Indoor Air Pollutants

These flashcards cover key concepts related to indoor air pollutants, their sources, health effects, and prevention measures.

What is the contribution of indoor air pollution to deaths in 2019 and 2020?

Indoor air pollution contributed to 2.8 million deaths in 2019 and 3.2 million deaths in 2020.

What are some sources of indoor air pollutants?

Natural sources include radon, mold, and dust. Anthropogenic sources include combustion, asbestos, VOCs, and lead.

What is radon, and why is it a concern?

Radon is a gas that results from the natural decay of uranium and is a health risk because it can lead to lung cancer.

How can radon enter homes?

Radon can seep into homes through cracks in foundations and dissolve in groundwater.

What effects does radon have on health?

Radon produces radioactive particles that can damage lung cell DNA, leading to lung cancer.

What measures can be taken to reduce radon risk?

Radon testing kits, fixing cracks in foundations, and installing venting systems.

What is mold and where is it commonly found?

Mold is a type of fungus that releases spores and is often found in buildings with poor ventilation and high humidity.

What are the health effects of dust as an indoor air pollutant?

Dust can cause allergy symptoms and respiratory issues.

What are carbon monoxide's effects and sources?

Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas from incomplete combustion; it can cause headaches, nausea, fatigue, and death.

Why is carbon monoxide particularly dangerous indoors?

It is a 'silent' killer that can accumulate without detection and prevents oxygen from binding to hemoglobin.

What is asbestos and what health risk does it pose?

Asbestos is a fiber used in insulation that can cause lung cancer when inhaled.

What are Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)?

VOCs are carbon-based molecules found in building materials and household products that can be harmful.

What risks does lead exposure pose?

Lead exposure can cause behavioral problems, learning disabilities, and seizures, especially in children.

What is Sick Building Syndrome?

A condition where building occupants experience health effects linked to time spent in a building without a specific cause.

What are some solutions to address Sick Building Syndrome?

Improving ventilation, identifying pollutants, and modifying or removing contaminants.

How do primary indoor air pollutants differ between developing and developed nations in an APES context?

In developing nations, the main concern is particulate matter (PM) from biomass combustion (wood/dung) for heating and cooking. In developed nations, the focus is on synthetic chemicals (VOCs), building materials (asbestos), and geological hazards like radon.

Describe the source and physiological effect of Carbon Monoxide (CO).

CO is a byproduct of incomplete combustion in furnaces or space heaters. It acts as an asphyxiant because it binds to hemoglobin in red blood cells with a higher affinity than oxygen (O_{2}), preventing oxygen delivery to tissues.

Explain the geological source and transport of Radon-222 into a building.

Radon gas is produced by the natural radioactive decay of uranium found in granite bedrock and soils. It enters homes through cracks in the foundation or by dissolving in groundwater.

What specific health risk is associated with Radon-222 exposure?

Radon decay produces alpha particles that, when inhaled, damage lung cell DNA, making it the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.

What are Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and where are they found indoors?

VOCs are organic chemicals that vaporize at room temperature. Common sources include formaldehyde in pressed-wood products (plywood, furniture), carpets, adhesives, paints, and cleaning supplies.

Asbestos was used as a fire retardant and insulator. Inhaling its fine fibers can lead to asbestosis (scarring of lung tissue) and mesothelioma (a specific cancer of the lung lining).

Identify the health risks associated with asbestos exposure in older buildings.

What is Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) and how is it usually resolved?

A condition where building occupants experience health issues (headaches, nausea) linked to time spent in a building without a specific cause. It is usually mitigated by improving ventilation rates and removing pollutant sources.

Describe the source and neurotoxic effects of Lead (Pb) in the indoor environment.

Commonly found in lead-based paint (pre-1978) and lead pipes. Lead is a neurotoxin that causes brain damage, decreased IQ, and behavioral problems, particularly in children.

List three mitigation strategies for reducing indoor radon levels.

1. Sealing cracks in the foundation and basement floor. 2. Installing a soil suction system (vent pipe and fan). 3. Using radon-resistant new construction techniques.

What are some common sources of indoor particulate matter (PM)?

Cigarette smoke, fireplaces, dust, pet dander, and mold spores.