Section 15 vid 5

Understanding Indoor Air Pollution

• Indoor air pollution is often more harmful than outdoor air pollution, presenting a variety of health risks due to various pollutants.

Sources of Indoor Air Pollution

• Common Sources:

  • Emitted smoke from cooking

  • Moldy fruit spores

  • Varnishes, paints, and flame retardants

  • Fine particles with toxins such as cadmium and lead.

• Indoor Pollution Levels:

  • Fine particles can be 60% higher indoors than outdoors.

  • Pesticides like Chlordane found indoors can be 10 times more concentrated due to tracking on shoes.

  • Air pollution inside vehicles can reach 18 times higher than outside levels.

Types of Indoor Air Pollutants

• Tetrachloroethylene:

  • Source: Dry cleaning fumes.

  • Health risks: Kidney and liver damage, nerve disorders, cancers.

• Para-dichlorobenzene:

  • Source: Air fresheners and mothballs.

  • Health risks: Cancer with chronic exposure.

• Chloroform:

  • Source: Heated chlorine in water (e.g., hot showers).

  • Health risks: Cancer.

• Trichloroethane:

  • Source: Aerosol sprays.

  • Health risks: Dizziness, irregular breathing.

  • Note: Phased out by the Montreal Protocol.

• Nitrogen Oxides:

  • Sources: Unvented wood stoves, kerosene heaters, gas stoves.

  • Health risks: Headaches, frequent colds in children, lung irritation.

• Asbestos:

  • Source: Floor tiles, vinyl ceilings, pipe insulation.

  • Health risks: Lung diseases and lung cancer.

• Carbon Monoxide:

  • Sources: Unvented wood stoves, gas stoves, kerosene heaters.

  • Health risks: Headaches, irregular heartbeats, drowsiness, death.

• Methylene Chloride:

  • Sources: Dentures, strippers.

  • Health risks: Nerve disorders, diabetes.

• Formaldehyde:

  • Sources: Furniture stuffing, insulation, particle boards.

  • Health risks: Dizziness, nausea, irritation to skin, lungs, throat, and eyes.

• Benzopyrene:

  • Sources: Wood stoves, tobacco smoke.

  • Health risks: Lung cancer, heart disease, respiratory issues.

• Styrene:

  • Source: Plastic products and carpets.

  • Health risks: Liver and kidney damage.

• Radon-222:

  • Source: Rocks and soil around foundations.

  • Health risks: Nuclear radiation contributing to lung cancer.

Effects of Indoor Air Pollution

• People spend 70-98% of their time indoors or in vehicles, increasing exposure risks.

• Sick Building Syndrome:

  • Predominantly in new buildings with off-gassing materials (e.g., furniture).

  • Symptoms: Headaches, chronic fatigue, flu-like symptoms, burning eyes, nausea, sneezing, dizziness.

• Top Pollutants:

  • Formaldehyde, tobacco smoke, and radon-222 are the most devastating indoor air pollutants according to the EPA.

Indoor Air Pollution Statistics

• WHO reports 4.3 million deaths annually due to indoor air pollution, primarily from:

  • Poor ventilation and pollutants from cooking (nitrogen dioxide, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide).

  • Particulates from incense and candles, as well as chemical irritants.

Mitigation Strategies to Reduce Indoor Air Pollution

• Simple Adjustments:

  • Cover AC ducts and ceiling tiles to prevent particulate pollution.

  • Avoid indoor smoking; better yet, quit smoking.

  • Test homes for radon and make repairs to prevent leaks.

  • Use office machines in well-ventilated areas.

  • Eliminate carpeting to reduce off-gassing.

  • Leave shoes at the door to limit tracking in of pollutants.

  • Use non-polluting cleaning substitutes and limit air fresheners.

  • Regularly dust and vacuum to reduce particulate accumulation.

  • Wash bedding weekly in hot water.

  • Ensure exhaust fans are functioning in kitchens and bathrooms.

  • Manage clutter to reduce dust accumulation.

  • Increase outdoor air intake and use exhaust hoods effectively.

Advocating for Air Quality Improvement

• Campaign for stricter production standards to limit emissions of harmful substances like formaldehyde.

• Focus on prevention of pollution rather than simply addressing its effects.

• Encourage shifts to sustainable energy practices and technologies.

Reflective Discussion Prompt

• Evaluate and discuss the statement regarding pollution prevention measures. Consider:

  • What aspects of air quality regulations need enhancing?

  • What changes do you propose to improve indoor air quality?

Quiz on Indoor Air Pollutants

• Identify the top three indoor air pollutants:

  • a) Sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, tobacco smoke

  • b) Carbon monoxide, radon, tetrachloroethylene

  • c) Formaldehyde, radon, carbon monoxide

  • Correct answer: c) Formaldehyde, radon, and carbon monoxide.