1. Indoor Air Pollution

2. Indoor Air Quality People spend up to 90% of their time indoors
Indoor air has a higher concentration of gases and particles compared to outdoor air
typically due to inadequate ventilation
combined with high temperature and humidity

3. Causes of Indoor Air Pollution
Anything that release gases or particles into the air
The less ventilation homes/buildings have, the worse their Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

4. Sources of Indoor Pollutants
Pesticides (carried in on shoes, clothes)
Radon (Rn)
Respirable Particles
Secondhand Smoke/ Environmental Tobacco Smoke
Stoves, Heaters, Fireplaces, and Chimneys
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
Asbestos
Biological Pollutants
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
Formaldehyde/Pressed Wood Products
Lead (Pb)
Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)

5. Indoor Air Pollution and Health
Health effects from indoor air pollutants may be experienced soon after exposure
These include irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue
Other health effects may show up either years after exposure has occurred or only after long or repeated periods of exposure
respiratory diseases, heart disease, and cancer, can be severely debilitating or fatal

6. Mesothelioma
Rare form of cancer of the lining of the lungs only associated with Asbestos exposure

7. Improve your Air Controlling the sources of pollution: Ventilating
Increasing the amount of fresh air brought indoors helps reduce pollutants inside. Always ventilate and follow manufacturers’ instructions when you use products or appliances that may release pollutants into the indoor air.
Changing filters regularly
Central heaters and air conditioners have filters to trap dust and other pollutants in the air.
Adjusting humidity
The humidity inside can affect the concentrations of some indoor air pollutants. For example, high humidity keeps the air moist and increases the likelihood of mold.

8. Simple Steps Don’t smoke inside ( or at all, really)
Open windows- even for just a few minutes
Have houseplants
Photosynthesis helps to remove pollutants
Dust and vacuum regularly
Brush and wash pets
Fix leaky pipes and clean sources of mold