Deadly Indoor Air: Four Pollutants To Fear

Indoor air pollution is a serious environmental hazard that can be even more harmful to health than outdoor air pollution. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has identified four of the most dangerous indoor air pollutants: asbestos, radon-222, cigarette smoke, and sulfur dioxide. These pollutants can build up to dangerous levels if indoor spaces are not adequately ventilated, which is a particular concern in energy-efficient homes that are sealed tight. In addition to these four pollutants, indoor air quality can also be affected by various other toxins, including carbon monoxide and fine particulate matter, which is released from the indoor burning of solid fuels in developing countries.

Tobacco smoke: a mix of harmful chemicals, including carcinogens, causing respiratory issues and cardiovascular problems

Tobacco smoke is a complex mixture of thousands of chemicals created by the burning of plant material and the combustion of tobacco. This toxic mix contains at least 100 harmful chemicals, including nicotine, carbon monoxide, tar, and phenols. These chemicals, along with fine particles, are released into the air and can be inhaled or absorbed through the lining of the mouth.

The effects of tobacco smoke on the body are extensive and far-reaching, impacting nearly every system in the human body. The respiratory system is particularly affected, with smoke damaging the lungs, throat, and other airways. Tar, a sticky substance, coats the lungs, damaging the tissue and impeding their function, leading to lung disease and the well-known 'smoker's cough'. The tiny particles in tobacco smoke irritate the throat and lungs, causing excess mucus production. Additionally, phenols paralyse and kill the hair-like cells in the airways, impairing their ability to sweep clean the lining and protect against infections.

The harmful chemicals in tobacco smoke also affect the cardiovascular system. Nicotine narrows veins and arteries, forcing the heart to work harder and faster, while carbon monoxide deprives the heart of oxygen, hindering its ability to pump blood. These factors contribute to an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, and coronary heart disease.

The impact of tobacco smoke is not limited to the smoker. Secondhand smoke, or the smoke that non-smokers are exposed to, also has detrimental effects. It increases the risk of respiratory infections, ear infections, asthma attacks, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in children. In adults, secondhand smoke exposure is linked to coronary heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer.

Tobacco smoke is a significant health hazard, causing immediate and long-term damage to the body. With its complex mixture of harmful chemicals, it poses a serious threat to both smokers and those exposed to secondhand smoke, underscoring the importance of smoke-free environments and the need for effective ventilation systems.

Radon: a colourless, odourless gas, that can cause lung cancer

Radon is a colourless, odourless, and naturally occurring gas that can build up inside homes, schools, and buildings to dangerous levels. It is formed underground from the breakdown of uranium in rock and soil and can seep into buildings through cracks in walls, basement floors, foundations, and other openings. It can also enter buildings less commonly from water used in showers and faucets.

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, responsible for about 15,000 to 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year. When radon is inhaled, tiny radioactive particles get trapped in the lungs. These particles break down and release small bursts of energy that can damage lung tissue over time, leading to lung cancer. The risk of lung cancer from radon exposure is higher for smokers, with studies estimating that smokers are 25 times more at risk than non-smokers.

Radon levels can vary substantially from 10 Bq/m3 to more than 10,000 Bq/m3, and the only way to know if a building has high radon levels is to test for it. Radon test kits are simple to use and inexpensive, and it is important to work with a professional to install a mitigation system if high levels of radon are detected.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has published a fact sheet on radon and cancer, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has also recognized radon as a major indoor air pollutant. It is important to take steps to prevent radon entry into buildings and reduce radon levels to protect public health.

Carbon monoxide: an invisible, odourless gas, produced by combustion, which prevents oxygen uptake in the blood

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless, and poisonous gas that is created during combustion processes. It is often referred to as the "invisible killer" due to its deadly nature and the fact that it cannot be detected by human senses. Carbon monoxide is produced when fuels such as gas, oil, kerosene, wood, charcoal, natural gas, or propane are burned. While proper use and maintenance of fuel-burning appliances can minimize the amount of CO produced, malfunctioning or improperly used appliances can lead to dangerous levels of CO accumulation.

The dangers of carbon monoxide lie in its ability to prevent oxygen uptake in the blood. When inhaled, CO attaches itself to red blood cells, forming carboxyhaemoglobin. This blocks the transport of oxygen by binding to haemoglobin, which is responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body. As a result, carbon monoxide poisoning can lead to severe health issues, including headaches, dizziness, mental confusion, nausea, fainting, and even death.

To protect yourself from carbon monoxide poisoning, it is crucial to prioritize proper ventilation and appliance maintenance. Ensure that fuel-burning appliances, such as furnaces, heaters, and generators, are correctly vented and functioning properly. Regular maintenance and inspections of these appliances are essential to identify any potential issues. Additionally, installing carbon monoxide detectors in your home can provide an early warning system, alerting you to the presence of dangerous CO levels. These detectors should be placed in central locations near sleeping areas and on every level of your home.

It is worth noting that carbon monoxide detectors are not a substitute for proper appliance maintenance. While they can provide an additional layer of protection, it is important to prioritize preventing CO buildup in the first place. This includes following safety guidelines, such as using portable generators outdoors and away from enclosed spaces, and regularly checking for any signs of malfunctioning appliances.

Community education and awareness play a vital role in preventing carbon monoxide poisoning. Initiatives like Amanda's Law, which mandates the installation of CO detectors in various dwellings, and the distribution of safety messages and materials by organizations such as the U.S. Fire Administration, are crucial steps towards keeping people informed and safe from the dangers of carbon monoxide.

Volatile organic compounds: gases containing chemicals, emitted from solids or liquids, such as formaldehyde

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are gases emitted from certain solids or liquids. They include a variety of chemicals, some of which carry adverse health effects. VOCs are emitted by a wide array of products, from paints and varnishes to cleaning supplies and pesticides. Even fuels contain organic chemicals, which release organic compounds when they are used and stored.

The concentration of VOCs is consistently higher indoors than outdoors, with levels up to ten times higher inside homes. This is due to the use of products containing organic chemicals, which can expose people to very high pollutant levels. These elevated concentrations can remain in the air long after the activity that caused them is completed.

To reduce exposure to VOCs, it is recommended to increase ventilation when using products that emit them, such as paint stripping, and to follow label precautions. Opened containers of unused paints and similar materials should not be stored inside. It is also advised to identify and remove sources of VOCs, or if this is not possible, to reduce exposure by using sealants on exposed surfaces.

Formaldehyde is one of the best-known VOCs and can be readily measured. It is one of the few indoor air pollutants that is easily detectable.

Particulate matter: airborne particles, including dirt, dust, and smoke, which irritate the eyes and throat

Particulate matter, also known as airborne particles, is a mix of tiny solid and liquid particles that are in the air we breathe. These particles include dirt, dust, and smoke, which can irritate the eyes and throat. They can also have various adverse effects on health.

Particulate matter can be divided into three main categories based on size: PM10, PM2.5, and ultrafine particles. PM10 particles are those with a diameter of 10 microns or less, which can be inhaled into the lungs and cause adverse health effects. Fine particulate matter, or PM2.5, is made up of particles that are 2.5 microns or less in diameter. These particles are more likely to travel into and deposit on the surface of the deeper parts of the lung, potentially causing tissue damage and inflammation. Ultrafine particles, on the other hand, are less than 0.1 microns in diameter and are extremely inhalable. They can be deposited into the lungs and absorbed directly into the bloodstream, carrying potential health risks such as an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.

The sources of particulate matter can be both natural and anthropogenic. Natural sources include dust storms, wildfires, and agricultural activities. Anthropogenic sources include combustion processes, such as the burning of wood, fossil fuels, and industrial activities. Indoor activities such as smoking, cooking, and burning candles or incense can also produce particulate matter. Additionally, particles can form indoors from complex reactions of gaseous pollutants emitted from household cleaning products and air fresheners.

To reduce exposure to particulate matter, individuals can take preventive measures such as using air purifiers, ventilating indoor spaces, and avoiding indoor activities that generate high levels of particulate matter. It is also important to be aware of outdoor particle pollution levels, as they can influence indoor air quality. By understanding the sources and potential health risks of particulate matter, individuals can take the necessary steps to protect themselves and improve their indoor air quality.

The effects of particulate matter on health are well-documented. Particles can irritate the eyes and throat, causing discomfort and potentially leading to respiratory issues. Additionally, fine and ultrafine particles can have more severe consequences, as they can penetrate deeper into the respiratory system and even enter the bloodstream. This can result in a range of adverse health effects, including increased hospital admissions for heart or lung-related issues, acute and chronic bronchitis, asthma attacks, and respiratory symptoms. The impact of particulate matter on health underscores the importance of mitigating exposure and implementing measures to improve indoor air quality.

Frequently asked questions