Helena Joyce
Indoor air pollution is caused by the release of harmful pollutants inside the home. These can include fine particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and other toxins. Tobacco smoke is one of the most common indoor air pollutants, with cigarette, cigar and pipe smoke containing more than 7,000 chemicals, including at least 70 that are carcinogenic. Other sources of indoor air pollution include cooking stoves, particularly in developing countries where solid fuels such as wood, coal and dung are burned indoors. Poorly ventilated homes can also contribute to indoor air pollution, with indoor smoke reaching levels of fine particles 100 times higher than what is acceptable.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tobacco smoke | Cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and cooking stoves |
| Carbon monoxide | |
| Fine particulate matter | |
| Other toxins | Pesticides, solvents, cleaning agents, dust, mould, fibres, allergens |
| Construction processes and products | Paint, carpets |
| Fuel-burning appliances | Cooking stoves, furnaces, water heaters |
What You'll Learn
Tobacco smoke
The impact of tobacco smoke on indoor air quality is particularly harmful in developing countries, where solid fuels such as wood, coal, and dung are often burned indoors for cooking and heating. Exposure to high levels of particulate matter from indoor cooking stoves has been linked to respiratory infections, asthma, heart disease, and cancer. Women and children, who typically spend the most time near the domestic hearth, are especially vulnerable to the health risks associated with indoor air pollution from cooking stoves.
To improve indoor air quality and reduce the impact of tobacco smoke, it is essential to ensure proper ventilation and air circulation. Opening windows and doors, using exhaust fans, and installing air purification systems can help dilute and remove pollutants from the air. It is also crucial to avoid smoking indoors and to encourage smokers to quit or smoke outdoors to minimize the exposure of secondhand smoke to non-smokers.
Furthermore, it is worth noting that tobacco smoke is not just a concern for indoor spaces. Reports suggest that tobacco smoke causes ten times more air pollution than diesel car exhaust, highlighting the significant environmental and public health impact of tobacco smoke pollution.
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Cooking stoves
Exposure to high levels of PM from indoor cooking stoves has been linked to a variety of health issues, including respiratory infections, asthma, heart disease, and cancer. The World Health Organization estimates that approximately 3.1 million premature deaths each year are caused by indoor air pollution from cooking stoves, with women and children being the most vulnerable due to the amount of time they spend near the domestic hearth.
The use of inefficient and polluting fuels and technologies, such as wood-burning stoves, contributes to indoor air pollution. Poorly ventilated homes can have indoor smoke levels with fine particles 100 times higher than acceptable. This is particularly dangerous for individuals with pre-existing lung conditions, who are at greater risk of developing infections, lung cancer, and chronic lung diseases.
Fuel-burning appliances, including cooking stoves, furnaces, and water heaters, emit harmful pollutants that are detrimental to both human health and the environment. These emissions can contain small particles that penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, causing or contributing to the development of serious health conditions. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize the use of clean and efficient fuels and technologies to reduce indoor air pollution and protect the health of those who are most vulnerable.
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Construction products
Poor indoor air quality can be caused by construction products and processes, such as paint and carpets. These products can release harmful pollutants, including fine particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and other toxins.
Paint, for example, can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can cause headaches, dizziness, and irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat. Carpets can also be a source of indoor air pollution, as they can trap dust, dirt, and allergens, which can then be released into the air and inhaled.
In addition to construction products, indoor air pollution can be caused by the use of inefficient and polluting fuels and technologies, such as fuel-burning appliances including cooking stoves, furnaces, and water heaters. Tobacco smoke is another significant source of indoor air pollution, containing more than 7,000 chemicals, including at least 70 that are carcinogenic.
To improve indoor air quality, it is important to choose construction products and finishes that are low-emitting and to ensure proper ventilation in the home. Regular cleaning and maintenance of indoor spaces can also help to reduce the build-up of pollutants and improve air quality.
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Fuel-burning appliances
Indoor air pollution is caused by the release of harmful pollutants inside, such as fine particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and other toxins. One of the most common sources of indoor air pollution is tobacco smoke, which contains more than 7,000 chemicals, including at least 70 that are carcinogenic.
The use of inefficient and polluting fuels and technologies in the home can further contribute to indoor air pollution. Poorly ventilated dwellings can have levels of fine particles 100 times higher than what is acceptable. This is particularly harmful to women and children, who spend the most time near the domestic hearth.
To reduce indoor air pollution from fuel-burning appliances, it is important to ensure proper ventilation in the home. Additionally, switching to cleaner and more efficient fuels and technologies can help reduce emissions and improve indoor air quality.
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Human daily activities
Another common indoor air pollutant is particulate matter (PM) from cooking stoves. In developing countries, solid fuels such as wood, coal, and dung are often burned indoors for cooking and heating, leading to high levels of PM. Exposure to this has been linked to respiratory infections, asthma, heart disease, and cancer.
Indoor air pollution can also be caused by the use of inefficient and polluting fuels and technologies in the home. Poorly ventilated dwellings can have levels of fine particles that are 100 times higher than what is acceptable. Fuel-burning appliances, including cooking stoves, furnaces, and water heaters, can create emissions that are harmful to both human health and the environment.
Other human daily activities that contribute to indoor air pollution include the use of pesticides, solvents, cleaning agents, and the discharge of waste gases. Construction processes and products, such as paint and carpets, can also make the indoor air we breathe unhealthy.
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Frequently asked questions
Indoor air pollution is caused by the release of harmful pollutants inside, such as fine particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and other toxins. Some of the most common sources of indoor air pollution include tobacco smoke, cooking stoves, and fuel-burning appliances.
Tobacco smoke contains more than 7,000 chemicals, including at least 70 that are carcinogenic. When inhaled, these chemicals can cause chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and other cardiovascular diseases. Tobacco smoke is one of the most dangerous indoor air pollutants.
Poor indoor air quality can cause or contribute to the development of infections, lung cancer, asthma, and other chronic lung diseases. Exposure to high levels of fine particles and pollutants can have serious health consequences, particularly for women and children who spend the most time near the domestic hearth.
