Case Study: Indoor Air Pollution What is formaldehyde? Where does it most likely come from in mobile homes? What is black lung disease?

Catalyst Predict some sources of indoor air pollution

Sources of Indoor Air Pollution Secondhand smoke Most hazardous common indoor air pollutant Legionella pneumophila Causes a type of pneumonia called Legionnaires’ disease when inhaled Some molds in buildings release toxic spores. Cause inflammation and scarring of lungs

Sources of Indoor Air Pollution Radon gas seeps up naturally from soil below buildings second most common cause of lung cancer Pesticides applied in buildings to control pest

Sources of Indoor Air Pollution Asbestos Comes from fireproofing and insulation materials Causes a type of lung cancer Formaldehyde A VOC used in many materials found in homes/offices Dust mites and pollen irritate the respiratory system, nose, eyes, and skin of people who are sensitive to them.

Dust mite

Pollen grains

Sources of Indoor Air Pollution Common indoor air pollutants are often highly concentrated compared with outdoor levels. Why? There are so many potential indoor sources of pollutants. The effectiveness of the steps we have taken to conserve energy in buildings has led to the trapping of pollutants inside.

Sick Buildings There are two types of sick buildings: Buildings w/ identifiable problems Occurrences of toxic molds or bacteria known to cause disease. Diseases are known as building-related illnesses (BRI). Buildings w/ sick building syndrome (SBS) Symptoms people report cannot be traced to any one known cause.

Sick Buildings When the cause is not detected. A number of things may be happening: The complaints result from the combined effects of a number of contaminants present in the building. Environmental stress from another source is responsible. Employment-related stress may be leading to the symptoms reported. Pollutants or toxins may be present but not identified.

Environmental Tobacco Smoke Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) Secondhand smoke People who are exposed to ETS are referred to as passive smokers. It is hazardous for the following reasons: Tobacco smoke contains several thousand chemicals, many of which are irritants. Studies of nonsmoking workers exposed to ETS found that they have reduced airway functions, suffer more illnesses, and lose more work time than those not exposed to ETS. In the US, about 3,000 deaths from lung cancer and 40,000 deaths from heart disease a year are thought to be associated with ETS.

Indoor Air Pollution and Green Buildings Building green. The processes involve using building designs that result in less pollution and better use of resources. Providing for a good indoor environmental quality is a significant part. Designing, constructing, and maintaining buildings that minimize indoor air pollutants. Ensuring that fresh air is supplied and circulated, and managing moisture content to remove the threat of moisture-related problems such as mold.

Control of Indoor Air Pollution One of the principal means for controlling quality is by dilution Fresh outdoor air mixed via a ventilating air-conditioning system and windows that can be opened. Various types of air-cleaning systems reduce potential pollutants Such as particles, vapors, and gases. Can be installed as part of the heating, ventilation, and AC system or as stand-alone appliances.