Indoor Air Pollution and Health Effects

Why is Indoor Pollution a Threat? More pollution than outdoor spaces US spends 90% indoors Countless consumer products/chemicals are used in everyday lives The most threatening indoor air pollutants: Smoke and soot from the burning of wood and coal in cooking fires (mostly in less- developed countries) Cigarette smoke Chemicals used in building materials and cleaning products

Other Indoor Pollution Threats VOCs = plastics, oils, cleaning fluids, adhesives, pesticides, building materials Living organisms = dust mites, animal dander, fungi, mold-produce allergies, asthma, etc Sick building syndrome= when the cause of building-related illness is a mystery

Indoor Air Pollution Is a Serious Problem In developing countries Indoor burning of wood, charcoal, dung, crop residues, coal Greatest risk to low-income populations In developed countries Indoor air pollution is greater than outdoor air pollution Chemicals used in building materials

Indoor Air Pollution Is a Serious Problem Indoor air pollution risk Children under five and the elderly Sick Pregnant women People with respiratory disorders or heart problems Smokers Factory workers Four most dangerous indoor air pollutants in more-developed countries Tobacco smoke Formaldehyde Radioactive radon-222 gas Very small (ultrafine) particles Other indoor pollutants Pesticide residues, lead particles, air-borne spores (mold, mildew)

Case Study: Radioactive Radon Gas Sources Underground deposits of certain minerals Comes from radioactive decay of uranium Human health risks Can expose the lungs to high amounts of radiation Lead to damage and cancer

What Are the Health Effects of Air Pollution? Air pollution can contribute to: Asthma Chronic bronchitis Emphysema Lung cancer Heart attack Stroke The respiratory system protects from air pollutants through: Hair Cilia Mucus Effects of smoking and prolonged air pollution exposure Chronic bronchitis Emphysema

Air Pollution Is a Big Killer 3.2 million deaths per year worldwide Mostly in Asia; 1.2 million in China 150,000 to 350,000 in the United States EPA proposed stricter emission standards for diesel-powered vehicles 125,000 die in U.S. each year from diesel fumes Emissions from one truck = 150 cars