pollution Chapter 20, Section 5

1. Indoor Air PollutionChapter 20, Section 5

2. Indoor airpollution Indoor air contains higher concentrations of pollutants than outdoor air 6,000 people die per day from indoor air pollution The average U.S. citizen spends 90% of the time indoors Exposed to synthetic materials that have not been comprehensively tested To reduce heat loss and improve energy efficiency, building ventilation systems were sealed off ventilation and windows put in that did not open, trapping pollutants inside

4. Indoor air pollution in the developing world • Stems from burning • Wood, charcoal, dung, crop wastes • Little to no ventilation • Fuel burning pollution causes an estimated 1.6 million deaths per year • Soot and carbon monoxide • Causes pneumonia, bronchitis, allergies, cataracts, asthma, heart disease, cancer and death

5. Indoor air pollution in developed countries • The most dangerous indoor pollutant in the developed world: tobacco smoke • Secondhand smoke from cigarettes is especially dangerous • Containing over 4000 dangerous chemicals including : benzene, formaldehyde, nicotine, tar, carbon monoxide, acrolein, ammonia, acetone • Causes eye, nose, and throat irritation • Smoking has declined in developed nations

6. Indoor Air Pollutants Second most dangerous indoor air pollutant in developed countries: Radon – colorless, odorless radioactive gas that comes from the decay of uranium; can seep into buildings; can cause cancer

7. Outlet vents for furnaces and dryers Open window Open window Openings around pipes Openings around pipes Cracks in wall Cracks in wall Slab joints Wood stove Cracks in floor Sump pump Clothes dryer Furnace Slab Radon-222 gas Uranium-238 Soil

8. Radon risk across the U.S.

9. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) • The most diverse group of indoor air pollutants • Released by everything from plastics and oils to perfumes and paints • Most VOCs are released in very small amounts • Unclear health implications due to low concentrations • Also include pesticides, which are found indoors more often than outdoors due to seepage • Formaldehyde, which leaks from pressed wood and insulation, irritates mucous membranes and induces skin allergies

10. Indoor Air Pollutants Asbestos – fire-resistant material used in many building materials until they were banned in the 1970s Becomes a problem if it is disturbed and the fibers that make up asbestos become airborne, lodge in lungs, cause cancer

11. Indoor air pollutants Biological: Fungi – mold spores; some people are allergic to them; can come from air ducts, moist walls, etc; problem after Katrina Bacteria – some can be airborne and can be distributed in air ducts, water droplets at spas; Ex: Legionnaire’s disease Dust mites Animal dander

12. Indoor Air Pollutants Sick Building Syndrome – when something about a building is making people sick, they get better when they leave the building Symptoms – headaches, fatigue, eye irritation, dizziness Often due to newer airtight construction which limits flow of fresh air May be caused by chemical, biological or any other pollutant

13. We can reduce indoor air pollution • In developed countries: • Use low-toxicity material • Monitor air quality • Keep rooms clean • Limit exposure to chemicals • In developing countries: • Dry wood before burning • Cook outside • Use less-polluting fuels (natural gas)