Indoor air pollution

Indoor air pollution refers to the contamination of indoor air that can lead to adverse health effects. It encompasses a wide range of pollutants, including chemical substances, biological materials, and physical particles. Common sources of indoor air pollution include combustion processes, building materials, household cleaning products, and outdoor air pollution infiltrating indoors. The significance of indoor air quality has risen as individuals spend a considerable amount of their time indoors, making exposure to indoor pollutants a major public health concern.

Sources and Types of Indoor Air Pollution

Indoor air pollution can originate from various sources, each contributing different types of pollutants to the indoor environment. Major sources include:

• Combustion Sources: Burning of fuels for cooking, heating, and lighting, such as wood, coal, kerosene, and tobacco products, releases pollutants like carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), particulate matter (PM), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
• Building Materials and Furnishings: Materials like asbestos, formaldehyde (found in pressed wood products), lead (in old paint), and radon (a naturally occurring radioactive gas) can off-gas or deteriorate into the indoor air.
• Household Cleaning and Maintenance Products: Many cleaning agents, pesticides, and personal care products emit VOCs and other chemicals into the indoor environment.
• Outdoor Air Pollution: Pollutants from outside air, including PM, NO2, sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ozone (O3), can enter buildings through open windows, doors, and ventilation systems.
• Biological Contaminants: Mold, bacteria, viruses, pollen, animal dander, and dust mites can accumulate in damp or poorly ventilated areas, contributing to indoor air pollution.

Health Effects

The health impacts of indoor air pollution can range from short-term irritations to long-term respiratory diseases, heart disease, and even cancer, depending on the type and concentration of pollutants and the duration of exposure. Common health effects include:

• Irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat
• Headaches, dizziness, and fatigue
• Respiratory diseases, including asthma and bronchitis
• Heart disease
• Cancer, particularly from pollutants like radon and secondhand tobacco smoke

Vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions, are at greater risk of experiencing adverse health effects from indoor air pollution.

Prevention and Control

Improving indoor air quality involves a combination of reducing pollutant sources, enhancing ventilation, and purifying the air:

• Source Control: Eliminate or reduce the sources of pollutants. This can include using non-toxic cleaning products, ensuring combustion appliances are properly vented, and avoiding smoking indoors.
• Ventilation Improvements: Increase the amount of outdoor air coming indoors. This can be achieved through opening windows, using exhaust fans, and ensuring that ventilation systems are properly maintained and operated.
• Air Cleaners: Use air purifiers to remove pollutants from indoor air. The effectiveness of air cleaners can vary based on the type of pollutant and the size of the area being treated.

Regulations and Guidelines

Various countries and organizations have established guidelines and standards for indoor air quality. These include permissible exposure limits for specific pollutants, recommendations for ventilation rates, and guidelines for the construction and maintenance of buildings to minimize indoor air pollution.

See Also

• Air quality index
• Environmental health
• Occupational safety and health
• Sick building syndrome